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Pomegranate facts and health benefits

 

Pomegranate Quick Facts
Name: Pomegranate
Scientific Name: Punica granatum
Origin Middle east to the Himalayas in northern India.
Colors Pale red to scarlet to purple or brownish,;
Shapes Fruit is a berry, intermediate in size between a lemon and a grapefruit, 5–12 cm (2.0–4.7 in) in diameter with a rounded shape
Taste Sweet
Calories 144 Kcal./cup
Major nutrients Copper (30.56%)
Carbohydrate (25.03%)
Vitamin K (23.75%)
Vitamin C (19.67%)
Total dietary Fiber (18.42%)
Health benefits Help Fight Arthritis and Joint Pain, Ageing, May Improve Exercise Performance, Help Improve Memory, Help Fight Bacterial and Fungal Infections, Diabetes, Help Treat Erectile Dysfunction, Dental Care,Lower Risk of Heart Disease, Anemia, Lower Blood Pressure, Relieve Stress, Help Fight Prostate Cancer, Impressive Anti-Inflammatory Effects
More facts about Pomegranate
Pomegranate botanical name Punica granatum is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub or small tree in the family Lythraceae growing between 6 to 10 m (20 to 33 ft.) tall. Pomegranate comes from the words ‘pōmum grānātum’ in Medieval Latin, that mean ‘apple with many seeds’. Apart from Pomegranate it is also known as Punic apple, granatapfel, Granada, grenade, melograno and melagrana. Ruby red, delicious and nutrient rich pomegranates pack a mighty punch in safeguarding your health. Scaly Bark Tree Form Pomegranate, Russian Pomegranate, Plantation Sweet Pomegranate, Grenada Pomegranate, Goliath Pomegranate,  Dwarf Pomegranate, Babylonian White Pomegranate, Nana Pomegranate, Eight Ball Pomegranate, State Fair Pomegranate, Granada Pomegranate,  Wonderful Pomegranate, Angel Red Pomegranate are few of the popular varieties of pomegranate that are grown worldwide. Pomegranate is a one of the most popular nutritious fruit, its flavor and qualities makes it different to taste and it has some medicinal properties too. It is a very good and smart choice for your dietary plans, as the nutritional benefits of pomegranate are amazing. The pomegranate arils make a perfect garnish for salads and other dishes also. Its juice is used in soups, jellies, sauces and different other types of cakes and its juice also add natural sweetness to the dishes with a unique flavor. It is said that daily intake of pomegranate makes your skin glow like its color inside.

Plant

Pomegranate is a deciduous, much-branched, small tree or shrub that grows between 6 to 10 m (20 to 33 ft.) tall. It is primarily grown in mild-temperate to subtropical and naturally adapted to regions with cool winters and hot summers, but can also be grown in warm tropical areas. It does not flower and fruit well in very humid and wet climates. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types including soils on which other fruit species will not grow. It thrives on calcareous soil, alkaline soil, and gravelly soil and on deep, acidic loams. For commercial cultivation well-drained, heavy, light and medium soils are preferred although it can withstand seasonal waterlogging. Pomegranate has multiple spiny branches and is extremely long-lived, with some specimens in France surviving for 200 years.

The trunk is covered by a red-brown bark which later becomes gray. Branches are stiff, angular and often spiny. There is a strong tendency to sucker from the base. Pomegranates are also long-lived. There are specimens in Europe that are known to be over 200 years of age. The strength of a pomegranate declines after about 15 years, however.

Leaves

Leaves are opposite, glabrous, coriaceous, glossy green, entire, simple, oblong-lanceolate to obovate or elliptic, 19–35(−50) × 8–12 (−15) mm, sub petiolate, apex sub-acute to obtuse.

Flowers

The attractive scarlet, white or variegated flowers are over an inch across and have 5 to 8 crumpled petals and a red, fleshy, tubular calyx which persists on the fruit. The flowers may be solitary or grouped in twos and threes at the ends of the branches. Calyx is campanulate, reddish or purplish with six triangular, persistent lobes, Petals 6, broadly obovate, wrinkled, alternating with the sepal lobes, stamens numerous, multi seriate, persistent, inserted on flower tube, Ovary is  sub globose, inferior with three cells in two-series, style one thick, reddish, stigma simple slightly bi lobed. The pomegranate is self-pollinated as well as cross-pollinated by insects. Cross-pollination increases the fruit set. Wind pollination is insignificant.

