“Here an aril there an aril, aril on top of an aril”, please don’t get confused, this is not a poetry website and I’m not a poet. I’m just singing a very popular Hindi film song in English, the song is in the form of a riddle, let see if you can guess it “icchak daana beechak daana, daane upar daana, eechak daana, bolo kya?” and this where everyone chimes in “ANAAAAAR” or “POMEGRANATE.”
Our love for pomegranates is so deep rooted that it has become a beauty standard just like flowers, and why not, this beautiful round and bright red fruit is nothing short of glowing ball of fire.
Health Benefits of Pomegranate
1. Loaded with Nutrients
If you want potassium, fibre, protein, folate, and vitamins C and K in your diet then one of the best sources of that is a beautiful red pomegranate. It also contains two plant compounds, punicalagin and punicic acid, filled with antioxidants and fatty acids and have high medicinal value. Pomegranates also help in improving memory and exercise performance.
Its anti-inflammatory properties aid in the preclusion of fatal diseases like cancers (specifically prostate cancer and breast cancer), diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart diseases, and obesity. Regular intake of pomegranate juice keeps blood pressure, and cholesterol in check, and the arils are known to block enzymes that cause arthritis.
2. Improves Carnal Performance
Pomegranate juice has been known to repair oxidative damage which hampers the blood flow in the erectile tissue causing erectile dysfunction. Oxidative stress also hampers sperm dysfunction in men and infertility among women. Pomegranates, especially in the form of juice, reduce oxidative stress in the placenta and also increases testosterone level in both men and women, thus making it a perfect fertility support ingredient.
3. Anti-fungal & Anti-bacterial Properties
Pomegranate has also been proven to have anti-fungal and anti-bacterial functions and treat conditions like gingivitis, periodontitis and denture stomatitis. Pomegranates are loaded with vitamins B and E which fight off infections and viruses to protect our immune system from various illnesses. The plant compound in pomegranate is known for fighting harmful microorganisms, inflammation of the mouth, various gum diseases and yeast infections like Candida Albicans.
Skin Benefits of Pomegranate
1. Acne Treatment
Whenever our body is under stress or under the attack of harmful toxins it always shows on our faces and acne is the most common symptom. Acne is caused by inflammation of the skin and the antioxidant properties of pomegranates prevent skin inflammation thus preventing breakouts. Pomegranate is also an excellent exfoliator, penetrates deep into the skin to remove all the dirt, excess oil and toxins, it results in the opening of the pores and letting the skin breathe openly.
All you need to do is grind some pomegranate seeds and mix them with rose water, apply the paste all over the face, then scrub it thoroughly especially on affected areas and wash it off gently with cold water. Feel the difference and enjoy your skin afterwards.
2. Skin Hydration
Pomegranates are a rich source of vitamin C which can repairs skins texture and brightness and rejuvenates dry and dull skin. It is also a natural cleanser, as discussed earlier pomegranate contains flavonoids and punicic acid, the pomegranate seed oil nourishes the skin effectively providing the needed glow and radiance.
Pomegranate juice can be applied as a mask when mixed with bentonite or Aztec clay. Keeping it rested on your skin for an hour gives you a natural glow and nourishment needed by your skin.
Pomegranate Nutritional Facts:
Amount Per 1 pomegranate (4″ dia) (282 g)
- Fat: 3.3 g
- Sugar: 39 g
- Protein: 4.7 g
- Sodium: 8.5 mg
- Folate: 9.24 mcg
- Magnesium: 33.8 mg
- Potassium: 665.5 mg
- Vitamic C: 28.8 mg
- Vitamin K: 7.08 mcg
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Dietary Fiber: 11 g
- Calories: 233 calories