Pomegranate: 8 Reasons To Enjoy This Superfood Every Single Day

#1 Health benefits

The health benefits of pomegranates are innumerable and what makes them special is that apart from being healthy, pomegranates are delicious too. Pomegranates have anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-tumor properties and are said to be a good source of vitamins, especially vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, as well as folic acid. This amazing fruit consists of three times as many antioxidants as both wine or green tea.

Wondering what pomegranates are good for? Well, you will be amazed to see that they are so useful in maintaining effective and healthy blood circulation, that several doctors suggest eating pomegranates to regain your strength after a long illness. Other health benefits include being a great cure for heart related problems, stomach disorders, cancer, dental conditions, osteoarthritis, anemia and diabetes. Pomegranates have been traditionally used for clearing up the skin and reducing inflammation. Pomegranate’s juice can also be useful for the treatment of sore throats.

According to a research study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, since pomegranates are rich in antioxidants, they can prevent the oxidization of LDL cholesterol, also known as ‘bad’ cholesterol.

The amazing health benefits of pomegranates can be enjoyed by consuming them in several ways. You can take them in the form of a juice or you can eat its seeds, syrup, paste, nectar or concentrate. Pomegranate syrups are useful for treating damage to cartilage and protects babies from brain damage incurred during their birth. These are just two of the important reasons that pomegranates have been turned to for their medicinal benefits since ancient times.

#2 Nutrient profile

One cup of arils (174 grams) contains (2):

Fiber: 7 grams.

Protein: 3 grams.

Vitamin C: 30% of the RDA.

Vitamin K: 36% of the RDA.

Folate: 16% of the RDA.

Potassium: 12% of the RDA.

The pomegranate arils (seeds) are also very sweet, with one cup containing 24 grams of sugar, and 144 calories.

However, where pomegranates really shine is in their content of powerful plant compounds, some of which have potent medicinal properties.

Bottom Line: The pomegranate is a fruit that contains hundreds of edible seeds called arils. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and bioactive plant compounds, but they also contain some sugar.

Here are top 12 reasons you should include them in your diet.

#3 Prevent heart disease:

Pomegranates are loaded with polyphenols that have powerful antioxidant properties. Antioxidants prevent free radical damage of the walls of arteries, thus preventing heart disease. They also prevent oxidation of cholesterol, which causes plaque formation and development of coronary artery disease.

#4 Fights Cancers

The high amounts of anti-oxidants, vitamin A, vitamin C and iron in pomegranates fight against free radicals, stopping them from damaging cells. Pomegranates thus prevent many cancers, especially prostate cancer (1), breast cancer (2) and lung cancer (3).

#5 Pomegranate May Lower Blood Pressure

Pomegranate With Cut Heart Shape

High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the leading drivers of heart attacks and strokes.

In one study, people with high blood pressure had a significant reduction after consuming 150 ml (5 oz) of pomegranate juice daily for 2 weeks.

Other studies have found similar effects, especially for systolic blood pressure (the higher number in a blood pressure reading).

Bottom Line: Regular intake of pomegranate juice has been shown to lower blood pressure levels in as little as 2 weeks.

#6 Boost Fertility

Trying to get pregnant or already pregnant? Consider adding some pomegranates to your diet. In men, consuming pomegranate extract has the potential to stimulate the creation of sperm, as well as improve motility and sperm count. In one study, a group of men took tablets that contained extract of pomegranate and powder of greater galangal rhizome (herb shown to be beneficial to male fertility). After taking the tablets for three months, the men who consumed the supplement saw 62 percent increases of sperm motility, compared to just 20 percent in the placebo group.

Pomegranate’s antioxidant properties help during pregnancy through protecting the placenta from issues caused by excess oxidative stress. In a randomized control trial, pregnant women consumed either 8 ounces of pomegranate juice or apple juice as a control. The researchers found those who consumed the pomegranate juice had decreased markers for the oxidative stress in the placenta, which may reduce pregnancy complications by limiting injury to the placenta.