Fruit

Fruit is a berry intermediate in size between a lemon and a grapefruit, 5–12 cm (2.0–4.7 in) in diameter with a rounded shape. The tough, leathery skin or rind is typically yellow overlaid with light or deep pink or rich red. The interior is separated by membranous walls and white, spongy, bitter tissue into compartments packed with sacs filled with sweetly acid, juicy, red, pink or whitish pulp or aril. In each sac there is one white, pink or red angular, soft or hard seed 10–13 mm long. Single fruit normally weights about 200 gm. High temperatures are essential during the fruiting period to get the best flavor. The pomegranate may begin to bear in 1 year after planting out, but 2-1/2 to 3 years is more common. Under suitable conditions the fruit should mature some 5 to 7 months after bloom.

It is a very good and smart choice for your dietary plans, as the nutritional benefits of pomegranate are amazing. The pomegranate arils make a perfect garnish for salads and other dishes also. Its juice is used in soups, jellies, sauces and different other types of cakes and its juice also add natural sweetness to the dishes with a unique flavor. It is said that daily intake of pomegranate makes your skin glow like its color inside.

History

Pomegranate tree is native from the Middle East to the Himalayas in northern India. It has been cultivated and naturalized since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean region of Asia, Caucasus, northern Africa and Europe. The fruit has various uses as it is today and was featured in Egyptian mythology and art, in the Old Testament of the Bible and in the Babylonian Talmud. From its native range, it was introduced to central and southern India and Southeast Asia.

It was reported growing in Indonesia in 1416. It was introduced into Latin America and California by the Spanish in 1796; it is now grown in California and Arizona. It has been widely cultivated throughout India and drier parts of Southeast Asia and tropical Africa. The most important growing regions are Egypt, China, Afghanistan, Turkey, Syria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, India, Myanmar and Saudi Arabia. There are some commercial orchards in Israel on the coastal plain and in the Jordan Valley.

Over 764 cultivars of Iranian pomegranate have been collected in a germplasm collection in the cities of Yazd and Saveh. All of the cultivars possess specific fruit characteristics, including size, color, taste, time of ripening, and disease resistance.

 

Nutritional Value

Apart from their Sweet taste, pomegranate is a good source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Consuming 174 gram of pomegranate offers 0.275 mg of Copper, 32.54 g of Carbohydrate, 28.5 µg of Vitamin K, 17.7 mg of Vitamin C, 7 g of Total dietary Fiber, 66 µg of Vitamin B9, 0.656 mg of Vitamin B5, 0.13 mg of Vitamin B6, 0.117 mg of Vitamin B1, 63 mg of Phosphorus and 0.207 mg of Manganese.

Health benefits of Pomegranate

Whenever people think about these small red seeds they think of the high power of anti-oxidants. The bottom line is, anti-oxidants are essential simply because they provide electrons to free-radicals (body pollution) so that they don’t need to commit the crime of robbing from healthy cells within our bodies. Numerous recent reports have demonstrated substantial possible health advantages from consuming and also consuming fresh pomegranate fruit. Here are some of the well-known health benefits of pomegranate:

1. Impressive Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Long-lasting inflammation is one of the leading drivers of many killer diseases like heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and even obesity.

Pomegranate has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which are mostly mediated by the antioxidant properties of the punicalagins. Test tube research has shown that it can reduce inflammatory activity in the digestive tract, as well as in breast cancer and colon cancer cells.

Research in diabetics found that 250 ml of pomegranate juice per day for 12 weeks lowered the inflammatory markers CRP and interleukin-6 by 32% and 30%, respectively. Thus we can conclude that including pomegranate in our diet is quite beneficial for anti- inflammatory problems.(1), (2), (3), (4)

2. Help Fight Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. Laboratory research has shown that pomegranate extract help to slow down cancer cell reproduction, and even induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. The PSA (prostate specific antigen) is a blood marker for prostate cancer.

Men whose PSA levels double in a short period of time are at increased risk of death from prostate cancer. Remarkably, a human research found that 237 ml (8 oz.) of pomegranate juice per day increased the PSA doubling time from 15 months to 54 months, which is huge. A follow-up research found similar improvements using a type of pomegranate extract called POMx.(5), (6), (7), (8)

3. Relieve Stress

Regular consumption of pomegranate juice is one of the best options to relieve stress.

