Benefits and Side effects of Pomegranate
2022-01-28 15:37:37
Pomegranate or Punica granatum is a shrub that produces red fruit. Itis among the healthiest fruits on Earth and is used to make medicine due to the rich medicinal properties. The seeds and arils are the edible parts of the fruit that are eaten raw or made into pomegranate juice which is highly beneficial for health.
Pomegranate contains a variety of chemicals that also have antioxidants. Some preliminary studies have shown that the chemicals in pomegranate juice can slow the progression of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and potentially fight cancer cells.
Benefits of Pomegranate
Prevents hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
Pomegranate contains antioxidants known as polyphenols that help to keep the arteries fat-free. Polyphenols also help in expansion and contraction of arteries that keeps the blood flow normal and prevent them from hardening. Studies show that drinking pomegranate juice can also help keep the neck arteries (carotid arteries) free from fat buildup.
Increase athletic performance
Taking pomegranate extract might make cycling easier. Studies show that taking pomegranate juice enhances blood vessel diameter leading tobetter flow of blood and oxygen delivery to themuscles in action. It can also increase the duration of cycling.
Good for Heart health
Drinking pomegranate juice can increase blood flow to the heart and helps prevent heart disease-related events such as heart attacks.
Reduces tooth plaque
Pomegranate contains antibacterial properties that help in plaque formation in the mouth. Therefore, gargling with pomegranate extract mouthwash for a minute once or twice a day can reduce tooth plaque.
Good in diabetes
Pomegranates are a rich source of antioxidants which helps to slow down the release of the free sugars in the body thereby controlling the blood sugar levels. Drinking fresh pomegranate juice thus improves blood sugar and helps to get rid of diabetes.
Helpful in breast cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women and pomegranate juice can help fight breast cancer cells by inhibiting the estrogen levels.
Regulates blood pressure
High blood pressure often leads to heart attacks and strokes. So, consuming pomegranate juice lowers the blood pressure due to the presence of vitamins, fibres and minerals.
Helpful in arthritis and joint pain
Pomegranate has anti-inflammatory properties so it may be beneficial against several forms of arthritis and reduces joint pain.
Keeps bacterial and fungal infections at bay
Pomegranate has antibacterial and antiviral properties which help reduce the common gum diseases and yeast infections.
Improves memory
Pomegranate improves memory in older adults and post-surgery. It protects against Alzheimer's disease.
Erectile dysfunction
Drinking pomegranate juice daily for 4 weeks helps increase blood flow and reduces symptoms of erectile dysfunction.
Side effects of Pomegranate
Pomegranate juice is possibly safe for most people when consumed in typical amounts but there are certain people who need to be careful. Some people are sensitive to pomegranate extract. Symptoms of sensitivity include itching, swelling, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.
The root, stem, and peel of pomegranate contains poison and is unsafe to take in large amounts.
People with low blood pressure should not drink pomegranate juice as it is used to control high blood pressure. It can harm patients with low blood pressure.
Where is Pomegranate found?
Pomegranate trees can be found all over India. Pomegranate cultivation is mainly done in the hills of western Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Apart from India, pomegranate grows in Iran and Afghanistan.