Pomegranate - health benefits

Pomegranate

Nutrition Information And Facts

http://www.juicing-for-health.com/pomegranate.html

The potent anti-oxidant in pomegranate
juice is beneficial in fighting
the harderning of arteries.


Pomegranate is not a common fruit where I come from, and cost slightly more than the common fruits. But, the health benefits of this red juice is tremendous.

As I did my research, I found that older books have no mention of this fruit at all. Only recently has it been rediscovered, and made headlines with new discoveries of its highly restorative medicinal values. However, the impressive health values of this fruit had already been known since ancient days.

The size of a ripe pomegranate can be as small as an orange or as big as a grapefruit, approximately 7-12 cm in diameter, depending on its variety. It has a rounded hexagonal shape, with thick reddish outer layer.





Pomegranate is not a common fruit where I come from, and cost slightly more than the common fruits. But, the health benefits of this red juice is tremendous.

As I did my research, I found that older books have no mention of this fruit at all. Only recently has it been rediscovered, and made headlines with new discoveries of its highly restorative medicinal values. However, the impressive health values of this fruit had already been known since ancient days.

The size of a ripe pomegranate can be as small as an orange or as big as a grapefruit, approximately 7-12 cm in diameter, depending on its variety. It has a rounded hexagonal shape, with thick reddish outer layer.

Inside a pomegranate is about 700-800 tightly packed seed casings called arils that are deep red in color when nicely ripe.

The taste of the juice differs depending on the variety and its state of ripeness. But basically, it can be sweet, sour or tangy.



Nutritional Benefits

Pomegranates have very high content of punicalagins, a potent anti-oxidant component found to be responsible for its superior health benefits.

Amazingly, researches indicate that the capacity of anti-oxidant in this fruit is two or three times higher than that of red wine and green tea.

The level of anti-oxidant is even higher than those of other fruits known to have high-levels of anti-oxidant, including blueberries, cranberries and oranges. This was attributed to the very high polyphenol content in the fruit.

They are also a good source of vitamin B (riboflavin, thiamin and niacin), vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus. These combination and other minerals in pomegranates cause a powerful synergy that prevents and reverses many diseases.

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Health Benefits

A new study has shown that drinking pomegranate juice frequently is extremely beneficial in fighting the hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis). It reduces the oxidation of bad LDL cholesterol which contributes to artery clogging and hardening.

Not only does the juice significantly reduce the blood vessel damage, it is found to actually reverse the progression of this disease.

Another study positively proved that pomegranates contain a powerful agent against cancer, particularly prostate cancer.

Here are some common ailments that are known to react positively with the use of pomegranate or its juice:

Anemia: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon with a little honey to a cup of pomegranate juice. Especially beneficial for women after monthly loss of blood due to menstruation.

Anal Itch: Itching in the anal region is often caused by parasites in the intestines that go to the anal area to lay their eggs. Roast some pomegranate skin until it is brown and brittle. Then crush it to a fine powder form and mix with a little olive oil. Apply this concoction to the anus to kill the worms.

Asthma: The high content of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in this fruit is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It can greatly reduce wheezing in young children with asthma.

Bleeding Piles: Pound the (clean) skin of one fruit from the sour variety. Boil the pound pulp in about two cups of water. Sweeten with honey and drink twice a day until healed.

Dysentery: Drinking fresh pomegranate juice is an excellent remedy to soothe the pain and inflammation caused by severe diarrhea with blood and mucus in stools.

Loss of Appetite: If you can't eat, at least you can drink! Pomegranate juice can help increase your appetite.

Morning Sickness: Mix and drink an equal amount of honey with pomegranate juice for relief.

Sore Throat: The anti-inflammatory agent in pomegranate juice significantly reduces the soreness and redness in the throat.

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Consumption Tips

When buying pomegranates, choose those that are heavy and without splits on its skin. When stored in the fridge, this fruit can keep for as long as six months, but again, consider eating them fresh.

To open a pomegranate, first cut off its 'crown', then break it into its pre-formed sections. Roll off the arils with your fingers, and collect them all in a bowl.




The arils and seeds within them are edible. Put these through your juicer to extract the juice. Eating the seeds (those in the centre of the sacs) is a personal choice. If you are comfortable eating them, they can be a good source of fiber for you.

As for me, I love to simply put the arils whole into my mouth, savor the juice and spit out the seeds. This saves time on cleaning the juicer and I'm still able to enjoy the goodness of the juice.

To make pomegranate juice, I've found that a single-gear juicer is most effective. Besides that, about the only juicer I've ever come across that can do a good job is the Hamilton-Beach Juicer.



Caution

If you are on any medication, consult with your doctor before you start consuming pomegranate juice regularly. There is some concern that the juice may affect the metabolism of some prescribed medications.

Though not proven, there is also concern that when it is consumed together with other blood pressure medication, it may cause the pressure to drop too low.