Health Benefits of Pomegranate

Health Benefits of Pomegranate

Pomegranate offers an array of health benefits.

1. It is rich in fiber

Pomegranate is a rich source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber; giving about 3g of fiber per 100g Generally, an adult needs to consume 25g to 30g of fiber in the entire day. Fiber aids in smooth digestion. The high fiber and water content of the fruit also makes it an ideal fruit for weight and cholesterol reduction.

2. It is packed with antioxidants

Antioxidants in pomegranates include polyphenols (tannins and anthocyanins). According to the nutrition advisor for the American Institute for Cancer Research, Karen Collins, pomegranates may have even more antioxidant power than cranberry juice or green tea.

3. It is a fair source of vitamin C

The fruit is a fair source of antioxidant vitamin C and gives around 16mg per 100g of the same. An adult requires 40 mg of vitamin C per day. Vitamin C rich foods help the body to develop resistance against infections, building up ones immunity.

Advertisement

4. Pomegranate has cancer protective effects

Pomegranate juice will definitely not keep cancer at bay, but Karen Collin says that it may be a very beneficial addition to the balanced, plant-based diet recommended by the American Institute of Cancer Research. People who have already suffered from cancer especially prostate cancer may benefit from a daily dose of pomegranate juice. Researchers have proved the fruit juice to suppress the growth of cancer cells and the increase in cancer cell death in laboratory settings.

According to research from University of California, Los Angeles, Allan Pantuck, MD, a combination of elements in pomegranates -- rather than any single component -- is probably responsible for these health effects.

5. It is good for heart health

Pomegranate juice may be able to help prevent heart disease in people. It may also prevent plaque from building up in blood vessels and even reduce plaque that has already built up in vessels. The antioxidants in the juice may help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which becomes a trigger for the plaque deposition. Punicalagin is a polyphenolic anti-oxidant compound found abundantly in the pomegranate juice. Studies suggest that punicalagin and tannins are effective in reducing heart disease risk by scavenging harmful free radicals from the body and prevent the conversion of LDL to oxidized LDL.

Advertisement

6. It helps fight arthritis

Recent research has shown that pomegranates can help fight osteoarthritis, since regular consumption of the juice reduces the corrosion of cartilage.

7. Pomegranate is rich in potassium and iron

Among the fruits, pomegranate juice is one of the richest source of potassium which is an essential nutrient for the heart, and a decent source of iron which aids in blood synthesis.

The health benefits offered by this amazing red colored fruit leaves us with a lot many reasons for consuming this fruit and making it an essential part of the diet.