In a research, it was noticed a significant fall in the stress hormone cortisol in the people who were served with pomegranate juice. Thus people suffering from stress can consume juice for a few days. You will see significant result with a week.

4. Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the leading causes of heart attacks and strokes.

In one research, people with high blood pressure had a substantial reduction after consuming 150 ml (5 oz.) of pomegranate juice daily for 2 weeks.

Other research has found similar effects, particularly for systolic blood pressure (the higher number in a blood pressure reading).(9), (10), (11)

5. Anemia

Regular consumption of pomegranate in any form helps to maintain healthy blood flow in the body. Pomegranate supplies iron to the blood, therefore helping to decrease symptoms of anemia, including exhaustion, dizziness, weakness, and hearing loss.

6. Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease is presently the world’s most common cause of premature death. It is a complicated disease, driven by several different factors. Punicic acid, the main fatty acid in pomegranate, may help protect against several steps in the heart disease process.

Research in 51 people with high cholesterol and triglycerides, 800 milligrams of pomegranate seed oil per day for 4 weeks was shown to considerably lower triglycerides and improves the triglyceride: HDL ratio.

Another research looked at the effects of pomegranate juice in people with type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. They noted significant reductions in LDL cholesterol, as well as other improvements.

Pomegranate juice has also been shown, in both animal and human researches, to protect the LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation, one of the key steps in the pathway towards heart disease.(12), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18)

7. Dental Care

One of the best benefits of pomegranates is that their juice, together with its antibacterial and antiviral properties, helps to reduce the effects of dental plaque and safeguards against various oral diseases.

8. Help Treat Erectile Dysfunction

Oxidative damage can impair blood flow in all areas of the body, including erectile tissue. Pomegranate juice has been shown to be helpful in increasing blood flow and erectile response in rabbits.

In a research of 53 men with erectile dysfunction, pomegranate seemed to have some benefit, but it was not statistically substantial.(19), (20)

9. Diabetes

For diabetic patients, consuming pomegranate juice can reduce the risk of various coronary diseases. Along with this, there is a reduction in the hardening of the arteries, which can prevent the development of various heart diseases.

10. Help Fight Bacterial and Fungal Infections

Compounds in pomegranate help to fight harmful microorganisms.  They have been shown to be beneficial against some types of bacteria, as well as the yeast Candida albicans.

The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects may also be protective against infections and inflammation in the mouth. This includes conditions like gingivitis, periodontitis and denture stomatitis. (21), (22), (23), (24), (25)

11. Help Improve Memory

Some evidence proves that pomegranate can improve memory. In one research in surgical patients, 2 grams of pomegranate extract prevented shortfalls in memory after the surgery.

Another research in 28 elderly individuals with memory complaints found that 237 ml (8 oz.) of pomegranate juice per day considerably improved markers of verbal and visual memory.

There is also some proof from studies in mice that pomegranate can help fight Alzheimer’s disease.(26), (27), (28)

12. May Improve Exercise Performance

Pomegranate is a wonderful source of dietary nitrates, which have been shown to improve exercise performance.

In a research of 19 athletes running on a treadmill, 1 gram of pomegranate extract 30 minutes before exercise considerably enhanced blood flow. This led to a delay in the start of fatigue, and an increase in exercise efficiency.

However more research is needed, but it seems like pomegranate may be useful for physical performance, similar to beetroot juice.(29)

13. Ageing

Ageing is a common problem which is increasing among people living in urban cities because of stress, pollution, UV radiation and lack of nutrition. These are the most common problem that leads to the production of free radicals in the body. But antioxidants help to neutralize these free radicals and protect skin from ageing. Pomegranates are not only effective in protecting from ageing, but it also nourishes the skin.

14. Help Fight Arthritis and Joint Pain

Arthritis is a common problem in Western countries as well as throughout the world. There are many different types, but most of them include some form of inflammation in the joints.

Given that the plant compounds in pomegranate have anti-inflammatory effects, it makes sense that they could help treat arthritis.

Remarkably, laboratory researches have shown that pomegranate extract can block enzymes that are known to damage joints in people with osteoarthritis. It has also been shown to be beneficial against arthritis in mice, but there is very little evidence in humans so far.(30), (31), (32), (33)

How to Eat

Other Traditional Uses and benefits of Pomegranate

Other Facts

How to Buy Pomegranates

Pomegranate Storage Tips

After you have brought the pomegranates home, you must learn to store them properly. At room temperature, they can be stored for up to three weeks while the time period is prolonged extends to about two months in a refrigerator.

