THE JEWEL OF WINTER – POMEGRANATE

Pomegranates are classified as a “super fruit”.The name pomegranate derives from Latin pōmum“apple”and grānātum “seeded.” The pomegranate fruit has been used for thousands of years as medicine. “THE JEWEL OF WINTER – POMEGRANATE” 

The health benefits of pomegranate include healthy blood circulation, a great cure for heart-related problems,anemia, stomach disorders,viruses, dental problems, osteoarthritis, and diabetes. It also prevent cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease. 

HISTORY

Ancient Egypt regarded the pomegranate as a symbol of prosperity and ambition. According to “the Ebers Papyrus”, one of the oldest medical writings from around 1500 BC, Egyptians used the pomegranate for treatment of tapeworm and infections.

In the Bible, the pomegranate is mentioned many times.

It is believed that the pomegranate was one of the first cultivated fruits. Today, pomegranate juice is being studied for its many health benefits.

 BENEFITS OF POMEGRANATE

1. Antioxidants –Pomegranates have been eaten throughout history for their health benefits.Punicalagins are extremely potent antioxidants found in pomegranate juice and peel. Pomegranate extract and powder is typically made from the peel, due to its high antioxidant and punicalagin content. Pomegranate seeds get their vibrant red hue from polyphenols. These chemicals are powerful antioxidants. 

2. Vitamin C -The juice of a single pomegranate has more than 40% of your Daily requirement of Vitamin C (opt for homemade or fresh pomegranate juice to get the most of the nutrient.) Pomegranate juice also helps in suppressing your appetite.

3. Cancer prevention – Researchers found that pomegranate juice may help stop the growth of prostate cancer cells.

4. Alzheimer’s disease protection-The antioxidants in the juice and their high concentration are believed to stall the progress of Alzheimer disease and protect our memory.

5. Digestion-Pomegranate juice can reduce inflammation in the gut and improve digestion. It may be beneficial for people with Crohn disease, colitis, and other inflammatory bowel diseases.

6. Anti-inflammatory– Chronic inflammation is one of the leading drivers of many diseases. This includes cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and obesity. Pomegranate juice is a powerful anti-inflammatory because of its high concentration of antioxidants. Pomegranate can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.

7. Arthritis – Pomegranate May Help Fight Arthritis and Joint Pain. Pomegranate have anti-inflammatory effects. Some studies suggest that pomegranate extract can block enzymes that are known to damage joints in people with osteoarthritis. Flavonols in pomegranate juice may help block the inflammation that contributes to osteoarthritis and cartilage damage.

8. Heart disease– Heart disease is currently the world’s most common cause of premature death. Punicic acid, the main fatty acid in pomegranate, may help protect against several steps in the heart disease process. Research analysis concluded that pomegranate juice reduces high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. Pomegranate juice is in the running as the most heart-healthy juice.

9. Blood pressure – Drinking pomegranate juice daily may also help lower systolic blood pressure.High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the leading drivers of heart attacks and strokes. Regular intake of pomegranate juice has been shown to lower blood pressure levels in as little as two weeks.

10. Antiviral -Between the vitamin C and other immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin E, pomegranate juice can prevent illness and fight off infection.

 

11. Vitamin-rich -In addition to vitamin C and vitamin E, pomegranate juice is a good source of Folate, Potassium and vitamin K.

13. Fertility-Pomegranate juice’s concentration of antioxidants and ability to impact oxidative stress make it a potential fertility aid.

14. Endurance and sports performance – Pomegranate juice may be the new sport performance enhancer. The juice may help reduce soreness and improve strength recovery.

15. Diabetes – Drinking pomegranate juice may help people with diabetes.

 PLANTING AND CARE

The flowers are bright red and 3 cm (1.2 inches) in diameter, with three to seven petals.

The fruit is between an orange and a grapefruit in size, and has thick reddish skin. The number of seeds in a pomegranate can vary from 200 to about 1,400. Pomegranate shrubs grow to 6 to 10 meters, (20 to 33 feet), and have multiple spiny branches. Pomegranate trees can live for over 200 years.

Pomegranates require full sun to grow and thrive. If possible,you should plant the tree in the sunniest place of your yard. It takes five to seven months for fruit to become mature and the tree itself needs two to three years before it bears more than a couple of fruits.

Don’t fertilize pomegranates during their first year when you initially plant the tree. Mulch with rotted manure and other compost. Once established, these trees may be watered less frequently.

The “dwarf pomegranate“, grows to 3 feet tall, which is much more manageable indoors. With just a few adjustments in care, you can grow a lovely pomegranate tree that will add interest to the home, and provide yummy, fruit for years to come.

 NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

The skin of the fruit is thick and inedible, but inside,there are hundreds of edible seeds called “arils”. The pomegranate arils (seeds) are also very sweet. Pomegranates have an impressive nutrient profile — one cup of arils (174 grams) contains:

• Potassium:12% of the Recommended Dietary Intake
• Vitamin C:30% of the RDI
• Fiber: 7 grams
• Folate: 16% of the RDI
• Vitamin K: 36% of the RDI

SOURCE BOOK-FOLK MEDICINE,-“JEWEL OF WINTER”&AWESOME FACTS
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