When talking about healthy fruits, Pomegranates is one of those fruits that makes everyone’s list. This small, juicy, red fruit has been termed as one of the healthiest fruits in the world. This probably explains why this fruit, though small, appears in most historical and theological books as a representation of fertility.
You’ll be surprised at how nutritious this fruit is.
Beneath the tough red skin of the pomegranate fruit, is crimson red seeds and juice, commonly known as the arils – the most nutritious part of the fruit. Studies have shown that this part offers the most benefits to the body.
Below, we look at a few health benefits of pomegranates. Take a look:
1. Pomegranates boost your cardiovascular health
One of the most popular benefits of pomegranates is its effect on the heart and heart-related diseases. Pomegranate contains large amounts of antioxidants such as polyphenols, which help combat free radicals that cause serious heart diseases.
Its juice is also believed to possess anti-atherosclerotic properties that prevent the thickening of the arteries and keeps cholesterol levels in check.
Other studies show that adding pomegranate in your meals can prevent the build-up of plaques in your arteries.
2. Pomegranate may help fight prostate cancer
Prostate cancer has risen to become one of the biggest problems among men today. Nevertheless, there have been several studies that suggest that drinking pomegranate juice actually slows down the growth rate of prostate cancer.
Moreover, its anti-inflammatory properties help inhibit the cancer growth rate. As such, besides prostate cancer, the juice can also be used to prevent, breast, and colon cancer, among others.
That said, it’s important to note that more research is, however, needed to validate this property.
3. Pomegranates help improve your memory
Ever wanted to juice up your brain? Well, pomegranate might just be the closest thing to satisfying this dream. Studies by the PubMed Central showed that pomegranate juice actually helped in improving memory functionality.
Furthermore, another study showed that taking a cup of pomegranate juice to your daily diet may help in the treatment of Alzheimer’s diseases.
It’s, therefore, recommended by most doctors for small children and the elderly.
4. Pomegranate may help fight arthritis
Like most fruits, pomegranates are also great fruits to include in your diet if you are fighting Rheumatoid Arthritis. This is because the pomegranate aril portrays anti-inflammatory properties that prevent knee joint pains.
Various studies have shown that taking pomegranate regularly will also reduce inflammation and block the production of enzymes that destroy the cartilage.
5. Pomegranates may reduce your high blood pressure
Besides being delicious and pretty to look at, taking at least two ounces of pomegranate juice each day may help reduce your blood pressure. The juice contains punicic acid that aids in lowering your cholesterol levels and, consequently, your blood pressure.
Based on a study conducted at Queen Margaret University, people who took half a liter of pomegranate juice each day recorded lower blood pressure and fat levels than those who didn’t.
The same study also indicated that those who took the juice also had lower levels of the hormone cortisol (produced when under stress) – that the pomegranate also lowers the levels of psychological stress!
Final Thoughts
Although Pomegranates are small fruits, they offer immense benefits to our health. Besides the above benefits, they are also suitable for bone formation, improve skin and hair health, and they help in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
The best thing about these fruits is that you can eat them directly or take its juice without losing out on any nutrients. Therefore, purpose to start eating pomegranates today!
