Pomegranate

Have you ever discovered a more delicious and nutrient-packed fruit than a pomegranate? The delectable fruit is considered by many one of the healthiest for a reason.

The Pomegranate is a fruit-bearing tree that belongs to the Lythraceae family and under the sub-family Punicaceae. It grows between 5 and 10 meters tall. Its scientific name is Punica granatum. The name is based from the Latin word malum punicum, which means "Carthaginian apple". Throughout the Hawaiian Islands, you can find many pomegranate trees that the natives have learned to love and embrace throughout the years.

The fruit is crunchy and is coated with thick skin that is almost the size of an orange. It has a wide diversity of colors, ranging from pink, white-yellow, green, and red to dark purple. Its scent is striking, making the powdery aroma of its skin around the sweet-tart and wine-like fragrance of the seeds the perfect combination. The skin is not edible but it has numerous juicy seeds, known as arils that you can either eat raw or spatter on oatmeal, salads, and other delectable dishes. Fresh pomegranate juice is also a great way to enjoy some of the health benefits of this rich fruit.

Pomegranate is not just delicious, it is also healthy and beneficial for your overall well-being. Explains why it symbolizes life and vitality in many cultures across the globe. Now, here's what science has to say as to why this fruit is good for you.

Varieties of Pomegranate

There are hundreds of types of pomegranate all around the world. In Hawaii, plants do not come true from seeds; thus, seedling trees are highly variable in quality.

Soft-seeded:

• Sienevyi
• Parfianka
• Desertnyi
• Angel Red
• Sin Pepe
• Ariana
• Gissarskii Rozovyi
• Kashmir Blend

Hard Seeded:

• Al Sirin Na
• Kara Gul
• Kashmir Blend

Medicinal Values

Studies have shown that pomegranates can have up to three times more antioxidantsthan red wine or green tea. These Antioxidants guard cells from damage, hamper possible chronic illnesses such as diabetes and even decrease inflammation and the results of aging.

Other benefits include the following:

Healthy Heart

Recent studies suggest that the fruit can protect the heart in its own ways, including its capability to lower blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Moreover, pomegranate juice might help reduce bad cholesterol that causes blockage in arteries. It can also increase high density good cholesterol in the body which lowers the chance of heart attacks and strokes.

Diabetes Control

On-going studies have proclaimed that people who have type 2 diabetes who began to consume pomegranate juice regularly showed improvement. The fruit can also help people prevent diabetes and maintain a healthy weight.

Lowering Risk of Cancer

The fruit is not just rich with antioxidants but also flavonoids as well. They help in preventing free radicals from damaging your cells. In some studies, pomegranates show signs to be effective in blocking lung, prostate, breast and colon cancers.

Help Improve Memory

There is a study that shows that pomegranate can improve memory. The study found that 2 grams of pomegranate extract have helped in preventing deficits in memory after surgery.

Relieve Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you happen to have rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain is indeed a draining symptom to endure. Because it has inflammatory and powerful properties, the fruit can lessen pain, swelling and joint tenderness.

Health Benefits

Loaded with Beneficial Nutrients

A cup of pomegranate seed contains 24 grams of sugar and 144 calories. A cup of pomegranate seeds contain following nutrients:

• Fiber: 7 grams
• Protein: 3 grams
• Folate: 16 percent of the RDA
• Potassium: 12 percent of the RDA
• Vitamin C: 30 percent of the RDA
• Vitamin K: 36 per cent of the RDA

Moreover, the plant compounds of pomegranates are indeed rich and powerful, some of which have potent medicinal properties.

Hydrate Skin

Dermatologists suggest that pomegranate juice helps replenish dry skin. It can also improve the skins color and texture. It is also a great source of Vitamin C that the skin needs.

Hair Growth

Do you wish to have shiny, long locks? This is for you! The fruit is full of hair antioxidants that makes hair follicles stronger and also improve blood circulation in the scalp resulting hair growth.

Strengthens Bone Health

Instead of milk, why not pomegranate? A study conducted in 2013 shows that pomegranate might be helpful in reducing bone loss in animals with osteoporosis.

Aids in Digestion

Did you know that fiber-rich food slows your digestion? Which helps you feel full all the time? And the more full you are, the less junk you will likely be consuming. Per cup of pomegranate seeds, there are about 4G fiber!

Help Fight Acne

Antioxidants present in the fruit help in fighting inflammation that often lead to breakouts.

Precautions

Pomegranate juice is likely safe mostly for everyone when taken by mouth as there are no recent negative reports about it. Most people who consumed it regularly do not experience side effects. However, some might experience allergic reactions to pomegranate fruit. Pomegranate extract is possibly safe when taken by mouth or applied on skin. Although some people have experienced sensitivity to pomegranate extract. Symptoms of sensitivity: runny nose, swelling, difficulty breathing, and itching.

The stem, root, or peel of pomegranate is unlikely safe when taken by mouth in large amounts because it has poisonous compounds that might be dangerous for your health.

When applied to the skin: Pomegranate extract is possibly safe when applied to the skin. Some people have experienced sensitivity to pomegranate extract. Symptoms of sensitivity: runny nose, swelling, difficulty breathing, and itching.

Nevertheless, it is still best to consult your doctor first before consuming or using pomegranate.