Pomegranates are a round-shaped fruit with reddish yellowish color on the top. Split one open to reveal delicious, juicy and ruby-like red color seeds. These seeds are known as arils, which can be relished raw or in the form of a juice. The pomegranate is valued for its delicious juice as well as its nutritive and therapeutic qualities. Some like to eat its seeds while others like to drink pomegranate juice. It is wonderfully easy to enjoy the luscious jewel of the fruit just by itself or adding it to any of your meals to elevate your recipe to the next level. This scrumptious fruit is not only known for its taste but also for its health benefits. Pomegranate is one of the most delicious and beneficial fruits of all. In Pakistan, Balochistan is the main producer of pomegranates, although Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab are also producing pomegranates in isolated areas on a small scale. Pomegranate is a fruit with multiple benefits and worthy of our appreciation and is available in the market from September to February. Pomegranate is a fruit with powerful antioxidant functions that can help improve your immunity levels, lung functioning and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent that can provide ample amounts of benefits to your body.  We know eating fruits on a regular basis is key for optimal health. pomegranate is popular for its uses.

Let’s deep dive into each of the functions this beautiful fruit holds!

Nutrition Facts of Pomegranate

Pomegranates are often appreciated because they are filled with more antioxidants like punicalagin than other superfoods like acai berry juice or green tea. Pomegranates are also high in vitamin C, with 100 ml containing 16 percent of a person’s daily requirement. It also contains high amounts of vitamin K that helps to support bone health and vitamin B5 that helps the body metabolize, protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Pomegranates are filled with manganese which helps to form bone structures during the metabolic process and potassium that helps to maintain cellular functions and balance fluid levels. The fruit is also high in phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, zinc and iron. There is very little fat in a pomegranate, and it does not contain cholesterol. The fruit only has 130-150 calories, with around 105 calories being derived from the seeds. These seeds are high in calories because they contain unsaturated oils, sugar, and carbohydrates but there is a great deal of fiber and some protein in these seeds as well.

Health Benefits of Pomegranate

Due to its antioxidant activity, pomegranate juice is a boon for the lungs. When consumed on a regular basis, it can help cleanse the lungs, a much-needed detox for consistent smokers. It may also help to pump oxygen levels in your blood and ultimately all these functions can improve the overall functioning of your lungs, which is a much-needed drive in today’s age. The high amounts of iron in pomegranates will raise hemoglobin levels in your blood to help  immunity. Last year, we all understood the importance of a strong immune system. Pomegranate, being a great source of Vitamin C, contains two important compounds punicalagin and punicic acid; and acts as an antioxidant that can help your body fight disease-causing germs. Pomegranate juice can act as a blood thinner and helps to remove plaque from the arteries that will help to minimize the risk of atherosclerosis. Consuming pomegranate juice can help lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol to improve heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems. Some studies have shown that pomegranate extracts can block enzymes that are known to damage joints in people with osteoarthritis. The enzyme inhibitors in pomegranate juice can help to prevent damage to the cartilage. It can also help to control cartilage degeneration to prevent osteoarthritis. The anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranates stem from its high vitamin C content that will help to manage asthma, sore throat, cough and wheezing. Pomegranate is a powerful anti-bacterial and is used as a natural remedy to cure stomach disorders such as diarrhea, dysentery and cholera. Pomegranate seeds boost digestive health as they have B-complex vitamins. These vitamins help your body convert fat, protein, and carbohydrates into energy. The seeds also contain fiber, another essential nutrient for digestion. This fiber prevents and treats constipation as well. Pomegranate juice helps to secrete enzymes with anti-bacterial properties that aid digestion and help to fight off hemorrhoids, nausea, dysentery, intestinal parasites, piles and diarrhea. You can also use pomegranate juice as a laxative to treat constipation. People are finding that pomegranates have a natural property that provides you with additional energy and cleanse the body, making it easier to lose weight.

Beauty Benefits of Pomegranate

Pomegranate is also an effective ingredient for our skin. It not only helps to improve the texture of our skin, but also slows down the process of ageing. Known for its nutritional goodness, it can be used as a multipurpose skin-care routine that will end all your skin problems and will give you a natural glowing skin. Pomegranates can help to prevent hyperpigmentation, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles that are often caused by sun damage. Pomegranates have anti-ageing properties and can rejuvenate your skin internally as well as externally. Pomegranates are often used to help relieve blood clots and can help to create a more youthful appearance. Drinking a glass of pomegranate juice daily helps to attain glowing skin.

How to Store Pomegranate without Affecting Its Nutritional Value

It is always recommended to enjoy pomegranate arils fresh and not to store them. But, in case you are not able to relish the seeds due to lack of time, storing the seeds may help. Fresh arils can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also store the whole fruit in a cool, dry place or even in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh for up to 1 month.

These are the benefits of pomegranate which you just cannot miss. If you aren’t a fan of this fruit, we are sure these benefits will make you one.

Pop those little rubies in your mouth and charge up your antioxidant levels!