During your upbringing, you likely encountered the parental advice of consuming at least a bowl of pomegranate daily. This recommendation extends beyond its year-round availability and versatile culinary uses, such as garnishing custard or crafting refreshing mixed-fruit juice. The emphasis on this fruit is rooted in its status as a nutritional powerhouse, encompassing all the essential nutrients vital for the human body. Explore the benefits of indulging in this fruit’s delicious red, crunchy seeds and discover various recipes to incorporate its goodness into your daily routine.
Medicinal Benefits
Over the years, medical professionals have consistently endorsed the consumption of pomegranate due to its myriad health benefits. Pomegranates have demonstrated their prowess in heart protection and cancer prevention. While the outer skin is inedible, the inner treasure of power-packed seeds unveils a nutritional marvel. These vibrant red seeds boast an impressive array of nutrients, including protein, fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, and potassium, making them a potent addition to a health-conscious diet. (1)
Here are some of the health issues that can be dealt with by having a bowl of this fruit every day: (2)
- Pomegranates regulate blood sugar levels and can prevent type 2 diabetes.
- The anti-inflammatory effects of this fruit can also prevent you from obesity.
- Say hello to a healthy gut and bye-bye to bowel diseases by having this high-fiber fruit regularly.
- Keep your blood pressure under check with this tasty fruit.
- Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate, people with arthritis can feel reduced pain, swelling, and joint tenderness.
- A bowl of a pomegranate can even work on your bones. The powerful antioxidants present in this fruit are all you need to boost your bones.
No More Acne
Pursuing a flawless skin routine to combat acne has been a joint endeavor, and many have experimented with various approaches to attain this goal, often with limited success. However, including pomegranate in your skincare arsenal can be a game-changer.
Brimming with antioxidants, pomegranate is a formidable ally in the battle against acne. These antioxidants play a pivotal role in preventing skin congestion, leading to a reduction in acne occurrences. Integrating pomegranate into your daily diet contributes to clearer skin and enhances blood circulation, imparting a radiant and healthy complexion. So, the next time hunger strikes, bypass the tempting bag of chips and opt for a bowl of nourishing pomegranate seeds to nurture your skin from within.
- No more skin rash: The juice of pomegranate seeds does not cause any side effects like redness or rash, usually seen with other chemical options. (3)
- No more bacteria: The bacteria responsible for acne get suppressed because of the polyphenols present in the fruit.
- Reduced inflammation: Lipase, an enzyme released by the bacteria on the skin, causes inflammation. Pomegranate juice keeps its growth under check, leaving you with clear skin.
Curbs and Cures Anemia
Pomegranate is rich in iron and is often recommended to people with anemia. Anemia is caused due to a deficiency of red blood cells in the body. Pomegranate naturally builds hemoglobin in the blood, and a glass of fresh juice squeezed from its seeds daily will benefit people who suffer from low red blood cell count.
It is advised to have a glass of pomegranate juice two hours before or after any meal for the nutrients to get absorbed in the body and release the red pigment that gives you high levels of energy and stamina.
Hello, beautiful!
There is no doubt that pomegranate can be challenging to peel. But it’s not just the seeds that you should be after. Save the peel for later; you can do wonders for your skin.
- The Vitamin C in the seeds gives your skin the youthful look you have always wished for.
- The peel is rich in antioxidants and helps keep acne-causing bacteria at bay. Simply sundry the peel and roast in a pan. Cool it and then grind it to a fine powder. Add lemon juice or rose water and apply a paste to your face. Wash it with lukewarm water. You’ll be surprised by the results. (4)
- The peel also prevents the collagen from breaking down and promotes cell growth, ideal for clear skin. By applying a paste made out of the sundried peel, mixed with milk or rose water, you’ll see your wrinkles getting reduced and get a clear complexion.
