9 benefits of pomegranates

Did you know pomegranates are considered the ‘fruits of paradise’ since ancient times? It’s not just their unique crunchy and juicy qualities but also nutritional value that makes them irresistible. Several Ayurvedic healing system mention pomegranates use as a natural remedy for various health issues. As compiled from www.thehealthsite.com, here are the reasons you should include them in your diet.

1) Prevent heart disease

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

2) Lower blood pressure

Punicic acid is one of the main constituents of pomegranates that help lower cholesterol, triglycerides and reduce blood pressure. A study has shown that pomegranate components reduce risk factors for heart disease in patients with diabetes and high LDL levels.

3) May help prevent cancer

From prostate to breast, lung and skin cancer, pomegranates can help prevent them all. This property of the delicious fruits is also attributed to the presence of polyphenol antioxidants. Studies have shown that pomegranate juice can inhibit the growth of tumour cells and induce natural death in them. Certain compounds in pomegranates have an anti-inflammatory ability that also contributes to its anti-cancer property.

4) Help digestion

To keep your digestive system healthy, you need to include fibre-rich sources in your diet. However, our busy lifestyles and personal preferences for junk food have deprived us of its goodness. Eating a pomegranate every day is a good way to add fibre to your daily diet. One pomegranate can fulfill about 45% of your daily recommended intake of fibre, which is about 20g to 35g.

5) Boost immunity

Being rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, pomegranates are extremely healthy for those suffering from immune-related disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. They are also rich in vitamin C, which boosts antibody production and development of immunity. Pomegranates can thus help maintain a healthy immune system and stave of common illnesses and infections.

6) Keep you looking younger

Ever wondered why we grow old and our skin develops wrinkles, etc.? Well, it is because of free radical damage that affects your cells. Polyphenolic compounds in pomegranates are powerful antioxidants that can delay the process of ageing. Therefore, eating pomegranate keeps your skin glowing and radiant for a longer time.

7) Lowers stress levels

Apart from reducing the body’s internal oxidative stress, pomegranates also help lower psychological stress that one goes through. According to a study, people who drink pomegranate juice have lower levels of cortisol – a stress hormone that is increased under difficult situations.

8) Keep Alzheimer’s at bay

Researchers suggest pomegranates play an important role in prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. A study conducted showed that pomegranate juice reduces the deposition and accumulation of amyloid in the hippocampus region of the brain by 50%, which could be considered for Alzheimer’s disease improvement.

9) Prevent plaque formation

If you mouth wash to keep improve your oral health, pomegranate juice could be a better option for you. Certain compounds in pomegranate exhibit strong antiplaque effects. A study showed that hydro-alcoholic extract of pomegranates effectively lowered dental plaque formation due to microorganisms build up by almost 84%.

Compiled By: Amna Hashmi

Published in The Express Tribune, October 1^st, 2016.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.