11 reasons why pomegranate is winter’s best gift
This beautiful red fruit does not have a crown on its top for no reason. The range of nutrients found in this plant is indeed unrivaled by any other fruit. Not only does it win by taste, color and odor but it gives your body incredible benefits and lowers risk for many diseases
The fact that these benefits have been proven by research and are not merely the words of grandmothers makes it even better
FULL OF NUTRIENTS
Pomegranate is the fruit of a shrub called punica gratum. While the skin of pomegranate is inedible, it is full of edible seeds called arils. Arils are eaten raw at its best, used to make pomegranate juice and processed foods. Pomegranates have a very impressive nutrient profile as mentioned earlier. About one cup of arils will give you:
- Fiber: 7 grams.
- Protein: 3 grams.
- Vitamin C: 30% of the RDA.
- Vitamin K: 36% of the RDA.
- Foliate: 16% of the RDA.
- Potassium: 12% of the RDA.
SUPPLIES VITAMINS
Pomegranate is also very sweet. One cup contains around 144 calories. You might want to keep that in check if you are on a low calorie diet. We are all aware of how badly our bodies need vitamins as it is produced within. Pomegranate is a great source of vitamin K and C along with folate that helps make new blood cells.
PROVIDES NECESSARY ACIDS
Apart from proteins and vitamins, another constituent of pomegranate worth mentioning is the plant compounds, punicalagins and punicic acid. These two are given credit for most of the benefits of the fruit. Puniclagins has strong antioxidant properties and is extracted from not only the arils but the inedible peel as well. The antioxidant properties of pomegranate beat green tea in potency by three folds.
BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEM
The antioxidants and vitamins in pomegranate give it most of its medicinal uses. It boosts your immune system, making your defense system stronger against bacterial and viral attacks. It is a super food for your skin and hair. Punicic acid is an omega 5 polunstaurated fatty acid that is known to have hand in regeneration and proliferation of body cells. This helps pomegranate give you a healthy glowing skin.
IMPROVES HEART HEALTH
Pomegranate is known to work like magic for heart health. It makes the arteries flexible which makes them more efficient in transporting blood to the rest of the body, which in turn helps reduce the work load on the heart. Pomegranate can also prevent artery blockage by reducing inflammation and reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) in the body. With all these effects combined, it is safe to say that pomegranate can play a great role in reducing atherosclerosis which is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases.
CONTROLS BLOOD PRESSURE
Pomegranate is also known to keep blood pressure under control. It does this by allowing unrestricted flow of blood around the body. It acts as natural aspirin and performs functions like blood thinning and prevents blood clots.
HELPS WITH DIABETES
While diabetic patients are advised to avoid fruits and take small portions, apple and pomegranate are the fruits that actually help maintain blood sugar levels.
REDUCES RISKS OF CANCER
According to a few laboratory tests, pomegranates may help reduce risk of cancer in both males and females. Pomegranate juice gets rid of free radicals from the body which are responsible for DNA mutation. Its soaring contents of anti-oxidants stimulate white blood cells to counterbalance toxins in the body in that way promoting a strong and healthy immune system.
Pomegranate is thought to induce apoptosis, a process where the cells kill themselves. Daily intake of a glass of pomegranate juice can reduce the growth of cancerous cells in prostate cancer. Furthermore it appears to block aromatase, an enzyme that converts androgen to estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone found predominanatly in women, which plays a crucial role in the growth of breast cancer.
LOWERS IRON DEFICIENCY
Iron deficiency is prevalent all over Pakistan, specifically in adolescents and teenagers. It leads to anemia, a disorder where there are not enough blood cells for the body and it lacks in oxygen transportation. Children who suffer through this might seem to get tired quickly and may not take interest in sports and academics. Being rich in folate, pomegranate helps cure anemia by producing new red blood cells. This also makes pomegranate an excellent cure for nose bleeds and eye sores.
HELPS WITH CONSTIPATION
Being rich in fiber pomegranate also helps bowel movements and constipation. It is also regenerates cartilage cells known as chondrocytes. This is the reason it helps in arthritis and joint problems. It also helps resolve kidney stones and erectile dysfunction in men. Regular in take of pomegranate juice may prevent on set of alzheimers disease.
FACILITATES ANTI-AGEING
Pomegranate juice is especially beneficial for skin health. It is an excellent anti-aging agent. Helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure. The best part about this fruit is that it is good for all skin types. It hydrates the skin and causes regeneration and proliferation of new cells that help heal acne and acne scars.
So what are you waiting for? Embrace the winter season by devouring as many pomegranates as you can and stay healthy automatically.
