Learn about the Many Pomegranate Health Benefits

These tough-skinned fruits loaded with beautiful and luscious arils (covering the seeds) grow on shrubs or small trees. They are native to the Middle East and are now cultivated in California and Arizona.

What To Do with Them

You may wonder what to do with them. Of course, you want to get at the tasty seeds (actually, the arils). You need to break open the pomegranate and separate the arils from the rind. One way to make this project easier is to perform it in a bowl of water; the arils will sink and the pulp float, making separation easier. Discard the pulp and skin.

If you want juice, one way to convert the seeds into juice is to blend in a blender and strain the seeds out. Another way is to simply use your juicer.

You can also purchase juice in a bottle. The only one I’ve tried is POM Wonderful. I always think that freshly made juice is best, but I know there are folks who want the convenience of a ready-made juice. And it certainly beats a soft drink! The thing I like about this company (besides the yummy taste of the juice) is that they grow their own pomegranates in California and control the entire process of production.

Now for the pomegranate health benefits…

Ten Pomegranate Health Benefits

1. In Ayurvedic medicine, the fruit and bark of the pomegranate tree have traditionally been used as a remedy for intestinal problems such as parasites, dysentery and diarrhea.
   
   
2. Scientific studies share something with Ayurvedic medicine in showing, preliminarily, at least, that pomegranate juice might be beneficial for different aspects of heart disease, such as hypertension, hardening of the arteries, and lowering of cholesterol. In the Ayurvedic system, the seeds and juice are considered tonics for the heart.
   
   
3. Another study demonstrated that viral infections may be inhibited by consumption of the juice, and the extract may have antibacterial effects.
   
   
4. Loaded with antioxidants, including tannins, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid, the fruits thus offer protection against the dangers of free radicals which can contribute to diseases such as cancer and heart disease and lead to early aging, which leads us to the next benefit…
   
   
5. The anti-aging potential of pomegranates. They have a reputation of slowing the aging process, probably because of the high antioxidant content. Of course, to be fair, increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables of most types will increase the amounts of antioxidants one takes in. But if something tastes particularly good, a person will be more likely to consume more of that healthy food and less of the unhealthy foods.
   
   
6. And as far as consuming more antioxidant rich foods, we know that this should help boost the immune system and allow one to fight off ailments more easily and stay healthy.
   
   
7. These fruits are known to be anti-inflammatory. There are many conditions which are due to inflammation in various parts of the body. Click here to read more about inflammation. Eat more fresh foods, such as pomegranates, which are known to be anti-inflammatory.
   
   
8. Osteoarthritis. There has been some scientific research showing that extracts of pomegranate might protect against osteoarthritis.
   
   
9. Another Ayurvedic use of the fruit takes advantage of its astringent qualities by using it to help with nose bleeds and bleeding gums.
   
   
10. Pomegranates are high in vitamin C, potassium, are a good source of fiber and low in calories. This sounds like a recipe for an all-around good healthy eating food. And good healthy eating just leads to good health.