Eating for Brain Health: Top Health Benefits of Pomegranate.
Pomegranate is a type of tree, and people use different parts of the tree and its fruit to make medicine.
People have used pomegranate for a long time to try and help with things like high blood pressure, being better at sports, heart problems, diabetes, and more. But there’s not a lot of strong scientific proof to say it works for all of these things.
Pomegranate has been around for thousands of years and is mentioned in the stories and writings of different cultures like the Greeks, Hebrews, Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians. It’s even been written about as a treatment for things like tapeworms a long, long time ago.
Lots of different cultures also use pomegranate as a kind of natural medicine. Pomegranates come from Iran, but they also grow in places like the Mediterranean, parts of the USA, Afghanistan, Russia, India, China, and Japan. Sometimes you’ll see pomegranate symbols on flags and in the emblems of important groups like royalty and medical organizations.
Health Benefits of Pomegranates:
Pomegranates have some really good stuff in them that can be great for your health. Here are a couple of reasons why they’re good:
1. Loads of Good Stuff:
Pomegranates are packed with lots of important things your body needs, like:
Vitamin E: This acts like an armor against bad stuff.
Vitamin K: This is important for stopping bleeding.
Magnesium: It’s like a helper for keeping your blood pressure and sugar levels in check.
2. Wound Healing:
In some studies, scientists have used pomegranate flowers and extracts to help wounds heal faster. They noticed that the wounds treated with pomegranate got smaller, and the new skin that grew looked really good. There weren’t many inflamed cells in the area either.
They didn’t use pomegranate juice in this experiment, but it shows that pomegranates might be good for healing wounds.
3. Keeps Inflammation Away:
Sometimes, our bodies have inflammation, which can lead to health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Eating pomegranates might help stop this kind of inflammation.
It’s because of something called punicalagins in pomegranates. They’re like protectors and fighters against inflammation.
4. Good for Your Heart:
Pomegranates, with their special compounds, can be good for your heart. In one study, people with heart problems who drank pomegranate juice felt less chest pain, and it seemed to protect their hearts.
5. Helps Your Urinary Health:
Pomegranate extract can be helpful for your kidneys. In a study, it stopped the things that make kidney stones from forming. It also helps balance the stuff in your blood that can lead to kidney stones. So, pomegranates can do some pretty good things for your body.
6. They’re a Source of Potassium:
Pomegranate juice has something called potassium, which is good for your muscles, nerves, and heart.
A cup of pomegranate juice has nearly 533 milligrams of potassium. The arils (those juicy seeds) have about 205 milligrams in half a cup.
7. They Have Carbs (the Good Kind):
Despite some people saying bad things about carbs, our bodies actually need them. Carbs are an important part of our meals and snacks.
Including pomegranate arils and juice in your meals can help you get the carbs you need.
8. They Give You Vitamin C:
Pomegranate arils have something called vitamin C, which is really good for you. Half a cup of these arils has about 9 milligrams of vitamin C, which is around 10% of what grown-ups need.
Vitamin C is like an antioxidant superhero. It helps other good things in your body work better.It’s important for stuff like making proteins, collagen (for your skin), and helping your immune system fight off bad things. Plus, it helps your body absorb iron from plant-based foods.
8. Good for Your Brain:
Pomegranates are really good for your brain. They have something called ellagitannins, which are like tiny superheroes that fight inflammation in your body.
Some smart folks in white lab coats have found that ellagitannins can help protect your brain from diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. They do this by stopping bad stuff called oxidative damage and making sure your brain cells stay strong.
It turns out ellagitannins can make a special thing called urolithin A in your tummy. This urolithin A is like a secret weapon against brain inflammation, and it can even slow down those pesky cognitive diseases.
9. May Keep the Germs Away:
Pomegranate stuff can also help you fight off those mean germs.
For example, they can be like a shield for your mouth. They stop those germ bullies from causing bad breath and ruining your teeth.
Pomegranate Nutrition
Pomegranates are good for you because they have things your body needs. Here’s what you can find in half of a pomegranate, which is one serving:
- Calories: 72 (not too many)
- Protein: 2.35 grams (helps your body grow)
- Fat: 1.6 grams (not too much)
- Carbohydrates: 26 grams (gives you energy)
- Fiber: 5.5 grams (good for your digestion)
- Sugar: 20 grams (a bit sweet)
If you drink 8 ounces of pomegranate juice, here’s what you get:
- Calories: 135 (a bit more than eating the fruit)
- Protein: 1 gram (not much)
- Fat: 0 grams (none)
- Carbohydrates: 34 grams (more than eating the fruit)
- Fiber: 1 gram (less than eating the fruit)
- Sugar: 30 grams (sweeter than eating the fruit)
- Sodium: 10 grams (a little bit)
Even though some of the vitamin C is lost when you turn pomegranates into juice, you still get a lot of potassium, which is good for your heart and nerves. It’s about 536 mg, and that’s helpful for your body.
If you want the health benefits of pomegranates without too many calories, look for juices that say “100% juice” and avoid drinks with added sugar.
Potential Risks of Pomegranate and Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranates are usually safe to eat, but they might cause problems for some people. It’s rare, but some folks could have an allergic reaction to pomegranates. If you’re allergic to plants, you should be careful. Look out for signs like hives or having trouble breathing.
Also, pomegranates can affect how certain medicines work in your body. So, if you’re taking medications like:
- Pills for high blood pressure (like ACE inhibitors)
- Medicines for high cholesterol (like Crestor) that break down in your liver
- Blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
You might want to talk to your doctor or be cautious about eating too many pomegranates. It’s essential to make sure they won’t interfere with your medications.
Ways to Enjoy Pomegranate
You can make pomegranate part of your meals in these simple ways:
- Quinoa Salad: Throw some pomegranate seeds into a quinoa salad along with fresh fruits and veggies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on your yogurt and granola to create a tasty parfait.
- Salad Booster: Add pomegranate seeds to your salad to give it a delightful crunch and flavor.
- Fruity Smoothie: Blend pomegranate juice with bananas and yogurt to whip up a yummy smoothie.
- Homemade Dressing: Mix pomegranate juice, rice vinegar, oil, garlic, and a touch of sugar to create your own delicious salad dressing. Learn More……Weight loss Salad Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Many folks have questions about pomegranates. Here are some of the common ones:
1. When’s the best time to munch on a pomegranate?
In the United States, pomegranates grow in California, and they’re at their best in the fall. So, you can enjoy them as a fall treat!
2. Can folks with diabetes drink pomegranate juice?
Pomegranate juice could be helpful for people with diabetes, but it’s important to chat with your doctor to make sure it fits into your meal plan. Also, check if the pomegranate juices you’re drinking doesn’t have extra sugar added to it.
3. How much pomegranate juice should I drink each day?
For most people, having a cup of 100% pomegranate juice as part of your diet is fine. But if you have any health issues, it’s best to talk to your doctor before increasing your juice intake.
4. Are there any bad things that can happen from drinking pomegranate juice?
Usually, pomegranate juice is safe for most people. But the roots, stems, and peel have some stuff that might not be great. Some folks have reported tummy troubles like diarrhea and allergies.
5. Is it okay to have pomegranate juice every day?
Well, some smart scientists think it’s a good idea to have pomegranate juice regularly because it’s good for your heart and has other benefits.
