Pomegranates originated in the Middle East, but are now grown throughout the world. They are the size of large oranges, with reddish-pink leathery skin protecting a white membrane. Attached to this membrane are small seed sacs surrounded by a red pulp. Recent studies reveal that eating this pulp and consuming other pomegranate products can contribute immensely to good health.
Pomegranate Nutrition
Pomegranates contain many vitamins and nutrients necessary for the body to function properly and stay healthy in the long run. One medium-sized fruit contains:
- 100 calories
- 1g of dietary fiber, equal to 4 percent of the recommended daily value
- 4 percent recommended dosage of vitamin A
- 15 percent daily value of vitamin C
- 2 percent daily value of iron
These vitamins are important to daily bodily functions, but the most important health benefits of pomegranates are antioxidants. Pomegranates contain three times as many antioxidants as red wine and green tea. In fact, they contain the most antioxidants of any natural food.
Pomegranate Health Benefits
The human body contains free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage DNA and cell membranes. This most often leads to cancer and other diseases such as Alzheimer's. Antioxidants fight these free radicals and prevent these diseases. Eating pomegranates, which contain antioxidants such as polyphenols, tannins and anthocyanins, can therefore lower a person's risk of cancer, Alzheimer's and premature aging.
Furthermore, these antioxidants clear arteries of plaque, preventing heart disease and lowering blood pressure and the risk of stroke. They also lower the bad kind of cholesterol (LDL) in the body. Consuming pomegranates or pomegranate products also reduces dental plaque build-up, which helps decrease the chance of bad breath and gum disease.
In addition to antioxidants, pomegranates contain an element that combats the enzyme that eats away at cartilage. This delays the onset of osteoarthritis. The fruit also contains anti-inflammatory qualities which would treat the disease after onset. Recent studies also should that eating pomegranates can increase libido in both men and women.
Pomegranate Products
The most direct means of consuming pomegranate is, of course, through eating the fruit itself. In the United States, fresh pomegranates become available from September to December – contributing the fruit's nickname as the "jewel of winter." A person trying pomegranate for the first time, however, may be intimidated by the fruit, not knowing how to eat it properly. In order to get at the good stuff, she should make vertical incisions in the rind and pry the fruit open. This will expose the seeds, which she can then pluck from the white membrane and eat whole.
If this seems like too much work, pomegranate juice health benefits rank equally with the fruit itself. This is a tasty alternative also containing many antioxidants. Those who wish to consume the pomegranate in this form can either press the seeds themselves or look into purchasing the juice from companies like Pom Wonderful. This is also a cheaper alternative to purchasing the fruit, which can be expensive in some cases.
Those wishing to gain the health benefits of pomegranate without the added sugar in juice or the hard work may consider purchasing pomegranate supplements. These come in capsule form containing pomegranate extract. These supplements have the added benefit of reducing dental plaque because of the anti-bacterial quality of the extract.
More Pomegranate Information
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention named the pomegranate fruit of the month, describing its benefits and even suggesting a recipe for the fruit. BBC did a piece on the history of pomegranate consumption.
Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Fruit of the Month: Pomegranate" (accessed April 10, 2010).
BBC News. "Pomegranate: The Fruity Panacea" (accessed April 10, 2010).
HealthCentral.com. "Pomegranates Have Many Health Benefits" (accessed April 10, 2010).
Sarah Morse - Sarah Morse recently graduated from Smith College with a degree in English Language and Literature. She is soon attending graduate school ...
