Pomegranate: health benefits and harms

History of the pomegranate

In ancient times, pomegranate was considered a symbol of fertility and a remedy for infertility. The word “pomegranate” from Latin is translated as “grainy”, which is explained by its structure. 

The pomegranate is native to North Africa and Central Asia. Now this plant is grown in all countries with a subtropical climate. 

Pomegranate flowers are used to make dyes for fabrics, as they contain a bright red pigment. The crusts are used for various medicinal decoctions. 

In ancient times, it was called the Punic, Carthaginian or pomegranate apple because of the similarity in shape and color. Some believe that it was the pomegranate that was the forbidden fruit that Eve was seduced by. 

The benefits of pomegranate

Pomegranate grains contain many vitamins: C, B6, B12, R. The concentration of microelements is also high: calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, iodine, iron, sodium. 

Pomegranate juice is saturated with vegetable acids: citric, malic, tartaric, oxalic, amber. Thanks to them, this fruit stimulates the appetite and helps digestion with a low acidity of the stomach. 

Pomegranate is useful for the cardiovascular system: it strengthens blood vessels, normalizes blood pressure, promotes hematopoiesis, active synthesis of hemoglobin and erythrocytes. Therefore, pomegranate juice is often prescribed for B12 anemia, low hemoglobin and general weakness during the recovery period after illness and surgery. It is useful for all elderly people as a prevention of heart and vascular diseases. 

The composition and calorie content of pomegranate

Harm to the grenade

Grains in a small amount will not cause harm, but you should be careful with undiluted juice. “Pomegranate juice is contraindicated in peptic ulcer and gastritis with high acidity. You can only drink it diluted, as it is very acidic and can irritate the mucous membranes – for the same reason, juice should not be given to young children. After taking the juice, rinse your mouth, otherwise it corrodes the tooth enamel. Pomegranate can strengthen, so it should be limited to people suffering from constipation. Sometimes they make medicinal decoctions from the peel or bark of a pomegranate and you can’t get carried away with them. After all, the pomegranate peel contains poisonous alkaloids, ”advises Alexander Voinov, nutrition and wellness consultant at the WeGym fitness club chain. 

The use of pomegranate in medicine 

Almost all parts of the plant are used in medicine: peel, flowers, bark, seeds, pulp. They are used to make various preparations, tinctures and decoctions for the treatment of anemia, diarrhea and inflammatory diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. 

The white lintels that are inside the fruit are dried and added to hot herbal infusions. It helps to balance the nervous system and get rid of insomnia. 

From the bones, substances are extracted that have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as stimulating intestinal motility. Pomegranate oil, rich in vitamins F and E, is also obtained from the seeds. They promote rejuvenation and are a prophylactic against cancer. This allows us to recommend this tool to people working in conditions of high radiation. 

Pomegranate juice is an effective prevention of scurvy, as it contains high concentrations of vitamin C. 

Pomegranate seeds are recommended to be included in the diet of hypertensive patients, as it helps to lower blood pressure. This fruit generally has a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels, as well as on hematopoiesis. 

With diarrhea, pomegranate juice can help, because it has fixing properties. For the same purpose, a decoction of the peel is used. 

“Pomegranate is low-calorie, so it can be used, including for dietary nutrition. However, it is worth remembering that it stimulates appetite and the effect can be reversed,” warns Alexander Voynov. 

Pomegranate juice contains many amino acids. Half of them are found only in meat. Therefore, pomegranate is indispensable in the diet of vegetarians. 

The use of pomegranate in cooking 

Basically, pomegranate seeds are consumed fresh, added to various salads and desserts. But they also use grains and pomegranate juice for cooking fried, stewed and boiled dishes, jams and marshmallows. Pomegranate is versatile, and goes well with both meat and sweet fruits. 

In Caucasian cuisine, boiled pomegranate juice is prepared, which serves as a sauce for various dishes. Pomegranate seeds are dried and used as a seasoning for vegetables in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. This spice is called anardana. 

To quickly get the seeds from the fruit, you need to cut off the “cap” of the fruit from above and below and make vertical cuts along the slices. Holding the fruit over a bowl, tap the peel hard with a spoon and the grains will spill out. 

Salad with pomegranate and Chinese cabbage 

This salad is suitable for diet food – it is low in calories, and at the same time contains a lot of nutrients. Adding eggs increases the satiety and calorie content of the dish. Instead of chicken, you can use a couple of quail eggs. 

Boil skinless chicken breast in salted water. Boil a chicken egg. Cool and cut into cubes. Chop cabbage and greens. In a bowl, mix oil, pepper, salt, lemon juice. Combine all ingredients in a salad bowl, season and mix. 

Kuchmachi more Georgian

A hearty snack for the festive table and for every day. Prepared from meat by-products, extremely useful for the body. You can use any giblets and combine them to your taste. You can add dry red wine. 

Prepare offal: rinse, peel, cut into several pieces. Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the giblets for 5 minutes. Pour in pomegranate juice (at this stage, you can add a little red wine) and simmer under the lid for 15 minutes. Add chopped onion, garlic, spices and simmer for another 15 minutes. When serving, sprinkle the appetizer with pomegranate seeds and herbs. 

How to choose and store a pomegranate

When choosing a pomegranate, you should pay attention to the peel. In a ripe fruit, the crust is slightly dried up, hard and in some places repeats the shape of the grains inside. If the peel is smooth and the petals of the fruit are green, the pomegranate is unripe. Ripe pomegranate is usually large and heavy. 

The soft pomegranate was obviously damaged during transportation or was frozen, which negatively affects the shelf life and taste. 

Pomegranates are one of the most suitable fruits for long-term storage. They can lie for 10 or 12 months. The most ripe fruits are sold in November. 

For long-term storage in a cool place (underground or refrigerator), pomegranates should be wrapped with parchment to avoid evaporation of moisture from the fruit. Pomegranates can also be frozen, whole or grained. At the same time, it practically does not lose useful properties.