15 Amazing Health and Skin Benefits Of Pomegranates

Pomegranate is a one of the most popular nutritious fruit and it has some medicinal properties too. The pomegranate arils make a perfect combination in garnish for salads and other dishes. Pomegranate juice is used in jellies, sauces and different other types of cakes and it also add natural sweetness to the dishes with a unique flavor. It is said that daily intake of pomegranate makes your skin glow like its color inside.

Many studies have shown that they have incredible benefits for your body, and may lower the risk of all sorts of diseases .

Nutrient Profile of Pomegranate

One cup of arils (174 grams) contains :

• Fiber: 7 grams.
• Protein: 3 grams.
• Vitamin C: 30% of the RDA.
• Vitamin K: 36% of the RDA.
• Folate: 16% of the RDA.
• Potassium: 12% of the RDA.

The pomegranate arils (seeds) are also very sweet, with one cup containing 24 grams of sugar, and 144 calories.

Here are 15 health benefits of pomegranates, that are supported by modern scientific research

Benefits Of Pomegranates

1. Prevent plaque formation

 If you mouth wash to keep improve your oral health, pomegranate juice can be a better option than alcohol containing mouth washes available at pharmacy stores. Certain compounds in pomegranate exhibit strong antiplaque effects. A study showed that hydroalcoholic extract of pomegranate effectively lowered dental plaque formation due to microorganisms build up by almost 84%.

2. Prevents heart diseases

Anti-oxidants present in pomegranates lower bad cholesterol, LDL and increases good cholesterol, HDL, thus preventing heart diseases . Its juice improves blood circulation through the heart, making it healthier.

3. Reduce chances of cancer

The free radicals inside the body occupy the electrons from body for which cells become unstable. For this cell damage occurs and healthy becomes dead. The antioxidants present in pomegranate helps in the combination process of free radicals inside body. So it gives protection against breast cancer and protest cancer, the nutritional benefits of pomegranate works by preventing the body from cancer disease.

4. Pomegranate Has Impressive Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation is among the leading drivers of many killer diseases.This includes heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and even obesity.Pomegranate has potent anti-inflammatory properties, which are largely mediated by the antioxidant properties of the punicalagins.

Test tube studies have shown that it can reduce inflammatory activity in the digestive tract, as well as in breast cancer and colon cancer cells

5. Lowers stress levels

Apart from reducing the body’s internal oxidative stress, pomegranates also help lower psychological stress that you go through your personal and professional life. According to a study conducted by Queen Margaret University, people who drank pomegranate juice had lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that is increased under stressful situations.

6. Increase Bone Health

Pomegranate, if taken daily can give strength to bones and prevents osteoarthritis . As we age; our bone density can decrease to an alarming level. To prevent and even reverse this damage, consuming pomegranate or pomegranate extracts might be helpful. When pomegranate is fed to the mothers, even the unborn child is shown to have more calcified bones.

7. It repairs digestive system

Pomegranate is a rich source of soluble and insoluble fiber. So these contents help your digestive system becoming smooth and controls bowel movements. It also helps in improving blood circulation in the body.

8. Pomegranate May Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the leading drivers of heart attacks and strokes.In one study, people with high blood pressure had a significant reduction after consuming 150 ml (5 oz) of pomegranate juice daily for 2 weeks .

Other studies have found similar effects, especially for systolic blood pressure (the higher number in a blood pressure reading)

9. Keep you looking younger

Ever wondered why we grow old and our skin develops wrinkles and other signs of ageing? Well, it is because of free radical damage that affects your cells. Polyphenolic compounds in pomegranates are powerful antioxidants that can delay the process of aeging. Therefore, eating pomegranate keeps your skin glowing and radiant for a long time.

10. Prevents dental plaque

Drink a glass of pomegranate juice daily (without sugar) and it can prevent dental plaque. A recent study revealed that the polyphenols, tannins and ellagic acids contained in pomegranate can help inhibit the colony formation of plaque causing bacteria .

11. It is used for weight loss treatment

It contains very low amount of natural fat with zero percent of cholesterol which keeps you slim. The soluble and insoluble dietary fiber content reduces extra fat deposits all around the body. So nutritionists suggest you to take pomegranate along with you food for losing weight.

12. Pomegranate May Help Improve Memory

There is some evidence that pomegranate can improve memory.In one study in surgical patients, 2 grams of pomegranate extract prevented deficits in memory after the surgery .

Another study in 28 elderly individuals with memory complaints found that 237 ml (8 oz) of pomegranate juice per day significantly improved markers of verbal and visual memory

13. Increase your libido

Since ancient times, pomegranates have been considered as a symbol of fertility. According to a research conducted by researchers from Queen Margaret University, a glass of pomegranate juice boosts testosterone levels in both men and women. This property makes natural aphrodisiac that is great for your sex life. Also, studies suggest that pomegranates contain certain compounds that are similar to sex steroids found in the human system, explaining why it improves sex stamina and desires.

14. Prevents cell damage

The presence of anti-oxidants in high quantity fights against the free radicals which usually attack the cells and damage them . Regular consumption of this fruit can keep your body cells and tissues healthy.

15. Pomegranate May Improve Exercise Performance

Pomegranate is rich in dietary nitrates, which have been shown to improve exercise performance.In a study of 19 athletes running on a treadmill, 1 gram of pomegranate extract 30 minutes before exercise significantly enhanced blood flow .This led to a delay in the onset of fatigue, and an increase in exercise efficiency.

Pomegranate Benefits for Skin

These juicy red fruits can provide extraordinary benefits to your skin, thanks to their incredible antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties. They are often incorporated in many skincare ranges. They can do wonders for your skin in the following ways.

Maintains Skin Health

Collagen is the basic component of your skin which ensures that your skin remains soft, smooth and firm. Certain compounds present in pomegranates stop the enzymes from breaking down collagen, thus maintaining skin health . They also assist in the growth of fibroblasts, the cells that produce elastin and fiber to ensure that your skin remains smooth and supple. Furthermore, this fruit stimulates proliferation of keratinocytes, the cells that form the outermost layer of your skin. Increase in the number of these cells enables your skin to repair itself better.

Prevents cell damage

The presence of antioxidants in high quantity fights against the free radicals which usually attack the cells and damage them . Regular consumption of this fruit can keep your body cells and tissues healthy.

Treatment of Acne

Acne is caused due to digestive problems or hormonal imbalance. Pomegranate, being a rich source of vitamin C, can regulate the production of sebum, an oily substance secreted by your skin which is the root cause of pimples. It also corrects digestive problems, thus promoting healthy blood circulation in the body. You can apply pomegranate juice on the areas affected by pimples. This will prevent acne and scars by generating tissues in the affected area .