#7 Boosts Immunity

A medium sized pomegranate contains 15% of the daily required vitamin C, which is very essential for a good immune system. So a pomegranate a day could improve your immunity and keep the doctor away.

#8 Pomegranate Benefits For Weight Loss

Another pomegranate health benefits is that it is high in antioxidants. If taken daily, it can help you in controlling your body weight. You can take the fruit in your daily diet and lose those extra calories (13). The high fiber content will also make sure that people feel more satiated after its consumption

#9 Improve Mood

According to some early research from Edinburgh’s Queen Margaret University, pomegranate juice may be linked to higher levels of testosterone.

Most of us know testosterone as a hormones in men, but it actually play an incredibly important role in mental health for men and women.

According to Harvard Medical School, higher testosterone levels may be linked to better brain function and the original QMU study notes that subjects reported better moods and lower anxiety as their testosterone levels climbed.

#10 Kick Up Libido

We mentioned earlier that pomegranate may help to crank up your body’s testosterone level.

Testosterone isn’t just great for a better mood, it also contributes to a much higher sex drive for men and for women.

A study from Emory University notes that testosterone is one of the primary drivers of female sex drive, so eating pomegranate regularly may help keep things steamy in the bedroom.

#11 Dental Care

One of the best benefits of pomegranates is that their juice, along with its antibacterial and antiviral properties, helps to reduce the effects of dental plaque and protects against various oral diseases.

#12 Anemia

Healthy blood flow can be maintained in the body by consuming this fruit in any form. Pomegranate supplies iron to the blood, thus helping to reduce symptoms of anemia, including exhaustion, dizziness, weakness, and hearing loss.

#13 Erectile Dysfunction:

Research published in the Journal of Urology states that pomegranate juice can also be very helpful in curing erectile dysfunctions based on animal studies. Researchers from University of California and Beverly Hills have also found that pomegranate juice improved erectile dysfunctions when they conducted tests on 61 men. The study was however sponsored by a pomegranate juice manufacturer.

The advantages and health benefits of pomegranates are countless, so get your hands on some of these juicy fruits and start reaping the benefits!

#14 Pomegranate Benefits For Skin

Serums made from this sour fruits’ seeds have been a favorite among many because of its non-greasy texture. It is also, as mentioned above, a very common ingredient in body products like facial creams, scrubbers, and massage oils. Don’t you want to know the unique quality these seeds hold? Listed below are the reasons behind the various benefits of pomegranates.

Maintains Skin Health

Moisturizes Skin

Aids In Cell Regeneration

Treats Acne

Anti-aging Benefits

Sun Protection

Heals Dry Skin & Cracks

Revitalizes Facial Skin

Treats Skin Infections

#15 How to Enjoy the Numerous Health Benefits

The antioxidant capabilities of pomegranate come up again and again as to the mechanisms of action for providing numerous health benefits for a range of disorders, from heart disease to diabetes to gingivitis to prostate and other cancers to other conditions associated with oxidative stress. There is also the potential for many other mechanisms of action in this versatile fruit that could lead to other benefits, such as positive changes in the microbiota.

With so many reasons to enjoy pomegranate, now is the time to find ways to take consume it and take advantage of the antioxidant power! Most studies use supplements or juice to determine the effects because they offer ways to consume higher quantities of the beneficial antioxidants. Taking pomegranate supplements is relatively safe with no serious adverse events associated with it; however, you will still need to check with your healthcare practitioner whether it is acceptable for you to take.

Consuming the juice is also a healthy option, as long as you choose one that is 100 percent pomegranate juice with no added sugar and little to no additional ingredients, especially unhealthy ones. Remember, simply eating the fruit still has health benefits, and there are many different ways you can add it to your menu for a delicious — and healthy — treat.

#16 Anything Else?

If you want to enjoy the health benefits outlined in the article, then you can either eat the pomegranate arils directly, or drink pomegranate juice.

At the end of the day, pomegranates are among the healthiest foods on the planet.

They have wide-ranging benefits, and may help reduce the risk of all sorts of serious diseases.

#17 watch the video here!