Garnet

Pomegranate is one of the healthiest fruits on earth. These fruits contain a number of unique compounds not found in any other plant based food. Numerous studies have shown that these fruits have incredible abilities: they can reduce the risk of developing almost all types of diseases.

General characteristics

Pomegranate is a deciduous shrub, the fruits of which biologists classify as berries. Its ripe red fruit is 5 to 12 cm in diameter and weighs about 200 g. The rind of the fruit is thick and inedible.

The inner part is divided into “compartments” with thin white partitions, bitter in taste. Ripe seeds are very juicy and sweet, usually raspberry-colored. This plant is believed to be native to Persia or northern India. It can reach up to 8 meters in height. Today they are grown as a fruit crop and as ornamental plants. They tolerate drought and moderate frosts well. For industrial purposes, pomegranate is cultivated in India, Iran, Transcaucasia, Mediterranean countries, American California. ^[1].

The most ancient food?

The name pomegranate comes from a medieval Latin word that can be translated as “apple with seeds.” These fruits are mentioned in many ancient texts, including the Torah, the Koran, Mesopotamian records, and the books of Homer. History researchers suggest that the first pomegranate trees grew on the territory of modern Iran, then the plant spread through the lands that now belong to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Russia. It “emigrated” to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the Far East, it was found along the historical Great Silk Road. In those days, the pomegranate was considered a symbol of abundance and offspring.

Archaeologists have found charred remains of pomegranate fruits in the settlements of the early Bronze Age (which is almost 3000 BC). Grenades were found in Jericho, Cyprus, in the tomb of Tutankhamun. By the way, these fruits were regularly delivered to the table of the pharaohs, and the plant itself was considered a symbol of life after death. Already in those days, pomegranate juice was used as a remedy for parasites, skin paint and for cosmetic purposes.

Images of pomegranates have also been found on the pillars of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, on the ancient clothes of Jewish clergy, on the mosaics of Ancient Rome, where this plant was called the Phoenician apple. The ancient Romans wore a sprig of pomegranate to indicate their marital status. In Zoroastrian temples, this fruit symbolized eternal life and fertility. In Persia, it was considered a symbol of strength, and Buddhists considered it one of the three blessed fruits.

Pomegranates occupied a leading place in many world religions. The Greeks spoke about him in their legends, Jews, Muslims, and Hindus revered him. In Christianity, it is referred to as a symbol of the Virgin Mary. This fruit was respected in medieval Europe (used in heraldry and various types of art) and during the Renaissance. He is loved all over the world today.

Useful components

Pomegranate is a real storehouse of nutrients. But among them there are two, perhaps the most important ones – these are punicalagins and punicic (or punic) acid. Punicalagins are powerful antioxidants found in pomegranate juice and peel. In terms of their effectiveness, they are 3 times higher than the beneficial properties of red wine and green tea. Punic acid is mainly concentrated in the peel of the fruit and also has powerful biological properties. ^[2].

The researchers calculated that pomegranates contain more than a dozen useful polyphenols, which makes the juice from these fruits much more useful than a drink made from grapes or blueberries.

This healthy fruit contains almost no calories (100 g is slightly more than 80 kcal), which is almost identical to the calorie content of an apple. ^[3]. It is free of cholesterol and saturated fat, but is an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber (providing approximately 12% of the Daily Value). It is a good source of vitamin C, so it is useful as an immune booster. Regular consumption of fruit provides the body with vital B vitamins, as well as many macro- and microelements. ^[4].

Value for the body

Anti-inflammatory

Chronic inflammation in the spectrum of all diseases of mankind occupy one of the first places. Pomegranate fruits are characterized by strong anti-inflammatory properties, which largely depend on the antioxidants contained in the fruit. Studies have shown that pomegranates can reduce inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Protection against cancer

Pomegranate can protect against prostate cancer. So say scientists who conducted experiments using the juice of this berry. It turned out that the substances contained in the pomegranate slow down the reproduction of cancer cells, and in some cases even cause their death. ^[6]. Researchers say 240 ml of pomegranate juice daily is enough for men to protect themselves from prostate cancer. ^[7].

Useful fruit and women. Pomegranate juice will protect women from breast cancer, the most common type of cancer among women.

Against arthritis and joint pain

There are different types of arthritis, but all of them are accompanied by inflammation in the joints. Considering that the phytochemicals in pomegranate have anti-inflammatory properties, it makes sense to say that these fruits are useful in the treatment of arthritis. Recent laboratory studies have confirmed that pomegranate extract is able to block enzymes that cause joint damage in osteoarthritis. ^[8].

Pomegranates for mushrooms!

It turned out that pomegranate juice is also useful in the fight against harmful bacteria and fungi. Including this fruit will help people with diseases caused by fungi of the genus Candida. Due to the antifungal and antibacterial effect, the fruit will protect against infections and inflammations in the oral cavity, such as stomatitis, periodontitis and gingivitis. ^[9].

