The pomegranate fruit is produced from a tree belonging to the family Punicaceae. The plant is native to areas of Southeast Asia and leads the scientific name Punica granatum. Nature gives us different varieties of pomegranate which, for convenience, are divided according to their taste and flavor. On the market we find the varieties of sugar, sour and acidic. In any case, the variety of pomegranate grown in Italy are, generally, all sweet.
The properties of pomegranate
The pomegranate fruit is a great low calorie (owns about 63 k cal per hundred grams), particularly suitable for those who are dieting and need to control the calories consumed during the day. In addition to having the aforementioned dietary properties, the pomegranate is a precious fruit which can be a great ally for our health. The pomegranate, in fact, contains two very important ingredients for our welfare:
- Ellagic Acid: an active ingredient useful for combating the changes that may occur within the DNA. Ellagic acid prevents fact both aging and the appearance of tumors;
- Gallic acid: an active ingredient that has an antioxidant action like the phenolic acids and reduces the absorption of cholesterol.
Pomegranate: the health benefits resulting from the assumption of the fruit
As you might guess, the properties and the beneficial effects of pomegranate on our health are so many. The active ingredients in this amazing fruit alleviate the symptoms of many diseases and contribute to the prevention of many other diseases at the organic level.
Moreover, the beneficial properties of this fruit were already known in ancient times. Our ancestors, for example, used to cook the root of pomegranate wine to use as a powerful vermifuge. The skin, however, it was administered to patients who complained of a particularly lazy bowel.
Let's see, more closely, the beneficial properties of the pomegranate:
- antibacterial function: the presence in the fruit tannin and ellagic acid is a panacea for the defeat of the main bacteria that can be harmful to our health. Among these bacteria include Escherichia coli, salmonella, staphylococcus and all the main bacteria responsible for the most common infections. Thanks to its active ingredients, the pomegranate is also able to fight borne infections of the gastrointestinal system, respiratory and urinary.
- Anti-cholesterol: the pomegranate contains phytosterols that, by nature, help the body reduce the absorption of bad cholesterol.
- Antioxidant: thanks to the antioxidants it contains, the pomegranate is useful to fight the action of free radicals produced by nature, by the body. And 'well-known fact that free radicals are responsible for the onset of early signs of aging, but can also cause diseases such as arteriosclerosis and arthritis.
- Antitumor: quercetin, tannins, luteolin and ellagic acid content in pomegranate are powerful anti-cancer that can be great allies in the prevention against skin cancer, breast and prostate cancer.
- Antiobesity: thanks to its active ingredients and its low calories, the fruit can also be a good ally to combat obesity.
- Diuretic: the intake of this fruit stimulates diuresis and ensures the elimination of toxins. The pomegranate is indeed rich in minerals and, in particular, potassium. Due to its diuretic function, this fruit helps all those who are dieting and want to dispose of toxins by stimulating urination, in fact, pomegranate reduces the presence of excess liquid mass within the blood. Finally, this result is particularly suitable for those suffering from high blood pressure, another beneficial effect of the pomegranate for our body is represented by the drop in blood pressure.
- Laxative: the small red fruits contained in pomegranate are particularly high in fiber, they are very digestible and stimulate the production of feces. The fibers contained in pomegranate swell in the intestines and fighting against the walls, generandone peristalsis and facilitating intestinal transit.
- Anti-anemic: thanks to the active ingredients contained in it, this fruit is able to raise the level of hemoglobin in the blood. E 'therefore particularly suitable for combating disorders linked to anemia disease.
- Finally, the pomegranate is also a great protector of the gastric mucosa, because it is rich in phenols.
Pomegranate: its uses
The pomegranate is a fruit of a thousand surprises. Not everyone knows, in fact, that it is also much used in the on aesthetic use preparations. Many cosmetic companies have in fact identified the benefits of this fruit, and use it for the production of creams and extracts. The pomegranate, for example, is highly effective for fighting wrinkles: this fruit has, in fact, moisturizing and emollient action which helps to reduce wrinkles and make your skin fresh and firm. The pomegranate extract - rich in vitamin C - is also used in the production of masks for the face that, in addition to having the function of making the skin firm, help to create a "protective shield" against UV rays and to counter effectively the negative effects of the sun.
What are the contraindications to Pomegranate?
The excessive consumption of pomegranate can cause contraindications for our health and our well-being. The excessive consumption of the fruit, in fact, can generate poisoning, in turn, may cause the following side effects: dizziness, difficulty breathing, drowsiness and headache.
particular attention to the widespread use of this fruit will have to be paid if you are taking medications. When taken with daily regularity, in fact, the pomegranate can inhibit the effect of some medicines and hamper recovery from certain diseases.
The pomegranate juice, finally, can cause allergic reactions on the skin: itching, difficulty breathing and swelling may be the consequences of a strong allergic reaction to pomegranate. Finally, we must be very careful to take this fruit in case you suffer from low blood pressure: in fact as before, the pomegranate can help to lower blood pressure.
