Pomegranate powder is particularly high in vitamins C and K; vitamin C protects the eyes and helps us heal faster, while vitamin K maintains healthy blood clotting and supports strong bones. Pomegranates are also a good source of protective minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous. Read on to discover 35 Amazing Benefits Of Pomegranates...
Pomegranate is a member of the berry family and belongs to the Punicaceas family. It is one of the most popular fruits, which is cultivated for food, juice, flavor and color. The name pomegranate is derived from the French words “pomme garnete”, which means seeded apple. Pomegranate is believed to have originated in Iran over 4000 years ago.
This exotic fruit is even mentioned in Greek legends and ancient texts, including the Bible. It was brought to Egypt in 1600 BC, where it became revered not only as an important food source, but also for its medicinal purposes. It was also depicted in paintings and Egyptian tombs, where it symbolized life after death. The jewel toned seeds symbolize fertility, health and prosperity in some cultures. It is also used in the wedding ritual in several cultures. In Chinese symbolism, pomegranate, with its bright skin and tasty seeds is a symbol of fertility and prosperity.
Every pomegranate fruit is composed of exactly 840 seeds. The inner membranes and rind is not consumed due to the high acid content, but are often used by the cosmetic companies as an active ingredient in the skin care products. The pomegranate tree bears numerous bright red colored, spherical shaped fruits of different colors like red, orange, yellow and purple, depending upon the cultivar. The fruit has a thick, leathery, red skin, which protects the pinkish red arils and seeds. The inside is separated by thin, white spongy membranes. Each section is packed with tiny, edible, sweet and juicy pink arils. Not just the arils, but the leaf, fruit, rind, bark, seed and root are also edible and have potential medicinal benefits.
Pomegranate Benefits for Skin:
A healthy skin not only looks beautiful, but also provides a layer of protection against infectious agents. The incredible antioxidant, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate encourages radiant and glowing skin. Many cosmetic and skin care manufacturers are now including pomegranate extract in their products. It is incorporated into the skin care products to treat problems like dry skin, age spots, and hyper-pigmentation. An ounce of pomegranate juice or a medium pomegranate provides ample of skin friendly nutrients which ensure that the skin stays at its best.
1. Vitamin E:
Pomegranate contains a high amount of vitamin E, a nutrient very beneficial for maintaining the health of the skin. A cup of fresh pomegranate juice contains 1.8 milligrams of Vitamin E or 14% of your daily recommended value.
2. Zinc:
Pomegranate is a good source of zinc, a mineral required for healthy functioning of the skin. Zinc regulates the growth of basal cells, the precursor cells that develop into mature skin tissue and assist in wound healing. Zinc also aids to activate super-oxide dismutase, an antioxidant that protects the skin from damage. One medium pomegranate provides 1.1 milligram of zinc, approximately 15% of the daily recommended value.
3. Copper:
Pomegranate contains a decent amount of copper, a mineral needed to produce melanin. Melanin is a pigment, which that gives color to eyes, skin and hair. It also provides natural sun protection to the skin. A cup of pomegranate juice boosts your copper intake by nearly 500 micrograms, about 53% of the daily recommended value.
4. Wound healing:
Several studies have revealed that pomegranate helps to expedite healing. The seeds contain excellent healing properties, which protect the outer layers of the skin and aid in the regeneration of the cells.
5. Acne:
Pimples occur due to the hormonal imbalance in the body. Consuming pomegranate prevents acne by eliminating the root cause itself. It corrects the digestive issues in the body and improves blood circulation. Pomegranate contains high levels of vitamin C required for the production of sebum, an oily secretion by the sebaceous glands of the skin. Pomegranate also generates tissue in the affected area to minimize the appearance of acne scars. You can apply pomegranate extracts to the affected areas to get rid of acne.
6. Smooth skin:
This fruit is well known for its high concentration of iron, a constituent part of hemoglobin that helps in the transportation of oxygen. Oxygen is carried to the skin cells, making it look fresh and young. Dip a cotton ball in pomegranate juice and swipe it across the face. This is an excellent astringent and toner, which will help to reduce the spots on the skin.
7. Facial scrub:
Pomegranate for skin can also be used as a facial scrub. Mix 1 teaspoon of pomegranate seeds with a teaspoon of brown sugar, two teaspoons of honey and one teaspoon of avocado oil to make a facial scrub. Use it daily for a few minutes to remove dead skin cells and get a clean and glowing skin. You can also use the seed paste as a body scrub to remove excess oil.