To improve memory

There is a lot of evidence that pomegranates are good for brain performance, in particular, they improve memory. ^[10].

The experiment showed that it is enough to drink about a glass of juice every day to improve verbal and visual memory. In old age, pomegranate juice will protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Also, this fruit is useful for people after operations.

Benefits for the heart

High blood pressure can lead to a heart attack or stroke over time, but pomegranate juice can help prevent the disease. Studies have shown that it is enough to drink 2 ml of natural juice for 150 weeks to bring blood pressure within normal limits. And punicic acid is able to strengthen the heart and protect it from certain diseases. ^[11]. In addition, the juice has been proven by scientists to effectively lower cholesterol and triglycerides, which is also important for health. ^[12].

Effect on erection

Interestingly, pomegranate juice can improve erection in men. Experience with 53 men showed that this fruit improves blood flow, relieving symptoms of erectile dysfunction ^[13].

Benefits for athletes

Pomegranate is rich in chemical compounds that increase the physical endurance of the body. As a result of the study, it was found that if 30 g of pomegranate extract is taken 1 minutes before training, the blood supply to the body will significantly improve, which as a result will make sports activities more effective and prevent fatigue. By the way, beet juice gives a similar result.

What can be treated with grenades

These fruits, incomparable in their benefits, are useful for the treatment ^[14]:

• stomach upset;
• anemia;
• sore throats;
• inflammations (including on the skin);
• depression;
• Alzheimer’s disease.

Also, grenades are important for children with a lack of weight, disorders of the brain.

Possible hazards

Pomegranate juice is a very acidic product, and for this reason it is absolutely not suitable for people with stomach ulcers and high acidity. Also, punicic acid may not be the best way to affect tooth enamel. It is not recommended to give pomegranate juice to children under one year old. Some warnings are also associated with the peel of the fruit: it contains toxic substances and can cause severe poisoning.

How to choose and store pomegranate

It is believed that the most delicious fruits grow in the southern regions of Afghanistan. A ripe fruit is easily recognizable by its bright crimson skin, and when tapped with a finger, it makes a metallic ringing sound. Overripe fruits become very hard on the outside and inedible on the inside. Spotted fruits can be hard and bitter. Also, do not take pomegranates with mold, cracks, shriveled, and soft fruits, as a rule, are rotten inside.

You can store ripe fruits at room temperature for more than that, and in the refrigerator they will keep fresh for several weeks. In general, the shelf life of pomegranates is quite long.

How to clean

The average pomegranate contains approximately 1300 grains. But everyone who has ever tried to split this fruit knows how difficult it is not to damage them and not splash themselves with bright red juice. However, there is an easy way to cut pomegranates. At the same time, it guarantees clean hands, clothes, kitchen and cutting board.

To do this, you will first need to cut off the “crown” of the fruit, and then make several cuts along the peel from the place of the “crown” along the fruit. And now the biggest trick: fill a pot of water and dip the pomegranate into the water. Already under water, gently stretch the peel with your fingers so that the grains spill out into the water. Then drain the liquid, and blot the pomegranate seeds with a paper towel.

Use in cooking

It is one of the most popular fruits used in the food industry. From these fruits, you can make tasty and healthy juice, from which delicious jellies, sauces, salad dressings, aromatic additives to pastries and various desserts are then obtained. Pomegranate seeds are added to salads and rice dishes. It is a traditional ingredient in Mediterranean and Oriental cuisine.

Chicken with walnuts in pomegranate sauce

Rub chicken with poultry seasoning and fry in oil until golden brown. In the meantime, fry the onion in butter, add tomato sauce to it and simmer for a few minutes. Then pour chopped walnuts into this mixture, and after a few minutes pour a little water, add salt, ground pepper, a little cinnamon and sugar, then about a glass of pomegranate juice and 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for about 25 minutes. Put portioned chicken slices into the prepared sauce, cover again and continue to simmer for about 20 minutes over very low heat. If needed, you can add some water. Serve with rice.

Used in cosmetics

Like many centuries ago today, cosmetologists use pomegranate extract to rejuvenate and protect the skin. It protects the epidermis and promotes skin cell regeneration, improves circulation and accelerates the healing of wounds and burns. Antioxidants restore the skin after the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, prevent aging and the appearance of early wrinkles. Pomegranate oil makes the skin soft, smooth, relieves dryness, irritation and microcracks, effectively treats acne, blackheads, rashes on oily skin ^[15].

Pomegranate is one of the most popular fruits. And he deserved his popularity not only due to the amazing taste, but also the rich composition of useful substances that are appreciated by culinary specialists, traditional healers, doctors and cosmetologists. And pomegranate juice is loved by both children and adults.

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