Pomegranate is a sweet, tart fruit with a thick and red skin. The skin of this fruit is not edible like that of an apple, but it holds hundreds of juicy seeds that one can eat plain or sprinkle on salads, and other side dishes. Pomegranates also come in the form of bottled juice, which is an easy way to cherish the health benefits of this delicious fruit.
Health benefits of eating pomegranate
From immunity to better brain health, pomegranates are worth adding to your healthy eating routine as it is rich in nutrients. Here are a few reasons you should incorporate pomegranate to your diet.
1. Abundant nutrients
The juicy pink seeds inside the pomegranate are known as the arils. Pomegranates are low in calories but very high in fibre, vitamins, several minerals and also protein. These merits of the fruit in turn promotes weight loss, lowers cholesterol, and helps in easing constipation.
2. Reduces inflammation
Chronic inflammation can be a severe problem if and when left untreated. If left untreated, inflammation can lead to health severities like heart disease, cancer, type-2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. Pomegranates prove to be a great antioxidant with several anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Benefits heart health
Pomegranates Are rich in a compound known as polyphenolic that benefits the heart and its overall health. Several studies have found that pomegranate extract may help in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the arteries. It can also lower blood pressure, and help in fighting atherosclerosis, plaque buildup in the arteries that can lead to severities in heart attacks and strokes.
4. Supports urinary health
Numerous studies have found that pomegranate extract may help reduce the formation of kidney stones, a benefit that’s largely attributed to its antioxidant activity. In addition, a study has found that pomegranate extract can even help in regulating the concentration of oxalates, calcium, and phosphates in the blood, which are common components of kidney stones.
5. Rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants help in protecting the cells of the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are always present in the human body, but having too many of them can be harmful which in turn can even contribute to a number of chronic health diseases. Hence, getting antioxidants from fruits such as pomegranates is a great way to support your overall health and prevent these diseases.
6. Anti-cancer properties
According to certain studies, pomegranate extract may also be extremely useful for slowing the growth of prostate cancer cells in the body. Therefore, pomegranate fruit, its juice, and even oil extract can help in killing cancer cells or slowing their spread in the body.