Pomegranates have been known since ancient times. Some believe that the fruit with which the Serpent tempted Eve was not an apple at all, but a pomegranate. The ancient Egyptians placed pomegranate fruits in tombs as a symbol of eternal life. The Greeks broke pomegranate fruits at weddings as a sign of loyalty and love. The Chinese ate the candied pomegranate for good luck. It is not known whether the pomegranate justifies its mystical properties, but the fact that this fruit is medicinal has been proven by modern scientists.
Nutritional value of pomegranate fruits
The average pomegranate fruit weighs about 200 grams, but the juicy grains account for less than half the weight. The rest is a peel and a thin membrane. The nutritional value of the seeds of the grant - the pulp and the seeds themselves, which many also eat - are about 83 calories per 100 grams. The fruits do not contain cholesterol and saturated fats, but they are rich in insoluble dietary fiber, tannins, vitamins K, C, group B, as well as calcium, copper, potassium and manganese. Turning into pomegranate juice, the fruits lose dietary fiber, moreover, the amount of carbohydrates in them doubles, and hence the calorie content. There are already 160 calories in one hundred grams of juice. The good news is that there are also more essential vitamins and minerals.
There are 4 grams of insoluble dietary fiber in pomegranate to promote normal bowel function per 100 gram serving, which is comparable to the same serving of oatmeal.
The healing properties of pomegranate
Due to its high amount of folate, pomegranate fruit is beneficial for pregnant women. In addition, pomegranate is rich in vitamin C and iron, making both its seeds and the juice squeezed from them an excellent remedy for iron deficiency anemia. Both men and women can suffer from it, but women, especially during pregnancy, are more susceptible to this disease. Some doctors warn pregnant women against eating pomegranates, arguing that it stimulates uterine contraction. Scientists have confirmed that there is a lot of iron in the skin of the fruit and the extract from its seeds. Provided that the pregnant woman drinks only it, she has nothing to fear.
Vitamin C promotes better absorption of iron.
Pomegranate fruits have antimicrobial and antibiotic properties, that is, they can accelerate the healing of wounds when applied externally and ulcers when used internally. Also partly due to these properties, and partly tannins, homemade infusions and decoctions from pomegranate peel are an excellent remedy for combating diarrhea and other acute digestive disorders.
An interesting recipe invented by the Indians to combat worms. They dried pomegranate crusts, ground them into food and rubbed a gruel of powder mixed with oil into the anus. Scientists have proven that although the agent was safe for the parasites themselves, it relieves itching and prevents the deposition of eggs by worms.
Pomegranate is effective for diseases of teeth and gums. The ancients cleaned their teeth with pomegranate skin, getting not only health benefits, but also fragrant breath and white enamel. The anti-inflammatory properties of the fruit have made it useful in the treatment of arthritis: pomegranate reduces joint inflammation, relieves pain and discomfort resulting from inflammation.
Consuming pomegranate juice or seeds has an antithrombotic effect, which makes the fetus useful in combating excessive blood clotting as well as atherosclerosis. The ellagic acid found in the fruit is effective in fighting cancer cells. The fight against cardiovascular and cancer diseases is also promoted by the fact that pomegranates contain high concentrations of antioxidants, chemicals that are of great importance for health, as they neutralize dangerous free radicals. A pleasant bonus from antioxidants is clear, even skin, because these substances prevent skin aging, helping to maintain turgor.
