Pomegranate
The information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded through history. Always seek advice from a medical practitioner. Apple Tree Initiatives and its representatives will not be held responsible for the improper use of any plants or documentation provided.
In Greek mythology, the pomegranate was known as the ‘fruit of the dead’ as it was said to have arisen from the blood of Adonis. It also prominently featured in the myth of Hades and Persephone. Hades, God of the underworld, used pomegranate seeds to trick Persephone into returning to the underworld for a few months of every year. Alongside death, the pomegranate symbolised fertility in Ancient Greece and Rome. It had a strong association to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, as well as Hera, the Greek goddess of marriage and childbirth. In Ancient Rome, newlywed women wore crowns woven from pomegranate leaves, and the juice of pomegranates was used to cure infertility.
1. Protects us from free radicals
Pomegranate is rich in anti-oxidants and thus protects our body from free radicals, which
are responsible for premature ageing. Free radicals are formed by exposure to sun and due
to harmful toxins in the environment.
2. It thins your blood
Antioxidants present in pomegranate act as a ‘thinner for your blood’. The seeds of
pomegranate prevent your blood platelets from forming clots and coagulating.
There are two types of blood clots, first is the good one which speeds the recovery during a
cut or an injury and second is when there is any internal clot, like in heart, arteries or
anywhere else inside the body. These type of clots are not good and can be fatal.
3. Prevention of atherosclerosis
With increasing age and the type of lifestyle we live, the walls of our arteries become
harder due to cholesterol, resulting in blockages sometimes. The anti-oxidant property of
pomegranate prevents bad cholesterol from oxidizing. So, eating pomegranates removes
the excess fat and prevents the hardening of artery walls.
4. It acts like an oxygen mask
Pomegranate helps to pump the level of oxygen in our blood. Due to anti-oxidants present
in pomegranate, it fights free radicals, reduces cholesterol and prevents blood clot. All this
eventually helps blood to flow freely and thus improve the level of oxygen in your body.
5. It prevents arthritis
Pomegranate can reduce the damage of the cartilage by fighting the enzyme that does so.
Pomegranate also has the ability to reduce inflammation.
6. Fights erectile dysfunction
Though it is not a wonder drug but yes pomegranate juice can slightly improve erectile
dysfunction. And a lot of theories prove this as true.
7. Fights heart disease and prostate cancer
Two studies claim that pomegranate juice has the ability to fight prostate cancer. An
experiment showed that pomegranate juice slowed the growth and even killed cultured
cancer cells. And as we have already mentioned in the second point, pomegranate juice
thins the blood and thus improves its condition which in turn prevents cardiovascular
diseases.
8. Pomegranate is loaded with beneficial nutrients
A cup of pomegranate seed contains 24 grams of sugar and 144 calories. A cup of
pomegranate seeds contain following nutrients:
Fiber: 7 grams
Protein: 3 grams
Folate: 16 per cent of the RDA
Potassium: 12 per cent of the RDA
Vitamin C: 30 per cent of the RDA
Vitamin K: 36 per cent of the RDA
9. It improves memory
A study was conducted where people who had a problem with their memory were given
237ml of pomegranate juice every day. After a certain period of time, a lot of improvement
was seen in their verbal and visual memory. In fact, another experiment done on mice
shows that pomegranate consumption can also prevent Alzheimer’s. But the experiment is
yet to be done on humans.
10. It lowers blood pressure
Punicic acid is one of the main constituents of pomegranate that help lower cholesterol,
triglycerides and reduce blood pressure.
11. Helps in digestion
We all know fibre is good for digestion. But due to our lifestyle where we are inclined
towards eating junk food, we miss the goodness of fibre in our vegetables and fruits.
Adding pomegranate to your everyday diet can be one the best ways to include fibre in
your daily routine. One pomegranate contains 45 per cent of your daily recommended
intake of fibre.
12. Boosts immunity
Being rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, pomegranates are extremely healthy for those
suffering from immune-related disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and osteroarthrits. They
are also rich in vitamin C, which boosts antibody production and helps in the development
of immunity. Pomegranates can thus help you maintain a healthy immune system and keep
common illnesses and infections at bay.
13. Lowers stress levels
Apart from reducing body’s internal oxidative stress, pomegranates also help lower
psychological stress that you go through in your personal and professional life. According to
a study conducted by Queen Margaret University, people who drank pomegranate juice had
lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that is increased under stressful situations.
14. Prevent plaque formation
You use mouth wash to improve your oral health, but much to your surprise pomegranate
juice can be a better option than alcohol containing mouth washes. Certain compounds in
pomegranate exhibit strong antiplaque effects.
A study showed that hydroalcoholic extract of pomegranate effectively lowered dental
plaque formation due to microorganisms build up by almost 84 per cent.
15. Strengthen bones and athletic performance
Several studies conducted over the years have testified that regularly eating pomegranates
could be excellent for your bone health. Animal studies have also shown that the fruit could
have a preventive effect on bone loss. High flavonols present in the fruit actively help fight
any inflammation which could cause problems like cartilage damage and osteoarthritis.
There are growing researches being done to study its effect on reducing problems like
rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and other joint problems. In fact, the antioxidant content
found in pomegranate juice also benefits athletic performance. Runners are actively
encouraged to consume the fruit as well since it could potentially enhance performance,
aerobic activity and build endurance.
16. A natural fertility booster
There’s another hidden benefit to the red fruit. Pomegranates, with its rich antioxidant
content, has been found to lower oxidative stress levels in the body. Oxidative stress has
been linked to sperm dysfunction as well as decreased fertility in women. Studies are
underway to understand other potent benefits it may carry for the reproductive system.
Apart from this, pomegranates could also power up your sex life. The fruit has been shown
to increase testosterone levels, the sex hormone in both men and women. It also increases
blood flow to the genital region. For this reason, the fruit also earns the nickname of being
‘natural viagra’.