Pomegranates are one of the most versatile fruits found in kitchens today. Its delicious bead-like inside as well as its juices have been used in cooking, baking, juice blends, garnishes, smoothies, wine, and other alcoholic beverages. [1] The fruit originated in what is modern day Iran and has been widely cultivated throughout the Middle East. It wasn’t until the late 16th century that Americans were introduced to the pomegranate.
Like most fruits, the pomegranate is a rich source of many typical nutrients such as vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. However, the pomegranate has some other highly beneficial properties that are not commonly known. What makes pomegranates different is their unique ability to protect against disease, like certain types of Cancer and Alzheimer’s.[2] On top of its ability to help protect you from from some disease, it can also help you to lose weight by curbing your hunger. All in all, there are many reasons to eat pomegranate, but let’s go over the top 5.
Health Benefits of Pomegranate
Protects against disease
In a more recent study, a compound in pomegranates has been shown to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. The compound “punicalagin” has historically been used to reduce inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and Parkinson’s. After more exploration of this compound, researchers believe its effects could reduce and treat inflammation in the brain. More specifically, researchers are studying its effects on specific brain cells called Microglia. It’s the inflammation in these types of brain cells that contributes to the symptoms of diseases like Dementia and Alzheimer’s.[3]
Curbs your hunger
Pomegranates are high in polyphenols, which is a plant compound that has been shown to work as a mild appetite suppressant.[4] There is something else in this fruit that has a synergistic effect to help fend off hunger. Pomegranates are also high in fiber, an essential nutrient that has many benefits including the ability to keep you satiated.
Packed with vitamins
The Pomegranate has recently been called a “superfood” because of its superior nutrient levels and unique properties, making it one of the most beneficial fruit to eat. Shape magazine has even cited that the amount of vitamin C inside its seeds’ accounts for nearly 40 percent of the daily recommended amount! In addition to that, it’s a great source of vitamin B, vitamin K, and potassium. The potassium found in pomegranates plays an important role in nerve conduction, muscle control, and blood pressure regulation. Just 1 pomegranate contains enough folate to cover 1/4th of your necessary daily intake. Folate is a B vitamin that our bodies use to repair and synthesize DNA.[5]
They’re good for your heart
The benefits of pomegranate go straight to your heart. Research has shown that the juices from the seeds help to improve overall blood flow, delayed the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in patients with coronary heart disease, and lowered blood pressure. [6] It’s also suspected that the polyphenols in pomegranate juice can help to prevent plaque build-up in the arterial walls of healthy people. With the cost and increased use of statin pharmaceutical drugs today this is a crucial thing to take into account when at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
They taste good
At the end of the day, most people are not going to eat something regularly that they don’t enjoy eating. I could present an infinite amount of information about the reasons you should eat pomegranate, but if you hate the taste, you won’t eat it! Luckily for you, pomegranates are not only incredibly beneficial to your health and vitality, but they also taste amazing. It’s a versatile fruit that can be used in an endless amount of recipes. Personally, I eat pomegranates by themselves. They are that good!
Final thoughts
Pomegranates have been eaten and used for their nutritional properties for hundreds of years in different cultures with good reason. Eating just 1 pomegranate weekly can give you all the benefits listed above and the best part is they taste great. Soon getting your proper nutrition covered will be less of a chore and more of a sweet, delicious treat.
References:
[1] “Pomegranate – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.” 2011. 30 Oct. 2015 <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate>
[2] “Pomegranate Health Benefits: The Fruit Helps Protect Against.” 2015. 30 Oct. 2015 <http://www.medicaldaily.com/pomegranate-health-benefits-fruit-helps-protect-against-plaque-hunger-and-certain-340020>
[3] “Pomegranate Compound Could Help Fight Alzheimer’s.” 2014. 30 Oct. 2015 <http://www.alzheimers.net/9-15-14-pomegranate-and-alzheimers>
[4] Fukuchi, Y. “Lemon Polyphenols Suppress Diet-induced Obesity by Up …” 2008. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2581754/>
[5] Duthie, SJ. “Folate and cancer: how DNA damage, repair and …” 2011. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20544289>
[6] “Pomegranate: MedlinePlus Supplements.” 2015. 30 Oct. 2015 <https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/392.html>
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