Pomegranates are delicious organic products characterized by round red fruit with white-tinged flesh that reveals crunchy seeds known as arils that can be enjoyed as part of their edible structure.
Organic products may be best known for the vibrant juice they create, yet these wonderful organic offerings provide much more.
Pomegranates offer many health benefits, ranging from immunity enhancement to supporting brain wellness; thus making them worthy additions to a nutritious eating regimen.
This article reviews the many nutritional and health advantages of pomegranates.
1. Loaded With Nutrients
Pomegranates are packed with nutrients. Their arils make up one of the more delectable parts, boasting significant nutritional profiles and flavor that make this natural fruit worth its weight in nutritional benefits. Although it may be possible to remove them through cultivation techniques, their nutritional profile and flavor certainly make their presence worth your while.
Pomegranates are generally low in calories and fat but rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals; additionally they also contain some protein.
Following are the nutritional requirements for one standard (282-gram) organic pomegranate product:
- Calories: 234
- Protein: 4.7 grams
- Fat: 3.3 grams
- Starches: 52 grams
- Sugar: 38.6 grams
- Fiber: 11.3 grams
- Calcium: 28.2 mg, or 2% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Iron: 0.85 mg, or 5% of the DV
- Magnesium: 33.8 mg, or 8% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 102 mg, or 8% of the DV
- Potassium: 666 mg, or 13% of the DV
- Vitamin C: 28.8 mg, or 32% of the DV
- Folate (vitamin B9): 107 mcg, or 27% of the DV
Similar to nuts, arils contain 72 calories for every 1/2-cup (87-gram) serving and contain 16 grams of carbs, 3.5 grams of fiber, one gram of fat, and 1.5 grams of protein.
Don’t be misled into thinking that drinking pomegranate juice provides you with more fiber or vitamin C; eating the entire structure provides more of these vital vitamins. This applies to organic products in general – eating all components will lead to more fiber.
2. Wealthy In Antioxidants
Antioxidants are supplements which work to defend cells against damage caused by free radicals – harmful molecules which are present throughout our bodies, yet too much exposure may lead to disease and be detrimental. While an abundance of free radicals is normal and contributes to health conditions over time.
Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants and polyphenolic intensifies that help protect from cancer damage, providing insurance against its adverse effects. Pomegranates contain three super bioactive mixtures with cancer preventative capabilities: punicalagins, anthocyanins and hydrolyzable tannins which have proven their worth over time.
Opting for vegetables and natural products like pomegranates for their antioxidants is an excellent way to promote overall health while helping prevent infections.
3. May Assist With Keeping Inflammation Under Control
Transient inflammation is an understandable reaction to infection or injury. But persistent inflammation is not uncommon today – particularly among Westernized societies.
Unattended inflammation can contribute to numerous chronic health conditions, including coronary disease, type 2 diabetes, malignant tumor growth and Alzheimer’s. Pomegranates could provide one way of combatting ongoing inflammation that increases risk for these long-term illnesses.
Punicalagins have been shown to possess cell strengthening and soothing properties in test tube studies as well as creature testing.
Numerous human studies have confirmed that drinking pomegranate juice can significantly lower inflammation markers within the body.
Research needs to be undertaken on what effect eating new pomegranate seeds has on inflammation in people.
4. Support Urinary Health
Studies on human and rodent subjects have demonstrated that pomegranate concentrate may help decrease kidney stone formation. This effect can likely be attributed to its cell reinforcement properties.
Adults aged 18-70 with intermittent kidney stones were given 1,000 mg of pomegranate extract for 90 days to help inhibit their formation in their bodies. It was found to successfully prevent stone formation.
Animal studies have also demonstrated the efficacy of pomegranate concentrate for managing kidney stone formation by helping direct the accumulation of oxalates, calcium, and phosphates – common components found in urine – into kidneys.
5. Really Great For Your Brain
Pomegranates contain compounds known as ellagitannins that serve as antioxidants to reduce inflammation in the body.
Thus, they provide additional defense benefits for your brain against conditions caused by inflammation and oxidative pressure.
Numerous studies have indicated that ellagitannins could help protect against Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s infection by decreasing oxidative damage to brain cells and expanding their lifespan.
Recovery may also be assisted in cases of hypoxic-ischemic brain injuries.
Pomegranate contains ellagitannins that have long been recognized for their role in helping deliver urolithin A to the stomach, an ingredient widely credited with decreasing brain inflammation and delaying cognitive diseases.
Still, further investigations will likely reveal any correlations between pomegranate consumption and brain health.