8. Sun protection:
UVB radiation from the sun rays is known to be the main cause of skin conditions like photo-ageing and skin cancer. Pomegranates are very useful for countering the effects of harsh sun rays. It contains sun protective compound which protects the skin against free radical damage. It contains ellagic acid, a polyphenol antioxidant, which inhibits the growth of skin cancer. Pomegranate is useful for preventing skin conditions like pigmentation and age spots. It also relieves sun burn and reduces the signs of sun damage.
9. Antioxidants:
Antioxidants are naturally occurring substances in plants that protect from the effects of free radicals. The antioxidants work from the inside and are much more effective than any moisturizer or sunscreen. Free radicals interfere with the normal cellular functions, which have a negative impact on the skin health. Anthocyanin and hydrolysable in pomegranates combat the free radicals, inhibiting any room for them to grow. They also prevent the free radicals from destroying healthy cells. The antioxidants in pomegranate prevent the skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
10. Anti-ageing:
The anti-ageing properties of pomegranate rejuvenate the skin, both internally and externally. The super-food protects the skin from premature ageing by reducing the signs of ageing caused by constant exposure to the sun. It helps to maintain the collagen and keeps it healthy for a longer period of time. Collagen is the basic component of the skin, which maintains the elasticity and firmness of the skin. Pomegranates contain certain compounds, which prevent the breaking down of collagen and keep the skin healthy. It also helps in the growth of fibroblasts, the cells that produce elastin and collagen. This ensures that the skin remains soft and supple. Thus, applying pomegranate oil on the skin slows down the formation of wrinkles and other signs related to ageing.
11. Dry skin:
Pomegranate is a boon for dry skinned beauties. Pomegranate seeds have a small molecular structure, which makes it easy to penetrate into the skin and hydrate it from within. It soothes dry and flaky skin and prevents moisture loss.
12. Bacteria:
Pomegranate contains punicic acid, which keeps the bacteria at bay and ensures that the skin remains moist and healthy throughout the day.
13. Skin inflammation:
Pomegranate is very beneficial for treating the skin inflammation. It is better than any over the counter ointment available. It contains polyphenols and several compounds, which help to heal small cuts and wounds. Consume pomegranates or apply its extracts on the affected areas to ensure that the skin heals quickly.
Pomegranate Benefits for Health:
Pomegranates have come to the forefront of the nutrition movement as a “wonder fruit”. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidant which are essential for good health and optimal growth. Below mentioned are some of the most popular pomegranate health benefits.
14. Digestion:
Pomegranate plays a vital role in the secretion of enzymes to improve the function of digestion. Mix pomegranate juice with a teaspoon of honey to cure indigestion and giddiness. The fruit is also effective for treating hyperacidity. It is a rich form of alkali, which helps to neutralize acid. Pomegranate fruit or juice should be taken daily for about a month to notice positive results.
15. Piles:
Pomegranate is very effective for treating piles. The fruit should be consumed every morning by adding a pinch of salt. This should be taken for three months daily. You can also take the fruit with honey. Take one teaspoon of dried pomegranate rind powder and mix it with buttermilk to arrest bleeding piles.
16. Antioxidants:
One of the main benefits of pomegranate is the incredible amount of antioxidants found in this fruit. Pomegranate has 3 times more antioxidants than green tea and red wine. It contains three types of polyphenols: anthocyanin, ellagic acid and tannins, which supports immune system and protects from several diseases. The high levels of antioxidants and polyphenols in pomegranate help to minimize and scavenge free radicals in the body.
17. Cardiovascular health:
One of the most important health benefits of pomegranate is the protection it provides against heart diseases. Drinking a glass of pomegranate juice every day increases the blood flow in the body, reducing the workload of the heart. It thins out the blood and removes plaque from the arteries, minimizing the risk of atherosclerosis. Researchers have found that drinking pomegranate juice reduces LDL cholesterol without disturbing the HDL in the body. Pomegranate juice and seeds also increase oxygen levels in the heart.
18. Cancer:
Pomegranate has been found to potentially help with different types of cancer including prostate, skin and breast cancer. The antioxidants in pomegranate help to counteract free radicals, preventing cancer.
19. Improves Bone health:
Recent studies have shown that pomegranate can help people who suffer from osteoporosis. The fruit is very effective in attacking the protein Interleukin 1-b, a pro-inflammatory protein, which is largely responsible for causing osteoarthritis and degradation of the cartilage. The enzymes present in pomegranate prevent damage and degeneration of the cartilage thereby, preventing osteoarthritis. It also inhibits anti-inflammatory response in the body, making them beneficial for people suffering from osteoporosis.
