10 Health Benefits of Pomegranate
Countless studies have shown the seemingly countless benefits of fruits for a person’s health. The U.S. Government recommends that people get several servings of fruits every day. Of all the fruits available in the market today, one fruit is at its height of popularity because of its legendary Greek mythology association and its exoticism-the pomegranate fruit. Considered as one of the earliest fruits that have been cultivated along with grapes, figs, olives, and dates somewhere between 4000 B. C. E and 3000 B. C. E., pomegranate continued to be an emblem of fertility, rebirth, and health.
Dubbed as a “miracle fruit” by some fans, pomegranate has earned its popularity because it is thought to possibly help support the body’s natural defenses against Alzheimer’s disease, various cancers, coronary and heart diseases, arthritis and many ailments an aging person experiences. Because of its so-called anti-aging possibilities, pomegranate has had several food and beverage variations from juices, ice creams, dishes, and even in water that come in bottles
Why is pomegranate good for you?
This handsome fruit is quite popular for its profound and purple-colored juice that’s packed with lots of antioxidants that may help in maintaining a smooth and wrinkle-free skin. But, aside from the possibility of assisting people to maintain youthful and glowing skin by maintaining the blood platelets collectively, there are many health benefits of pomegranate to individuals of all ages. While no health claims are made regarding pomegranate whatsoever, here are few health benefits of pomegranate listed below:
Health Benefits of Pomegranate
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Chronic inflammation is one of the main triggers of a number of serious diseases. Among them are heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and obesity. Pomegranates have strong anti-inflammatory properties, largely due to the antioxidant properties of punicalagins.
Indirectly, regular consumption of pomegranate or fresh pomegranate juice will reduce the risk of these diseases.
2. Reduce Risk of Heart Attack
Pomegranate is rich in polyphenols which are antioxidants. This means that pomegranates can prevent damage from free radicals in the artery walls, thus preventing heart disease. This fruit is also able to maintain bad cholesterol levels so that plaque does not occur and cause coronary heart problems.
A study of 51 people with high triglyceride levels showed that consumption of 800 mg of pomegranate seed oil per day significantly reduced triglycerides and increased triglyceride-HDL ratio.
3. Lower Blood Pressure
The third health benefit or properties of pomegranates is to lower blood pressure , by preventing the activity of serum angiotensin-converting enzymes. Pisic acid is one of the components in pomegranates which helps reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and reduce blood pressure.
4. Defense Against Cancer
It could help encourage your body’s normal defense in the prevention of certain cancers. Since pomegranates have quite substantial levels of an antioxidant known as “flavonoids” which is successful in counteracting various naturally-occurring toxins, an increasing number of specialists advise this fruit as a potential part of a nutritious diet. Due to flavonoids, a lot of men and women are consuming pomegranate since it’s thought to help encourage their great health.
5. Helps digestion
You need to consume fiber-rich foods to keep your digestion healthy . Eating one pomegranate every day is also good for maintaining fiber intake for the body. One pomegranate can meet the needs of 45 percent of daily fiber intake.
6. Prevent Alzheimer
Researchers believe that pomegranates can prevent Alzheimer. Studies conducted by Hartman and his fellow researchers show that pomegranate juice can reduce amyloid accumulation in the hippocampus by up to 50 percent. That makes pomegranate considered to be able to improve the condition of Alzheimer’s patients better.
7. Improve the Immune System
Pomegranate can help to improve the immune system. Rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, pomegranate is very healthy for those who experience immune system disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Pomegranates contains a great amount of vitamin C which increases the body’s immune production so as to avoid infection.
8. Treat Erectile Dysfunction
Oxidative damage can damage blood flow in all areas of the body, including erectile tissue. Pomegranate juice has been shown to help improve blood flow and erectile responses in studies conducted with rabbit objects.
In a study of 53 men who experienced erectile dysfunction, pomegranate seemed to have several benefits. Even so the results are not statistically significant.
9. Helps Fight Bacterial and Fungal Infections
Vegetable compounds in pomegranates can help fight harmful microorganisms. This compound is proven to be able to combat several types of bacteria and fungi Candida albicans.
The antibacterial and antifungal effect of pomegranates can also protect against infection and inflammation in the mouth. For example, conditions such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and denture stomatitis.
10. Helps Improve Memory
There is some evidence that shows that pomegranates can improve memory. A study conducted in surgical patients showed that 2 grams of pomegranate extract can prevent memory loss after surgery.
Another study conducted on 28 adults in the old age group with complaints of decreased memory showed that 8 ounces (237 ml) of pomegranate juice per day could significantly improve verbal and visual memory markers. Studies conducted with mouse objects also show that pomegranates can help fight Alzheimer’s disease.
11. Helps Fight Arthritis And Joint Pain
There are several types of arthritis, but most involve inflammation of the joints. Given the anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranates, it is not surprising that this fruit can help treat arthritis.
Interestingly, laboratory research shows that pomegranate extract can block enzymes that are known to damage the joints in osteoarthritis sufferers.
This fruit extract has also been proven to relieve arthritis in mice, but evidence from research with human objects is still very limited.
12. Help in Skin Soothing
It’s prized in some countries such as the opinion that it might help in attaining and maintaining a clear skin with a youthful glow and helps in soothe skin discomfort.
Final Words
There are numerous health benefits of pomegranate that has been proven by the results of various scientific studies. Surely it can be a reason to consume this sweet and sour fruit more often. Consumption of this red fruit on a regular basis may prevent the body from various diseases that can endanger health.