- Pomegranate peel also hydrates your skin and keeps the free toxins away. The ellagic acid, a natural phenol antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables, is present in the peel and locks the skin’s moisture, always keeping it soft. Mix the powder with yogurt and apply it to your face. Wash it with cool water and see the difference.
Keep Your Weight in Check
Haven’t we all tried our hands at the best diet possible to reduce weight? But the magic ingredient for weight loss is lying in our kitchen, and we haven’t thought about it. So here’s what the simple-looking pomegranate can do for people aiming at weight loss.
- First things first. Pomegranate has no fat content and is low on calories – about 83 per 100 gms of serving. So, it’s the best fruit if you’re trying to lose weight.
- Also, this fruit is rich in fiber (about 4g of fiber per 3/4 cup of pomegranate seeds), so it helps keep you feeling full. So you’re likely to eat other stuff less. So you can eat a bowl full of these crunchy seeds and then not worry about anything else.
- Pomegranate also contains polyphenols that are known as ‘natural fat burners.’ Therefore, a diet rich in polyphenols can aid in weight loss.
Fun Fact: Tired of peeling one pomegranate every day? Make your seeds last longer using this easy DIY. Spread the seeds on a plate and freeze them for two hours. Transfer them into a freezer bag and you can have these all year round.
Recipes to Try Out
Many of us may not be big fans of pomegranates. And frankly, eating one fruit daily can be a little boring, too. So here are some easy ways to incorporate this superfood into your daily diet without feeling too heavy in your stomach.
- Make a rich, colorful salad with this fruit. Add all your favorite veggies and sprinkle some of the bright red pomegranate seeds on top of it to give you the much-needed iron fix.
- If you love yogurt and want to make it tastier, look no further. Add a few pomegranate seeds to your plain yogurt to make it look prettier and healthier. And if you are on your way to weight loss, make a meal out of it by adding some granola. Voila! You have a tasty parfait in your hands!
- Add the seeds to your hummus, oatmeal, and favorite cocktail to make it look appealing. Try making a salsa dip with pomegranate, and you’ll have your kids eating out of your hands!
Summary
Apple from the outside, with a tiny flower protruding on top of it, pomegranate is one fruit that has been used from ancient times to cure many diseases. From diarrhea to dysentery and intestinal problems, every part of this superfood is beneficial for the human race. Pomegranate is known to regulate blood sugar levels and helps prevent type 2-diabetes. The high fiber content of this fruit makes it an excellent food for people with bowel diseases. Not just that, it has been known to keep blood pressure levels under check and has also been proved beneficial in cases of cancer. The anti-inflammatory properties of it help people fight obesity and arthritis. It can even help you lose weight. With so many benefits, pomegranate is one fruit that should be a regular on your diet chart.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can pomegranate contribute to dental hygiene?
Yes, pomegranate can aid in dental hygiene. Prepare a quick solution by mixing one teaspoon of sun-dried pomegranate peel powder with water. Gargle with this mixture twice a day to combat bad breath. Additionally, massaging your gums with the powder can help prevent gum diseases.
When is the best time to consume pomegranate?
Any time is suitable, but for optimal benefits, consider having pomegranate seeds in the morning, preferably as your first meal. Pomegranate, rich in antioxidants, provides an instant energy boost, preparing you for the day. Moreover, its high fiber content keeps you satiated for an extended period.
Is it preferable to eat the whole fruit or drink pomegranate juice?
Both options are beneficial, but consuming the whole fruit ensures you receive all its advantages, including the white fibrous middle. While pomegranate juice is convenient, opting for the entire fruit maximizes its benefits. In general, consuming fruits in their entirety is often preferable to juicing.
References –
- “Can you eat pomegranate seeds?” – medicalnewstoday.com
- “9 Unexpected Health Benefits of Pomegranate” – tasteofhome.com
- “Can pomegranate heal acne?” – thehealthsite.com
- “11 health benefits of pomegranate peel you never knew!” – thehealthsite.com
