9 Properties of Pomegranate Demonstrated by Science!

0
689

Pomegranate is a fruit with medicinal and therapeutic properties incomparable to other foods. Its effects range from the reduction of cardiovascular diseases and bacterial infections to the improvement of memory and physical performance. Next, we analyze the nutritional value of this rich fruit and review one by one all the benefits that pomegranate brings to your health.

 What is the Grenade?

Pomegranate is the fruit of pomegranate, a small fruit tree of the Lythraceae family. Its size is between 5 and 12 cm in diameter and is wrapped in a reddish yellowish bark. Inside, there are a multitude of ingrown grains called aryls, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and bioactive compounds. The arils are the edible part of the fruit and can be consumed as is or in the form of juice.

Nutritional Value:

A grenade about 10 cm in diameter contains:

  • Vitamin K: 58% of the RDA.
  • Folate: 27% of the CDR.
  • Copper: 22% of the CDR.
  • Potassium: 19% of the RDA.

But What Makes Pomegranate such a Special Fruit?

Pomegranate stands out for its powerful medicinal properties , which are mainly due to its content in two unique substances:

  • Punicalagins: antioxidantspowerful present in the cortex and in the juice of Granada.
  • Punic acid:a type of conjugated linoleic acid that is obtained from the oil of the seeds (arils) of pomegranate.

 What Benefits Gives You the Granada?

1. Blood Pressure:

There is scientific evidence that has demonstrated the efficacy of pomegranate juice in lowering blood pressure , especially systolic blood pressure, in patients with hypertension. In one study, a significant reduction in blood pressure was observed after consuming 150 ml of juice Granada to the day for two weeks .

2. Inflammation:

Chronic inflammation is the cause of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular diseases.

“The punicalagins present in the pomegranate have important anti-inflammatory effects and can significantly decrease inflammatory activity”.

 In fact, it has been confirmed that consumption grenades can reduce inflammation of the digestive system and reduce C – reactive protein and interleukin-6 markers.

3. Cholesterol Levels:

Thanks to its punic acid content, the intake of pomegranates can be really beneficial to fight cardiovascular diseases. Several studies have found that both the juice Granada as Granada seed oil can reduce cholesterol levels LDL and triglycerides in the blood. In addition, an improvement in the ratio of triglycerides and HDL cholesterol has also been observed.

But there is more:

Studies in animals and humans have shown that the juice Granada can also protect LDL cholesterol particles from oxidative damage.

4. Bacterial and Fungal Infections:

Fungal and bacterial infections are usually very common and pomegranate can help fight them. The plant compounds found in this fruit have antibacterial and antifungal properties capable of protecting against various bacteria and fungi, for example:

  • Candida albicans yeast.
  • Several oral bacteria that cause gum disease: periodontitis, gingivitis or stomatitis.

5. Physical Performance:

In one study, one gram of pomegranate extract 30 minutes before starting the exercise significantly improved blood flow. This delayed the onset of fatigue and, consequently, increased physical performance.

How is this Possible?

Pomegranate has a high content of nitrates, substances with positive effects on the circulatory system and performance.

 6. Prostate Cancer:

Several studies have confirmed the effectiveness of the consumption of juice or pomegranate extract in the treatment of prostate cancer and the prevention of death from said cancer. According to numerous investigations, consuming pomegranate extract can slow the reproduction of cancer cells and cause apoptosis, that is, cell death.

 7. Erectile Dysfunction:

Drinking pomegranate juice has been associated with a reduction in symptoms that causes erectile dysfunction. More research is required in this regard, but everything suggests that pomegranate can have positive effects on the erectile tissue blood flow, thus contributing to improve this problem.

8. Arthritis:

Arthritis is a common disease characterized by inflammation of the joints. Since pomegranate is a potent anti-inflammatory, it can be effective in treating arthritis. In addition, several laboratory studies have revealed that pomegranate extract can block a type of enzymes responsible for damaging joints in osteoarthritis patients. However, more research is required in this regard to confirm the effects on humans.

 9. Memory:

There are certain studies on the ability of pomegranate to improve memory in elderly people and prevent memory deficits in people who have just been operated. Also, studies in mice indicate that the consumption of pomegranate can also prevent Alzheimer’s.

Conclusion:

Naturally, in juice and even in salad, pomegranate is a delicious fruit full of benefits that will help you prevent all kinds of diseases. And if you are an athlete, eating pomegranate before starting your exercises will greatly improve your performance.