Pomegranate is one of those unsung heroes among our fruits; one that has numerous health benefits, and yet you rarely hear people talking about it. In olden days, this fruit and even all parts of the plant were considered to be medicinal and used in many home remedies. Many people in Ayurveda call it as a pharmacy by itself, because it is so powerful in preventing and treating specific diseases. Few others describe it as divine fruit, while certain people refer to it as one of the healthiest fruits on the planet.
It comes in light pink and blood red colors and is usually available throughout the year in most parts of India. Most people do not like to eat it, for the pain of peeling it, and also, at times, it may taste a bit tangy (sour), rather than sweet. The plant parts like root, bark, leaves, fruit rinds and flowers are also used in many Ayurvedic and home remedies, for stomach ailments, diarrhea, dysentery, etc. There are many more benefits of this fruit, especially for the seniors, that is worth knowing.
High in Nutrients
Pomegranate is a highly nutritious fruit and contains many essential Vitamins like A, C, E, K, varieties of Vitamin B, and it comes loaded with anti-oxidants, much more than other sources. Phosphorus, chromium, aluminum, calcium, magnesium, manganese, silicon, nickel, and copper are the various minerals that this fruit contains. It has very good anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and hence is an excellent preventive medicine against diseases like cancer. Apart from all this, it also contains a horde of acids that are beneficial to the body.
Helps delay premature aging
Our body, once exposed to elements like sun, and environmental toxins, develop certain free radicals in it. These free radicals cause our body to age prematurely. However, the high anti-oxidants present in a pomegranate can prevent free radicals from forming in our body. Thus, eating pomegranates regularly can help our body from premature aging.
Prevents clots
Blood clots are significant issues that can, at times, even be fatal. Clots formed in the body can travel anywhere, to your heart or brain, causing severe consequences. Clots may be formed due to certain injuries or some other body conditions as well. The best part about the pomegranate fruit is that it prevents the blood from thickening and forming clots. It keeps your blood thin and thus helps in this cause. This thinning ability also means that this fruit can help us keep cardiovascular diseases at bay. It also strengthens your blood vessels and promotes red blood cell generation. Besides, it also lowers the cholesterol and thus helps in maintaining your heart healthy.
Cancer prevention
While eating pomegranates can prevent cancers, especially breast cancers, an oil prepared from the rinds of the pomegranate is also said to prevent this disease, on application and massage. The juice of this fruit is also supposed to help in the prevention of prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers in aged men.
Alzheimer’s prevention
Another major cause of worry for the older population is the onset of dementia. A study on mice has proved that pomegranate juice can help prevent Alzheimer’s. The juice, when consumed regularly can do wonders for your memory and keep it sharp. It strengthens your nervous system and your immunity as well.
Regulates blood sugar levels
Diabetes is another common ailment found in most of the senior population in India, as it is called the diabetes capital of the world. This fruit is said to regulate the blood sugar levels and thus help in diabetesmanagement, with the improved metabolic process.
Helps with arthritis and joint pains
Pomegranate is said to block enzymes that cause the joint pains and also since it is anti-inflammatory, it helps people with osteoporosis and arthritisimmensely.
Other benefits
This fruit is also useful for treating your digestive disorders, skin issues, liver problems, ulcers, burns, anemia, cough, nausea, etc. It is also an excellent detoxifying agent. It is also said to help in hair fall prevention. Chewing and eating the fruit can also help with gum and teeth health. Thus, overall, the pomegranate fruit is one that is a superfood that can benefit almost every part of our body and help us stay fit and healthy.
