Pomegranate Health Benefits, How to Use and Nutritional Values

About Pomegranate Fruit:

Scientifically Pomegranate is known as Punica Granatum. Pomegranate is a deciduous shrub from the Lythraceae family. The origin of the Pomegranate is considered from the Mediterranean region and later travelled throughout the world. In the Northern Hemisphere, Pomegranate is cultivated from October to February and in the Southern Hemisphere, Pomegranate is cultivated from March to May. Pomegranate is widely used in baking, cooking, juices, garnishing, smoothies, cocktails and wine etc. It is mainly cultivated in Middle East & Caucasus Region, Tropical & North Africa, Indian Subcontinent, Central Asia, Mediterranean Basin.

Pomegranate tree from Flower to the Fruit:

The Height of the Pomegranate tree is about 5m to 10m and has a long life. It yields bright red coloured flowers which have 3 to 7 petals. The Pomegranate fruit appears red-purple in colour. Its outer surface is a Hard Pericarp and the inner side of the outer surface is a Spongy Mesocarp, from which the seeds are attached. The seeds contain the juice. In a single fruit of Pomegranate around 200 to 1400 seeds are present.

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Pomegranate in different Language:

Pomegranate in Gujrati – Daadam; Pomegranate in Marathi – DaaLimb

Pomegranate in Kannada – DaaLimbe handu; Pomegranate in Telugu – Daanimma Pandu

Pomegranate in Bengali – Daalim; Pomegranate in Odia – Daalimba

Pomegranate in Konkani – Daalimb; Pomegranate in Assamese – Dalim

Pomegranate in Sanskrit – Daadim; Pomegranate in Hindi – Anar/Anaar

Pomegranate in Tamil – MaadhuLam Pazham; Pomegranate in Malayalam – Maathala Pazha

Pomegranate Nutritional Value:

The Pomegranate consists of 78% water, 19% carbohydrates, 2% Protein and 1% Fat. 100 gm of Pomegranate serving contains –

Energy – 346 kJ; Carbohydrates – 18.7 g; Dietary Fibres – 4 g; Fat – 1.17 gm; Protein – 1.67 gm

Vitamin C – 10.2 gm; Choline – 7.6 gm

Mineral: Calcium – 10 mg; Iron – 0.3 mg; Phosphorus – 36 mg; Potassium – 236 mg; Magnesium – 12 mg

Water – 78 gm

12 Health Benefits of Pomegranate

12 Benefits of Pomegranate Fruit:

Pomegranate possesses minerals, Vitamin which is very useful for our health and boosts the immune system. So here are some major health benefits which we can achieve from Pomegranate-

1. Pomegranate for Digestive Health: Pomegranate fruit possess anti-bacterial properties which help to cure stomach related issues such as cholera, dysentery and diarrhoea. If a person is having indigestion problems, then it can be cured by taking the tea made up from pomegranate leaves. Pomegranate fruits possess a good number of fibres so Pomegranate is good for digestive health.
2. Pomegranate for Weight Loss: Pomegranate contains a high number of fibres and a low number of calories that’s why it is used in weight loss diet plans.
3. Pomegranate for the Blood Pressure: Pomegranate contains a special acid known as Punicic Acid which helps to lower cholesterol, triglycerides and reduces blood pressure.
4. Pomegranate for Heart Health: A pomegranate have various types of antioxidants and bioactive polyphenols which helps to keep the heart healthy.
5. Pomegranate for Joint Pain: Pomegranate possess anti-inflammatory properties that’s why it is used in the treatment of arthritis. As per a study Pomegranate can block enzymes that can damage the joints.
6. Pomegranate for Dental Health: Pomegranate fruit has Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties which are useful in the treatment of oral related problems.
7. Pomegranate for Anti-Ageing: Since Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants so it kills the free radicals. The anti-ageing components present in the Pomegranate also helps to prevent wrinkles.
8. Pomegranate helps in Anaemia: Pomegranate contains a good amount of iron. Thus, it helps in anaemia, fatigue, weakness.
9. Pomegranate for Cancer Prevention: Pomegranate helps to stop the growth of Prostate cancer cells.
10. Pomegranate for Immunity: Pomegranate contains a good amount of Vitamin C and Vitamin E which helps to prevent illness and infections.
11. Pomegranate for Bone Health: Pomegranate contains some special enzyme that prevents the damage of the cartilage and helps to prevent osteoarthritis. Pomegranate also possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
12. Pomegranate for Hair Health: Pomegranate contains Punicic acid which helps to make hair healthy and strong and promotes blood circulation in the scalp and hair growth.

Side Effects of Pomegranate:

Though Pomegranate provide so many health benefits there are some side effects too which are as follows-

• It is advisable to not take Pomegranate juice if a person is on blood pressure reducing medicines.
• If a person has any kind of plant allergies, then it's best to stay away from Pomegranate.
• If a person is having asthma, then it's best to not take pomegranate juice or in raw form.
• If Pomegranate is consumed in excess amount, then it may cause gastrointestinal problems.
• If a person is diabetic then it is advised to stay away from Pomegranate as it contains a high amount of sugar.
• If Pomegranate is consumed in large quantities, then it may cause some allergic symptoms.

Pomegranate Recipe:

Pomegranate Feta Salad:

Ingredients: Feta Cheese, Pomegranate Seeds, Garlic Clove, Spinach, Olive Oil, Dry fruits, Lemon Juice and salt

Recipe to Prepare Pomegranate Feta Salad: In a bowl mix the feta cheese, lemon juice and garlic.

Now mix well with spinach, olive oil and salt. Now on the top add Pomegranate seed and roasted dry fruits.

Other Recipes of the Pomegranate –

Pomegranate Avocado bruschetta, Pomegranate Poached Pears, Pomegranate fruit salad, Pomegranate Raita, Pomegranate Juice, Pomegranate Pear Salad, Pomegranate smoothie etc.