Health Benefits Of Pomegranates
The fruit is good in calories and contain no saturated fats; but contain numerous health promoting anti-oxidants, minerals and vitamins.
It is rich source of soluble and insoluble dietary fibers, providing about 4 g per 100 g (about 12% of RDA), which are known to aid in smooth digestive function and constipation conditions. The fruit is suggested in the diet for weight reduction and cholesterol controlling programs. Regular inclusion of fiber fruits in the diet helps protect from colon cancers.
Punicalagin, a polyphenolic anti-oxidant compound found abundantly in the pomegranate juice. Studies suggest that punicalagin and tannins are effective in reducing heart disease risk factors by scavenging harmful free radicals from the body.
It is also good source of antioxidant vitamin-C, provides about 17% per 100 g of daily requirement. Consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful free radicals.
Regular consumption of pomegranate has also been found to be effective against prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes, and lymphoma.
It is also good source of many vital B-complex group of vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5), folates, pyridoxine and vitamin K, and also minerals like calcium, copper, potassium and manganese.
See the table below for in depth analysis of nutrients:
Pomegranate (Punica granatum), Fresh,
ORAC value 2341 µmol TE/100 g. Nutrition value per 100 g.
(Source: USDA National Nutrient data base)
| Principle | Nutrient Value | Percentage of RDA |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 83 Kcal | 4% |
| Carbohydrates | 18.70 g | 14% |
| Protein | 1.67 g | 3% |
| Total Fat | 1.17 g | 6% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g | 11% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 38 µg | 9.5% |
| Niacin | 0.293 mg | 2% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.135 mg | 3% |
| Pyridoxine | 0.075 mg | 6% |
| Riboflavin | 0.053 mg | 4% |
| Thiamin | 0.067 mg | 5.5% |
| Vitamin A | 0 IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 10.2 mg | 17% |
| Vitamin E | 0.60 mg | 4% |
| Vitamin K | 16.4 µg | 14% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 3 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 236 mg | 5% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 10 mg | 1% |
| Copper | 18% | 0.158 mg |
| Iron | 0.30 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 12 mg | 3% |
| Manganese | 0.119 mg | 5% |
| Phosphorus | 36 mg | 5% |
| Selenium | 0.5 µg | 1% |
| Zinc | 0.35 mg | 3% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Carotene-ß | 0 µg | -- |
| Crypto-xanthin-ß | 0 µg | -- |
More Health Benefits Of Pomegranates
There are so many health benefits of pomegranates. It's no wonder that people are still raving about them.
So full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more, the delicious pomegranate benefits your body in so many ways.
Here are some of the nutrients that you will find in these amazing fruits:
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are very powerful and potent antioxidants that help to protect you from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage your DNA and cell membranes. When your cells and DNA gets damaged, it puts you at risk for all kinds of diseases including cancer. Polyphenols help to protect you against cancer, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.
Vitamin C
Pomegranates are a great of this vital nutrient. Vitamin C helps you fight off colds and other infections.
Vitamin K
You need this vitamin to help your blood coagulate (clot) properly.
Potassium
Pomegranates are rich in this important mineral.
Pomegranates also have folic acid, iron, calcium, and fiber. All essential for good health!
Here are some specific ways that pomegranates and pomegranate juice help your body and promote good health:
They have anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect you against osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Pomegranate juice benefits your heart and arteries in a few different ways. It protects them by improving blood flow. It also prevents your arteries from hardening and becoming inflexible. This can help to protect you against a heart attack or stroke.
According to the results of one study in Clinical Cancer, pomegranates may help to slow down the growth of prostate tumors.
Pomegranate juice may help to lower the blood pressure of people who suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension).
Drinking pomegranate juice can help you to get rid of diarrhea.
Pomegranates may help protect your body from diabetes and cancer and may help to slow down the aging process.
Here are some other ways that the pomegranate benefits you:
Eating this fruit or drinking the juice regularly helps to protect you from diabetes and cancer. It can even help to slow down the aging process.
Now that you know about the many health benefits of pomegranates (they aren't called a superfruit for nothing) let me tell you how to pick and eat them.



