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Pomegranate juice is an ancient remedy. The pomegranate is a fruit that contains hundreds of edible seeds called arils. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive plant compounds, but they also contain some sugar.
To enjoy all the benefits, you can eat red seedlings or juice them. In this article, you will learn about what this fruit can do for your health and wellbeing.
Pomegranates have an awesome nutrient component — one cup of pomegranate seeds (174 grams) contains:
- Fiber: 7 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Vitamin C: 30% of the RDI
- Vitamin K: 36% of the RDI
- Folate: 16% of the RDI
- Potassium: 12% of the RDI
It’s low in sugar (24 grams) and about 144 calories but what makes pomegranate really special is actually that it contains medicinal properties.
1. They’re Rich In Antioxidants
Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants that protect your body against free radicals that could potentially cause inflammation and other things. Pomegranate is rich in anti-oxidants and so it is able to protect your body from free radicals, which are responsible for premature aging and sometimes cause cancer. Free radicals are developed from excessive exposure to the sun and also harmful toxins in our environment.
2. They Are Medicinal
Pomegranates carry two unique substances that are responsible for most of their health benefits. These two compounds are called Punicalagin and Punicic Acid. The punicalagin makes this fruit super potent with antioxidants, tripling the amount found in red wine. Pomegranate extract and powder is typically made from the peel, due to its high antioxidant and punicalagin content.
3. It Can Improve Your Memory
There is some evidence that pomegranate can improve memory. One study in surgical patients found that 2 grams of pomegranate extract prevented deficits in memory after surgery. Another study in 28 older adults with memory complaints found that 8 ounces (237 ml) of pomegranate juice per day significantly improved markers of verbal and visual memory. Studies in mice also suggest that pomegranate may help fight Alzheimer’s disease.
4. 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.
Photo Credit: Beauty Epic
5. May Help Fight Arthritis
Arthritis is a common problem that causes inflammation in the joints. Since the plant compounds found in pomegranate have anti-inflammatory properties, they could help treat arthritis. A study suggests that pomegranate extract can block enzymes known to damage joints. This extract has also been shown to relieve arthritis in mice, but evidence from human-based research is very limited so far.
6. May Help Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the leading drivers of heart attacks and strokes. In one study, people with hypertension had a significant reduction in blood pressure after consuming 5 ounces (150 ml) of pomegranate juice daily for two weeks. Other studies have found similar effects, especially for systolic blood pressure, which is the higher number in a blood pressure reading.
7. Helps In Digestion
We all know fiber is good for digestion. But due to our lifestyle where we are inclined towards eating junk food, we miss the goodness of fiber in our vegetables and fruits. Adding pomegranate to your everyday diet can be one of the best ways to include fiber in your daily routine. One pomegranate contains 45 percent of your daily recommended intake of fiber.
8. Works As A Blood Thinner
The juice of pomegranate is said to prevent the platelets in the blood from sticking together, thereby preventing the formation of internal blood clots which can be fatal.
9. Helps Maintain Oral Hygiene
Pomegranate juice is full of antiviral and antibacterial properties and thus helps ward off various dental problems such as dental plaque, etc.
10. Helps With Weight Loss
The juice contains no cholesterol or saturated fats. Hence it acts as a very healthy energy drink in case of those working hard towards losing weight.
See Also:
7 Benefits Of Drinking Mango Juice (Weight Loss and More)
10 Benefits Of Drinking Lime Juice On Empty Stomach