Pomegranate Fruit Is Packed With Benefits
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is part of the Lythraceae family.
It can be found in the Mediterranean region, tropical Africa and Southeast Asia.
It is called one of the paradise fruits or a Divine fruit thanks to numerous mentions in the Jewish Torah and the Old Bible.
It has a relatively thick exterior and an interior packed with hundreds of small, red, juicy seeds.
It does have numerous benefits and has been held in high standards since ancient times.
The fruit comes packed with useful nutrients such as Vitamin C, potassium, Vitamin K, fiber, folate, and protein.
Since ancient times, pomegranate has been used to treat diseases such as diarrhea, sore throat, parasitic infections, and inflammation.
Pomegranates are perfect for fruit baskets as they add bright red color and an exotic flair to the decoration.
Pomegranate Health Benefits
Pomegranate comes with numerous health benefits, some with scientific backing. Some of the benefits are:
- It is rich in anti-oxidants thus making it useful in the fight against free radicals in the body. It can fight premature aging.
- It can act as a blood thinner by preventing the blood platelets from forming clots and coagulating.
- It can help lower cholesterol thus lowering the risk of heart disease.
- It may help lower high blood pressure.
- It can help reduce erectile dysfunction.
How To Tell Your Pomegranate Is Good
For a juicy pomegranate, the outer skin should have a deep, vibrant color and it should be lumpy.
When tapped, if it makes a hollow sound then it is far from ripe!
In terms of weight, a ripe, juicy pomegranate fruit should weigh heavier than its size permits.
How to prepare and enjoy pomegranate
Wash the fruit clean and use a sharp knife to cut through the thick skin.
Inside you will find numerous red, juicy seeds that can be scoped and eaten.
Be sure to protect your cloth from juicy splashes as the stain is next to impossible to remove!
You may have to place the fruit in a bowl of water to conveniently scope out the seeds.
Besides eating the seeds as is, pomegranate can also be juiced, made into a smoothie, used to garnish a meal, or added into a dip or sauce.
Pomegranate Halwa
A delicious candy made from pomegranate. Pomegranate Halwa.
Pomegranate Growing In Israel
Israel is one of the mediterenian countires growing pommegranate.
The followingin video produced by Israel Agriculture Technology shows how pomegranates are grown in challanging circumstances in Israel.
https://youtu.be/4Z0INR8SaWQ
Pomegranate Symbolism
Since time immemorial, pomegranates have been considered a symbol of fertility.
They have also been used to symbolize beauty and eternal life.
They contain folic acid which not only helps in conception but also helps prevent birth defects in the fetus.
Also, they contain Phytoestrogens to help improve the overall reproductive health of women.
Lastly, in pomegranate benefits for women, since pomegranate seeds help increase the flow of blood.
They can help keep the uteri lining healthy thus making it easier for the embryo to successfully implant itself.
In men, pomegranate can help improve sperm count quality thanks to the presence of zinc.
It also helps reduce erectile dysfunction and generally promotes prostate health.
Pomegrante Medical Research
The Effect of Pomegranate on Aging and Inflammation of the Skin (PomSkin)
Vasculoprotective Effects of Pomegranate
Health benefit of pomegranate juice on prostate cancer and the heart
Pomegranate side effects
Although rare, some people may have allergic reactions to eating the pomegranate fruit.
Also, when used with other medications such as blood thinners, this fruit may produce negative reactions.
As such, it is best to consult a doctor before indulging in a pomegranate fruit while taking medication.
