Pomegranates, romman in Arabic, are among the healthiest fruits on Earth. They're loaded with the nutrients required for optimal health. Being rich in Vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants, pomegranates can help fight skin inflammation and treat acne breakouts and dark spots, giving you a glowing skin. Studies also show that eating pomegranates or drinking pomegranate juice can help protect against certain cancers and Alzheimer's disease. These juicy fruits can also help women overcome depression during menstruation. Pomegranates have been used for thousands of years as medicine, and some say that mixing crushed pomegranate leaves with water and drinking it can help manage vitiligo. Pomegranate seed oil is known to help eczema and psoriasis. Pomegranate syrup can be used to treat damaged cartilage, and it can help protect babies from damage incurred during birth. We can all enjoy the benefits of this amazing fruit in the form of juice, seeds, syrup, paste, oil or even peel and leaves. The pomegranate is a fruit that contains hundreds of edible sugary seeds. Just one cup of these contains seven g of fibre, three g of protein, 24 g of sugar and 144 calories. It also contains 18 g of Vitamin C (30 per cent of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA), and 29 mg of Vitamin K (36 per cent of RDA). It contains 16 per cent of the RDA of folic acid and 12 per cent of the RDA of potassium. The RDA is the estimated amount of a nutrient or calories per day considered necessary for the maintenance of good health by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council at the National Academy of Sciences in the US. Here are some more of the surprising potential benefits of pomegranates: Improving hair health: The powerful antioxidants in pomegranates can strengthen the hair follicles, improve circulation to the scalp, and stimulate hair growth. Eating pomegranate seeds can help in reducing hair fall because the seeds, and especially the seed oil, contain punicic acid that makes the hair strong. The oil can also be used in hot-oil treatments for smoothing frizzy hair and conditioning curly and wavy hair. Pomegranate seed paste might also reverse greying. Strengthening teeth: Recent studies have shown that pomegranates work wonderfully well in strengthening gums and fastening loose teeth. They are also effective against oral bacteria as they possess antimicrobial properties. A gel made from the fruit was found to be effective in treating gingivitis, while pomegranate seeds can have a positive effect on dental plaque. Boosting digestive health: Pomegranate seeds can boost digestive health as they contain B-complex Vitamins that help our bodies convert fat, protein, and carbohydrates into energy. The seeds also contain fibre, another essential nutrient for good digestion that prevents and treats constipation as well. Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, the seeds can treat other gastrointestinal issues like ulcerative colitis. However, since pomegranates are an acidic fruit, they can aggravate certain digestive problems like heartburn and acid reflux. Reducing heart problems: A regular intake of pomegranate juice can maintain a good flow of blood in the body and thus decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The antioxidant components in pomegranates help keep bad cholesterol from accumulating in the blood, keeping the arteries clear of clots. Reducing anemia: Pomegranate juice is a good source of iron, and it works well in eliminating any iron deficiency in the body, thus reducing the symptoms of anemia like exhaustion, dizziness, weakness, and hearing loss. As a good source of Vitamin K, pomegranate juice helps in blood clotting, and the folic acid in it is required for healthy red blood cell formation. Preventing cancer: Drinking a glass of pomegranate juice a day can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer and aid in the fight against existing cancer cells. Studies have shown that pomegranate juice can help prevent colon, lung, prostate, and breast cancer cells from growing. The high level of anti-oxidants called flavonoids in the juice stimulates the white blood cells and neutralises toxins in the body. Boosting skin health: Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants like proanthocyanidins and flavonoids that work wonders for the skin by delaying the signs of aging. They also promote the regeneration of healthy skin cells, preventing hyperpigmentation and recurring dark spots. Pomegranates can also help boost the skin's ability to protect itself from the sun, and this can be helpful in treating pigmentation issues. Eating a pomegranate a day can also help treat rosacea, thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of the fruit that inhibit the inflammatory activity of some human skin cells.
