The pomegranate is a type of fruit with a meaty and juicy pulp, red in color with a slightly balanced flavor between acid and sweet, which normally grows enormously in tropical or subtropical areas.
In this sense, the pomegranate or pomegranate, has to its credit infinities of positive effects for the body and the diet, so in the following article we will show you the 10 best benefits of the pomegranate proven by science.
What is the grenade?
The pomegranate fruit also receives the scientific name of “Punica granatum” or “Pomegranate” in English, its appearance is that of a globular-shaped berry whose bark protects the pulps and membranes inside, which is considered to have originated in Persia.
The pomegranate has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties and is also quite low in calories, it has even been given popularity as an aphrodisiac , so medically speaking, it has many important uses and applications .
Note: A technical sheet highlights that: “The pomegranate is highly valued in desert areas because it is protected from drying out, thanks to its thick, leathery skin, which allows caravans to transport it great distances,” . (1)
What benefits does pomegranate have for health
The pomegranate has various health benefits, specifically in the organs, the correct functioning of these and is even favorable to enhance the nervous system , so we will teach you then what are the benefits of the pomegranate for health:
1. Strengthens the immune system
The pomegranate is a citrus fruit with the ability to strengthen the immune system, thanks to its antioxidant compounds, like other citrus fruits with its appearance.
To highlight: Pomegranates provide abundant ascorbic acid or vitamin C , which is an essential vitamin to stimulate the production of the body’s defenses , specifically referring to leukocytes or white blood cells, as well as providing antioxidant elements such as polyphenols that protect these blood cells from damage or oxidative stress.
2. Protects cardiovascular health
The pomegranate is a great protector regarding the health of the cardiovascular system , since it greatly reduces the risk of heart conditions.
In this sense, the polyphenols and antioxidants of the pomegranate positively stimulate the functioning of the endothelium, that layer of tissues that runs through the veins and the heart , and is related to the maintenance of vascular tone and the leveling of hemoglobin platelets.
You should know: A study adds that: “The polyunsaturated fatty acids of the pomegranate play a role as preventive compounds for cardiovascular diseases , since the fatty acids considerably reduce the levels of HDL-cholesterol ( bad cholesterol )” . (two)
3. Regulates blood sugar
The pomegranate can regulate sugar or glucose in the blood in a natural way, since the extracts of the flowers of the pomegranate fruit have antioxidant properties for it.
Note: It should also be noted that the pomegranate has compounds known as tannins and anthocyanins , which control the development of diabetes and also provide inhibitory effects towards the glucosidase enzyme, blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity.
4. Reduces the impact of free radicals
The pomegranate is effective in reducing the consequences of free radicals , which are always oxidative stress and even premature aging due to cell alteration.
This is due to the fact that the pomegranate contains flavonoids and antioxidant compounds that inhibit the effect of free radicals. In fact, the investigations that have been carried out in animals such as rats determine that the polyphenols of the pomegranates elevate the defense system against the cell oxidation in a very positive way.
Important: A study states that: “The free radical-scavenging activity of certain flavonoids has been demonstrated , which means that 10% of the antioxidant capacity of pomegranate juice is due to the presence of these polyphenols . ” (3)
5. Improves digestive disorders
It has been determined that pomegranate extracts greatly improve digestive disorders of the gastrointestinal system.
This is due to the fact that the pomegranate provides fiber , abundant water and laxative compounds , which are essential for the mucous walls of the intestine and stomach, also reducing diarrhea, constipation and even improving the expulsion of waste through the intestinal tract.
To highlight: A study mentions that: ” Punicalagin is the polyphenol with the highest molecular weight known in pomegranate , which is hydrolyzed into ellagic acid and metabolized in the intestinal tract, generating urolithins.” (4)
6. Reduces pain and inflammation
Pomegranate juice or its seeds have anti-inflammatory properties , even making it essential to reduce pain in the body’s joints or diseases related to it.
You should know: The pomegranate prevents the degradation of muscle tissue , the oxidation of human cartilage and joint inflammation caused by diseases known as arthritis or even osteoarthritis, also reducing the symptoms of both pathologies and providing some pain relief .
7. Enhances memory and learning
Pomegranate juice is favorable for improving memory and learning, which is why it is vital for the nervous system and the neural networks of the brain, thanks to the antioxidants it contains.
Note: Pomegranate peels provide compounds such as flavonoids, vital for brain function and the reduction of oxidative stress , thus reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, giving memory a longer life and promoting better learning in people.
8. Increases energy and physical performance
Pomegranates can help increase body energy, which leads to better physical performance, especially for athletes or sportspeople.
Important: Pomegranate promotes better blood circulation in the body, which helps oxygenate muscle tissue and increase the body’s energy , along with reducing muscle pain and helping them recover after hard work of exercises.
9. Improves skin health
Pomegranates are favorable for improving skin health or skin health in general , so these fruits can be well used in aesthetic treatments.
You should know: Although pomegranates contain vitamin C that protects collagen from oxidative compounds from radicals or other chronic diseases (causing aging), it also stimulates its production in the dermal layers of the skin, which increases hydration and It is even capable of reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
10. Prevents cancer
Finally, the possibility of pomegranate to prevent cancer has been studied , because it has essential compounds for treatments added to its antitumor properties.
In this sense, the pomegranate provides elements such as ellagic acid and punicalagins , which have been determined that in the future they could serve as a treatment against cancer cells of the colon and breast cancer.
Important: A study mentions that: “The use of pomegranate juice, peel and oil has been shown to possess anti-cancer activities, including interference with tumor cell proliferation , cell cycle, invasion and angiogenesis”. (5)
Properties of the pomegranate
The grenade has a strong base of benefits and that is why it is important to also know the elements that make these effects possible, so we will teach you the properties of the grenade:
1. Vitamins
The pomegranate has a good source of essential vitamins, such as vitamin C , vitamin B6 or folic acid , niacin, riboflavin, vitamin A , thiamine and also vitamin B7, in general.
2. Minerals
The pomegranate is also high in essential and important minerals such as potassium , phosphorus, selenium, sodium and zinc , magnesium , iron and calcium .
3. Other compounds
On the other hand, the pomegranate is a vital source of flavonoids and polyphenols , lots of water, calories, protein , dietary fiber, carbohydrates and even a certain content of fatty acids , mostly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated.
How do you eat the pomegranate fruit?
The pomegranate can be eaten fresh, cut into pieces with the peel or even prepared in tea infusions , all depending on the diner’s taste. No need to sweeten, as this fruit naturally contains enough sugar on its own.
To highlight: You can also make smoothies or cold pomegranate juice, without the need to add a sweetener or seeds, apart from it can be accompanied in foods such as green salads , see lettuce accompanied with a little onion and tomato.
What contraindications does the pomegranate have?
The pomegranate, although it is a fairly healthy and nutritious fruit, has certain contraindications because its side effects can be counted in vomiting or dizziness , caused by excess alkaloids in the body.
You should know: The pomegranate is contraindicated mainly for people with hypertension and advanced diabetes, especially if they are under strict medical prescriptions , since the pomegranate and its compounds can negatively intervene in the absorption of the chemicals in these drugs.
Key Findings
- The pomegranate is a citrus fruit with a sweet touch , which normally grows in tropical and subtropical areas.
- The pomegranate has benefits to enhance the nervous system , prevent skin damage and the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- It contains in its structure vitamins and minerals such as folic acid , along with flavonoids and can be consumed fresh, in juices and smoothies.
- The pomegranate fruit is contraindicated for hypertensive people who are under certain medications.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.