Pomegranate Seeds Health Benefits

Pomegranates, whose botanical name is Punica granatum, are round shaped fruits with red, juicy seeds. These fruits that are native to South east Asia are popular across the globe for their nutritional value. This plant is cultivated in Afghanistan, Armenia, tropical Africa, Malaysia, and Turkey. There are approximately 750 species of the pomegranate which are used for eating and extracting pomegranate juice. The edible part of the pomegranate, or the seed casings are simply eaten or consumed in the form of pomegranate syrup or juice. These fleshy seed casings, or simply seeds (which are dark red in color) are arranged in the fruit and are separated by thin, white or yellowish colored membranes. The juice is extracted from the fleshy part of the seeds. The rind and the aril (which is the connecting point of the seed to the main fruit) of the fruit are also consumed due to their numerous medicinal properties. But they are bitter to taste as compared to the sweet, tart taste of the seeds. Also known as the 'super fruit', pomegranates are loaded with all the essential nutrients required by the body. You can make many nutritious pomegranate recipes and health benefits can be reaped eating this nutritious fruit. Let's take a look at some of the facts on pomegranate seeds nutrition and the pomegranate seeds health benefits.

Health Benefits of Pomegranates

There are various pomegranate seeds health benefits, one of them being that it is rich in antioxidants, which helps fight against free radicals in the body. They also help repair the damaged cells and take care of the wear and tear of the cells. Given below are few other health benefits of consuming pomegranates in any form, be it seeds or juice.

• A main pomegranate health benefit is that this fruit is a powerhouse of various nutrients like calcium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamins C, B complex and K, folic acid, iron, protein, etc. It is also a rich source of dietary fibers, zinc, magnesium and carbohydrates.
• One of the major pomegranate extract benefits is strengthening the immune system and protecting the body against numerous infections and diseases.
• The juice extracted from the seeds also has many health benefits. One of the pomegranate juice health benefits is that it reduces the symptoms of diarrhea and eases the pain caused due to this condition. But the juice must be consumed only in limit as it may lead to constipation.
• Another of the health benefits of pomegranate juice is that it keeps a check on blood pressure. It ensures the smooth functioning of the heart and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It also prevents the formation of blood clots and the hardening of the arteries. Regular intake of any form of pomegranate will keep heart attacks and strokes at bay.
• Massaging the teeth and gums with pomegranate seed oil is beneficial in preventing teeth and gum diseases like dental caries, plaque and gingivitis. Since pomegranate is also rich in vitamin C, it prevents the symptoms of scurvy like bleeding gums and loose teeth.
• Pomegranate seeds help in reducing the levels of bad cholesterol in the body and trigger the production of good cholesterol.
• One of the main pomegranate benefits for women is that this healthy fruit maintains the level of estrogen in the body. It helps in fighting against the signs of PMS and onset of menopause like irritability, hot flashes, etc.
• There are also many pomegranate benefits for skin, since this fruit has anti aging properties and reverses the signs of aging like wrinkles, saggy and dull skin. Applying pomegranate juice directly to the skin or mixing it with a moisturizer will give the skin a fresh and healthy glow.

These were a few pomegranate nutrition facts. Some individuals may show allergic reactions to the pomegranate or its extracts, but this is rare in occurrence. If you observe any symptoms like swollen lips, itchy skin and appearance of rashes, consult a doctor. Hope you found this article on pomegranate seeds health benefits informative and useful.