health Benefits of Pomegranate

What is Pomegranate?

Pomegranate is a round shaped fruit with juicy red seeds that have a sweet taste. The seeds, peel and aril of the Pomegranate fruit are all edible, but it is the juicy seeds that are often the primary source of nutrients. In addition to being a high source of fiber, pomegranate is an excellent source of essential amino acids, vitamin A, C, E, B5, B3 or Niacin, Iron, folic acid, potassium, and antioxidant polyphenols. These properties make pomegranate a great home remedy for many ailments.

What are the Benefits of Pomegranate?

Pomegranate has been consumed for thousands of years due to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and other healing properties. Women have used Pomegranate for centuries for beauty concerns including wrinkles, acne, dry and saggy skin. Many studies have also shown that pomegranate may help with heart disease, arteriosclerosis, blood clots, weakened immune system, viral infections, dental plaque, erectile dysfunction and prostate and breast cancer. A few recent studies suggest that regular use of Pomegranate extract may slow the spread of tumors and cancerous cells.

Uses of Pomegranate

Cancer

It is believed that the anti-oxidant activity in Pomegranate may induce apoptosis, a process which causes self destruction of cancerous cells. While a few studies have shown encouraging results in the treatment of cancer, further studies are still required to confirm these results. Nevertheless, in people with a family history of cancer, daily intake of at least 8 oz. of organic Pomegranate juice or a Pomegranate extract or oil capsule twice daily may help suppress the development of cancerous cells.

Cold and Flu

The high amount of vitamin C in Pomegranate may help with flu and cold symptoms. Simply drink 1 to 2 glasses of pure Pomegranate juice diluted in one litre of water throughout the day.

Coronary Heart Disease

A few studies suggest that Pomegranate may expedite the oxygen supply to the heart muscles and help treat many heart conditions including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and coronary heart disease. The anti-platelet activity of Pomegranate is also known to help with arterial plaque and blood clots. Therefore, simply drinking 8 oz. of organic Pomegranate Juice daily for at least three months may provide significant improvement in heart health.

• Stabalises PSA levels: In a study of men who had undergone treatment for prostate cancer, eight ounces of pomegranate juice every day kept their PSA levels stable thereby reducing the need for more treatment such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy.

• Protects your arteries: Pomegranates are known to help prevent plaque from building up in your arteries and reverse previous plaque buildup.

• Lowers cholesterol: This fruit is known to lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (good cholesterol).

Dental Plaque and Gingivitis

The antioxidant activity of Pomegranate juice may prevent and remove dental plaque and restore optimal gum health. Therefore a simple remedy for plaque and gingivitis is to use organic Pomegranate juice as a mouth wash or chew on one tablespoon of pomegranate seeds after every meal.

Erectile Dysfunction

Pomegranate may help with erectile dysfunction by increasing and balancing the blood flow to the heart and subsequently to the rest of the body. Simply drink a glass of organic Pomegranate Juice or take one capsule of Pomegranate extract daily as a natural remedy for erectile dysfunction.

Osteoarthritis

Pomegranate is rich in potassium and polyphenols which may help with the restoration of cartilage in joints. Therefore, drinking a glass of organic Pomegranate juice or eating one whole Pomegranate daily can inhibit the onset of Osteoarthritis.

PMS and Menopausal Problems

Pomegranate is believed to help balance the estrogen level in women. Therefore, daily intake of a glass of pomegranate juice or a capsule of Pomegranate extract can help combat PMS and menopausal problems.

Wrinkles and Saggy Skin

The anti-oxidant properties of Pomegranate may contribute to the regeneration of skin cells and reverse the signs of aging such wrinkles and saggy skin. Drinking a glass of Pomegranate juice or eating a Pomegranate daily can reduce wrinkles and give a rosy glow to the skin. Pomegranate juice can also be applied directly to the affected skin for half an hour before a shower for a healthy and rejuvenated look. Pomegranate oil can also be mixed into your daily moisturizer to help maintain younger, healthy looking skin.

• Helps Prevent and Treat Acne

Acne is caused primarily by hormonal imbalance or digestive problems. Consuming pomegranates regularly can help prevent acne and eliminate its root causes by correcting digestive problems and promoting healthy circulation of the blood. The fruit is rich in iron, a constituent part of hemoglobin that helps absorb oxygen. Oxygen is carried to the skin cells, making the skin look fresh and smooth.
In addition, the pomegranate is a good source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that is known to protect the skin from damaging free radicals. Vitamin C is also necessary for regulating the production of sebum, an oily secretion of the sebaceous glands of the skin, which is one of the root causes of acne.
To treat acne or improve your skin using pomegranates, all you need to do is apply pomegranate extract or juice on the affected areas and you will see favorable results in a few days. The pomegranate extract gets rid of acne and prevents the formation of scars by rejuvenating your skin cells.

•  Prevents Skin Aging

Drinking pomegranate juice is also a good remedy for skin damaged by sun exposure. It helps prolong the life of fibroblasts, which are cells that are responsible for producing elastin and collagen. Elastin and collagen help keep the skin tone healthy and enhance the skin’s elasticity.
A study also suggests that application of pomegranate seed oil on the skin increases the production of collagen, preventing the breakdown of collagen fibers that could result in the appearance of wrinkles. Collagen fibers are responsible for making the skin smooth and supple. Therefore, using pomegranate seed oil can effectively slow down the formation of wrinkles and other marks related to aging.

•  Repairs Skin Cuts and Scrapes

Several studies reveal that application of pomegranate seed oil can help expedite wound healing. With its powerful properties, the oil has been found to quickly repair cuts, pimples and other breaks on the skin, leaving no scars to mar the skin’s smoothness.
Pomegranate juice and seed oil are a bit expensive, but the fruit is always available at stores that sell herbal and organic products. Using the fruit is the best way to enjoy its various benefits without hurting your pocket.