For ages, pomegranate fruits have been used for ceremonial and therapeutic purposes in many different nations and traditions across the globe. The pomegranate has undoubtedly left its impact, having first been revered as a sacred fruit and then becoming a popular cuisine around the globe.
Although pomegranates are mostly enjoyed for their crisp, tart flavor, research indicates that they may also offer some amazing health advantages.
Actually a berry, pomegranates were first domesticated in western Asia, the Mediterranean region, and the Middle East. Pomegranates are currently grown more extensively worldwide in the modern era, particularly in regions like tropical Africa and the western United States.
The husk, or outer layer, of pomegranates, is a spherical fruit that resembles leather. The fruit is composed of two layers: the mesocarp, which is a softer inner membrane-like layer, and the epicarp, which is a hard outer layer. The red, juicy arils that are most commonly connected to pomegranates are found in the mesocarp. The juicy red capsule that encloses both the pomegranate seed and the seed itself is called an aril.
The advantages of pomegranates have been known to ancient societies for millennia. Pomegranate was used as food and medicine for many conditions, from controlling bowel motions and preventing food from spoiling to lowering infections and halting blood loss. Modern pomegranates are typically solely eaten for their pulpy, juice-filled arils and seeds, but research indicates that other portions of the fruit may also offer some quite remarkable health advantages.
Benefits of Pomegranates for Health According to research, pomegranates may have many health advantages, including heart health promotion, antioxidant activity, and a lower risk of obesity.
1. Extracts from pomegranates may improve heart health. Since heart disease is one of the major causes of death worldwide, scientists and medical professionals are constantly looking for fresh and efficient methods to support heart health. Pomegranates and pomegranate extract have several advantages, one of which is that they may support a robust cardiovascular system.
In one study, hemodialysis patients who drank pomegranate juice or were assigned to a control group were monitored for eight weeks. The purpose of the research was to evaluate how pomegranate juice affected the subjects' cardiovascular systems. Following the trial, the pomegranate juice group experienced a significant decrease in triglyceride levels and blood pressure, which was not observed in the control group.
In another trial, 200 milliliters (mL) of pomegranate juice per day for six weeks was reported to help considerably lower blood pressure in patients with
type 2 diabetes. Reduced blood pressure makes the heart work harder to pump blood throughout the body, which supports a healthy cardiovascular system.
2. Extract from Pomegranates May Help Joint Health Pomegranates and pomegranate extract, according to studies, may help lessen osteoarthritis symptoms. Debilitating symptoms of osteoarthritis include bone spurs, edema, stiffness, decreased mobility, and aching joints. Studies indicate that osteoarthritis, sometimes known as "wear and tear" arthritis, has a significant inflammatory component that contributes to the crippling condition.
A laboratory study evaluated the effects of pomegranate extract on osteoarthritis-indicating cells. According to the study, pomegranate extract can lessen inflammation and delay the symptoms of cartilage deterioration.
According to findings from other research, pomegranates help people with osteoarthritis by significantly reducing inflammation and discomfort as measured by the visual analog scale (VAS).
Another trial with 19 female volunteers who had osteoarthritis and were controlled with a placebo discovered that taking pomegranate supplements dramatically decreased the body's inflammatory levels.
3. A potent antioxidant is pomegranate extract.
Pomegranates are known for their tasty arils, but they also contain a number of other beneficial chemicals and substances that may add to their overall health benefits.
Pomegranates are rich in many minerals, including polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium, according to research. Pomegranate leaves are also rich in antioxidants, such as apigenin and quercetin.
Because of its high ellagitannin and anthocyanin content, studies have shown that pomegranate juice has more antioxidant activity than powerful antioxidants like red wine and green tea. Pomegranate juice has also been shown to lessen the generation of free radicals and oxidative stress brought on by macrophages.