Pomegranate – The Wonder Fruit

The beautiful red pearls of pomegranate are packed with amazing health benefits, due to which the food is gaining popularity in recent years. Apart from being packed with essential nutrients, pomegranates also contain antioxidants that defend us against free radicals and promote healthy ageing. Following are the best pomegranate benefits – Pomegranates are a storehouse of nutrients One reason why pomegranate is called a health fruit is that it is bursting with vitamins and minerals. It is rich in nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium and potassium. They are also a great source of fibre and micronutrients. Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants Pomegranates contain powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins and punicalagin. Antioxidants are required by our body to fight free radicals that are formed due to toxins and cause significant damage to living cells and tissues in our body. Antioxidants are the vitamins and minerals that help to fight these free radicals and help to prevent cell damage. Studies have shown that pomegranate facilitates normal tissue growth at the cellular level. Pomegranate is an anti-ageing food Pomegranates contain polyphenols known as ellagitannins. The action of metabolism on ellagitannins results in the release of the metabolite urolithin A (UA) which fights the effects of age-related decline.It also helps preserve exercise capacity and muscle function. Pomegranates for healthy brain and good memory When foods like meat, eggs, and poultry are cooked at high temperature, it results in the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Scientists believe AGEs have a hand in the onset of neurological decline, type-II diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. They are known to accelerate the ageing process. Punicalagins found in pomegranate restricts the formation of AGE in food and mitigates the effects of AGE in the body. Pomegranates protects body from harmful organisms There is evidence that extracts from the pomegranate rind helps us protect against harmful organisms. A preparation that included pomegranate has been found to be very effective in the treatment of cases related to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Studies have found that pomegranate peel contains phytochemicals that encourage fungal balance. Pomegranates are good for the heart Punicalagins present in pomegranates are found to be extremely good for the heart and vascular system. The results of a study in which ten participants drank one ounce of pomegranate juice every day for a year showed that the participants’ blood pressure was an average of 12% lower and atherosclerotic plaque levels dropped 30%. Pomegranates support prostate health Pomegranates, tomatoes, watermelons and other red coloured fruits and vegetables contain lycopene which according to one study, promotes better prostate health. Lycopene is one of the several phytochemicals found in pomegranates that appear to nutritionally support the prostate. Pomegranates can boost exercise and performance Pomegranates help to enhance performance. A study found that taking pomegranate extract 30 minutes before a workout could help increase blood flow and delay fatigue during exercise. Drinking pomegranate juice after strength training leads to better recovery. The above benefits of pomegranate will certainly encourage us to have more of the fruit that will help us to stay young and healthy.