20. Alzheimer’s disease:
Pomegranate is very useful for preventing the development of Alzheimer’s disease. In a study, the lab mice were bred with the genetic predisposition to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Half of the mice were given a regular dosage of pomegranate juice and the other half was given normal food. The mice that were supplemented with pomegranate juice accumulated less amyloid plague, a substance considered as the major contributor to Alzheimer’s disease. The mice also experienced an enhanced ability to perform mental tasks and respond to mental puzzle.
21. Dental problem:
Pomegranate is also effective in treating specific dental conditions. Pomegranate juice is found to be as effective as a mouthwash because of its high amounts of polyphenol flavonoids content, a compound with anti-bacterial properties. Drinking pomegranate juice regularly prevents dental plaque build up. It also helps to get rid of bacteria that cause cavities and gingivitis.
22. Digestive system:
Pomegranate juice secretes enzymes with antibacterial properties, which aid digestion. It helps to fight off hemorrhoids, nausea, dysentery, intestinal worms and diarrhea. You can also use pomegranate juice as a laxative to treat constipation.
23. Anemia:
The high levels of iron in pomegranates raise the haemoglobin levels in the body to correct anemia. Regular consumption of pomegranate also prevents the formation of blood clots.
24. Prostate cancer:
Pomegranates have been found to reduce prostate specific antigen. The juice of pomegranate inhibits the growth of cancer cells and lowers the risk of metastasizing. The high phytochemicals in the pomegranate juice have a strong effect on stabilizing the growth of PSA in men.
25. Aid in pregnancy:
Pomegranate is a rich source of niacin, potassium, calcium, vitamin C, folate, iron and fiber, which are very beneficial for pregnant women. It helps to maintain a pregnant woman’s health and encourage cell growth. Consuming pomegranate juice during pregnancy also helps to reduce cramps and sleep problems. It is also known to increase blood flow to the baby to reduce the risk of brain damage.
26. Breast cancer:
Pomegranates contain ellagitannin, an antioxidant which prevents estrogen responsive breast cancer cells from growing. It also inhibits aromatase that is used to create estrogen, thereby, reducing the risk of breast cancer.
27. Fiber:
Pomegranate is a rich source of soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids in smooth digestion and eases bowel movements. It provides around 4 grams of fiber per 100 grams serving. Pomegranate is also suggested by the nutritionists in weight reduction programs. High fiber food keeps your body satiated for longer periods of time.
In order to experience the health benefits, you need to consume one glass of juice or one medium pomegranate every day.
Pomegranate Benefits for Hair:
This delectable fruit contains several nutrients, which can benefit your hair in multiple ways. Some of the benefits of pomegranate for hair include:
28. Vitamins:
Pomegranates contain vitamin A and K, the hair friendly nutrients, which are very beneficial for the growth of hair. Vitamin K keeps the strand and roots strong while Vitamin A encourages the scalp to produce more hair.
29. Selenium:
Selenium in pomegranate helps to kill Malassezia, a fungus, which shed dry and flaky fragments from the scalp. This helps to ward off dandruff and remove the debris from the scalp, encouraging hair growth.
30. Zinc:
Pomegranates contain zinc, a nutrient, which is required for the production of sebum in the scalp. This promotes regeneration of the scalp cells and keeps the roots and strands hydrated.
31. Strengthens Hair follicle:
Consuming pomegranate foods help in strengthening hair follicles. Pomegranate seed oil contains punicic acid which makes the hair healthy and strong. It also improves the circulation in the scalp, promoting hair growth.
32. Iron:
Pomegranate contains high levels of iron, a nutrient required for maintaining the health of the hair. Hair that is starved from proper levels of iron may weaken and fall out. A major deficiency in iron can lead to dull and lifeless hair. It can also lead to severe hair loss. Iron improves blood circulation in the scalp, accelerating hair growth.
33. Vitamin C:
Vitamin C in pomegranate facilitates the absorption of hair friendly nutrients and nourishes the scalp to maintain the natural colour of the hair. It also maintains the health of the connective tissue, better known as collagen to promote hair growth. It also destroys the free radicals in the body, which makes the hair brittle, weak and thin.
34. Magnesium:
Magnesium in pomegranate inhibits inflammation, treating scalp conditions like dandruff, eczema and psoriasis. It also helps in ameliorating metabolic syndrome, one of the main causes premature balding in men. Stress is one of the major causes of massive hair shedding. Pomegranate contains magnesium, a mineral which reduces cortisol levels in the body.
35. Antioxidants:
Oxidation of tissue often causes premature greying if the hair. The antioxidants in pomegranate prevent the corrosion of tissue, thereby, reducing the possibility of premature greying.
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