While growing up, you must have been asked to have at least a bowl of pomegranate once a day by your parents. And that’s not just because it’s a fruit that’s available throughout the year or that it can be used in multiple ways – as a garnish on your custard, to take out that tasty mixed-fruit juice, or even as a snack. But also because this powerhouse of the fruit contains all the essential nutrients required by the human body. Read on to understand the benefits of having this fruit’s delicious red, crunchy seeds and different recipes you can try.
Medicinal Benefits
For years now, doctors have recommended pomegranate for its multiple health benefits. It has been found that pomegranates help protect your heart and prevent cancer. Although the skin of the fruit is not edible, the power-packed seeds inside are pure magic. These shiny, red seeds contain nutrients like protein, fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, and potassium. (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
We have all heard how a good skin routine can prevent acne. And we all have tried our hands at everything possible to achieve that target. But rarely do we get what we wish for, right! But not with pomegranate. It gives you what it promises.
Pomegranate is packed with antioxidants that help fight acne. These antioxidants prevent your skin from getting clogged and hence, no more acne. By adding this to your daily diet, you’ll see a better blood flow, hence the radiant look on your face. So when your tummy begins to growl, forget about that bag of chips, grab a bowl of pomegranate seeds!
- No more skin rash: The juice of pomegranate seeds does not cause any side effects like redness or rash that are usually seen with other chemical options available. (3)
- No more bacteria: The bacteria responsible for acne gets 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 every day will benefit people who suffer from low red blood cells 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, and you can do wonders to your skin.
- The Vitamin C present in the seeds gives your skin a youthful look you have always wished for.
- The peel is rich in antioxidants and helps in keeping acne-causing bacteria at bay. Simply sundry the peel and roast in a pan. Cool it and then grind it to a fine powder. Make a paste by adding lemon juice or rose water and apply it 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 locks 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 given it a thought. 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 calories per 100 gms of serving. So definitely, it’s the best fruit to have if you’re trying to lose weight.
- Also, as this fruit is rich in fiber (about 4g fiber per 3/4 cup of pomegranate seeds), 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 every day can be a little boring too. So here are some easy ways to incorporate this superfood into your daily diet without really 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 seeds of pomegranate on top of it to give you the much-needed iron fix.
- If you love yogurt and are always looking for ways to make it tastier, look no further. Just add a few seeds of pomegranate seeds to your plain yogurt and 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. And voila, you have a tasty parfait at your hands!
- Add the seeds to your hummus, oatmeal, and even your 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 be used for dental hygiene?
Yes. Try this quick recipe. Take one teaspoon of sun-dried pomegranate peel powder and mix it with water. Now use this mix to gargle twice a day. You wouldn’t feel your bad breath. Massage your gums with the powder to prevent any gum diseases.
When is the best time to have a pomegranate?
Any time is good. But if you want it to work best for you, have these seeds in the morning, ideally the first meal of your day. Pomegranate has a lot of antioxidants and gives you an instant boost of energy. So it prepares you for the day. Also, the high-fiber content in it keeps you feeling full for a longer time, and you don’t have to worry about what’s coming to your plate next for some time.
Is it better to eat the whole fruit or drink pomegranate juice?
Either is an excellent way to have this fruit. But if you’re taking the juice out, you’re leaving behind the white fibrous middle. So it’s always good to have the whole fruit to get all the benefits. For that matter, any fruit is good when eaten and not juiced out.
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
