Pomegranates: A Healthy Maze of Red Arils.

What Is the Origin and Use of Pomegranates?

The pomegranate fruit hails from the deciduous shrub family Punica granatum. These shrubs are most commonly found in the Middle Eastern, Indian, North African, and Mediterranean subcontinents. The flowers of these plants are bright red in color, while the structure is unlike other fruit, possessing flesh and core contents. The outermost red layer of the fruit is shell-like and inedible, while the edible part of the pomegranate fruit is its arils and seeds. Pomegranate seeds are commonly used for culinary purposes but can be washed and eaten in raw or ripened forms.

The arils are rather sweet and juicy, while the seeds are crunchy in consistency. A white spongy layer can also be found in the pomegranate fruit bedding the arils that can be removed easily. The seed count in the fruit usually varies from 200 to 1400, depending on the available variety or type.

What Are the Properties of Pomegranate?

Pomegranate is classified under berries and has a flower-shaped stem. It has a bright red color and tart-like taste, which gives a combination of sweet and sour taste that attributes to a pH of 4.4.

Pomegranates are filled with antioxidant properties and possess anti-inflammatory compounds like punicalagin. The protective benefits of the fruit have a positive impact on multiple organ systems, including the heart, urinary tract, brain, digestive tract, endocrine system, etc. Pomegranate also demonstrated anticarcinogenic properties. Recent research has discovered nutritional evidence to support the use of pomegranate for increasing exercise endurance, aiding muscle recovery, and also for boosting generalized immunity and systemic health status.

What Is the Nutrition Content of Pomegranates?

The nutritional content of pomegranates found within one fruit (approximately 280 gms).

(DV stands for the contribution of the ‘daily value’ of nutrient intake in humans).

• Calories: 234 Cal.

• Carbohydrates: 52 grams.

• Protein: 4.7 grams.

• Fats: 3.3 grams.

• Fibers: 11.3 grams.

• Calcium: 28.2 mg, or 2 % of DV.

• Iron: 0.85 mg, or 5 % of DV.

• Magnesium: 33.8 mg, or 8 % of DV.

• Phosphorus: 102 mg, or 8 % of DV.

• Potassium: 666 mg, or 13 % of DV.

• Sugar: 38.6 grams.

• Ascorbic acid (vitamin C): 28.8 mg, or 32 % of DV.

• Folate (vitamin B9): 107 mcg, or 27 % of DV.

What Are the Systemic Health Benefits of Pomegranate?

The nutrient-dense fruit has a positive impact on all organ systems with several systemic benefits:

1. Rich in Antioxidants: These fruits are rich in certain polyphenolic compounds, which offer protection from oxidative stress and damage.
2. Increased Antimicrobial Property: Pomergranatre contains certain bioactive compounds called punicalagin, anthocyanins, and hydrolyzable tannins. Along with increased antioxidant activity, these compounds help fight potential microbial infections caused by certain types of bacteria, fungi, or yeast.
3. Improvement in Exercise Endurance: The polyphenols found in pomegranates have been proven to boost stamina or increase exercise endurance levels which translates to an increased time for an individual to participate in a physical activity before getting tired. Research suggests that just one gram of pomegranate extract may be linked to potentially 30 minutes of improved exercise endurance duration.
4. Neuroprotective: There are compounds called ellagitannins found in pomegranate that act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Some clinical studies have also discovered a potential link between ellagitannins in neuroprotectivity by reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. These ellagitannins may further reduce oxidative damage, thereby enhancing the survival of neural cells.
5. Cardioprotective: Polyphenolic compounds found in pomegranate may benefit people suffering from cardiovascular diseases. The fruit can be added to daily or weekly diets, albeit with a dietician, nutritionist, or cardiologist consultation. Research indicates that pomegranate extract fights off oxidative stress, reduces arterial inflammation, helps lower blood pressure, and can also help prevent atherosclerosis by thwarting arterial buildups that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
6. Anti-Inflammatory: Pomegranates contain compounds called ellagitannins, which also act as antioxidants and reduce inflammation in the body.
7. Rich Fiber Source: Pomegranate is a lower-calorific food that can be added to healthy dietary regimens because of its low-fat, moderate protein content, and other nutrient-dense properties. The fiber-rich properties of pomegranate, along with potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and zinc contents, can significantly boost the host immunity of the individual.

Thus, the possible health benefits are numerous, and rarely any adverse effects are observed in consumers. Some reactions might be seen in individuals with allergies or under systemic anticoagulant therapies.

How Is Pomegranate Used in Cuisines?

Pomegranate is also considered a good home remedy in the ayurvedic medicine system. The seeds can be used in flavoring, baking, as parts of syrup, in cold beverages, as food garnishes, and even sprinkled over salads. The dried seeds are traditional spices commonly used in Indian cuisines. It is a popular topping on yogurts, or the seeds can be consumed alone as a snack or even used in salads. In Turkish cuisine, it is common to see pomegranate used in the marination of meat and for salad dressing. Natural Pomegranate fruit juice (without added sugar) can also be equally beneficial and provide the same benefits as the consumption of the seeds.

Conclusion

Thus, pomegranate can be considered a wholesome fruit with numerous systemic health benefits and potential for regular culinary use. The seed and arils of the fruit can always be consumed, yielding good daily nutrition value. Individuals on systemic medications can consult their dietician or nutritionist before incorporating pomegranate into their diet.