Types of Pomegranate

1.  Angel Red Pomegranate

“Angel Red,” or even Punica granatum “Smith,” is determined simply by its soft-seed fruit which is with less effort utilized in cooking uses than are other types. The variety grows in a average speed as much as 10 feet in height and also generates bright orange flowers at the end of summer. The fruit within this tree will certainly mature in a dark red which is much deeper compared to some other types. Just like other pomegranates, the tree demands normal watering and also usage of complete sunshine.

2. Wonderful Pomegranate

The Wonderful Pomegranate ripens in September, requires just 200 chill hrs. (8 days of sub 45 degrees F), and is also self-fertile. Pomegranates are frequently sliced up into two parts so the pomegranate seed can easily be taken out. The pomegranate develops in a bright red color globular shaped and may grow to the dimensions of a grapefruit throughout the fall season. The fruit of the pomegranate tree was created into friezes in the crown molding on top of the traditional temple of Solomon within Jerusalem to commemorate the holy image of an essential food and also beverage choice item which was eaten and also worshiped by the men and women of Israel. Pomegranate juice have been obtained from the ripe fruit to make a incredible liquid product which is full of anti-oxidants, anti-cancer, cure agents which are considered to immobilize “free radicals” which have been recommended to start primary cancer development. The bright red color of Pomegranate pulpy seed has never been observed in fruit. Once the Wonderful Pomegranate turns red on the tree, it really is prepared to pick and eat, also it ripens within the fall.

3. Granada Pomegranate

Punica granatum L., or even the “Granada,” functions darker red blooms along with a much less sour fruit compared to the “Wonderful” or even “Angel” types. This particular tree matures to fifteen feet and needs plenty of sunshine, well-drained soil and also watering every 2 to 4 weeks. This particular variety is additionally a lot more cold-tolerant compared to the “Wonderful” variety and can fruit under colder circumstances.

4. State Fair Pomegranate

A dwarf variety of pomegranate, “State Fair” actually reaches just about 5 feet. This particular variety flowers a lot more than bigger varieties and in addition holds small fruit that will reach just about 2 inches in diameter. “State Fair” is a lot more cold-tolerant as compared to bigger types of pomegranate.

 

5. Eight Ball Pomegranate

Developing about 8 feet in height, the “Eight Ball” variety of pomegranate tree is exclusive among its counterparts, generating fruit which is almost black. The fruit remains to be delicious, and also the tree itself is tougher as compared to other tall types of pomegranate.

 

6. Nana Pomegranate

The most typical of the dwarf types, “Nana” actually reaches just about 3 feet and generates orange-red flowers which eventually give way to tiny fruit. Just like various other dwarf types, this particular variant is much more cold-tolerant as compared to bigger types.

 

7. Babylonian White Pomegranate

The fruit of the white pomegranate will become ripe at the beginning of September and requires on 200 chill hours or simply 8 days of 45 degrees F or perhaps below creating fruit. The fruit of the Babylonian White Pomegranate is big along with a source of juice for wine in Asia Minor. This particular mystical white-colored seeded pomegranate originated from Iraq south of Baghdad and also was celebrated within the ancient hanging gardens, one of many 7 Wonders of the World. The Babylonian pomegranate is salt water resistant and also grows perfectly in exotic soils. The green color of developing fruits of the Babylonian White pomegranate start a remarkable color switch to bleached white during September. The white seed of the Babylonian pomegranate complement the white color of the external skin. The Babylonian White pomegranate keeps its white color even if ripe. The taste of the Babylonian White Pomegranate is similar to a sour green plum or perhaps a firm green apple. It tastes excellent along with salt sprinkled within the plump, tasty fruit. It is just a self-pollinating tree.

8. Dwarf Pomegranate

The Dwarf Pomegranate Bush, since its title suggests, develops three- inch miniature pomegranate fruit. Florists significantly prefer the Dwarf Pomegranate tree due to its simplicity in drying for use in wreaths and also as Christmas tree ornaments. Dwarf Pomegranate fruit off tree is scrumptious in making jelly and jams

! Dwarf Pomegranate fruit is simple to develop and also pick. The red fruit of the Dwarf pomegranate could be consumed fresh or even squeezed into red juice. Dwarf pomegranates could be pickled in white vinegar to create a fine source for gourmet chefs. The Dwarf Pomegranate tree is probably the very best decorative shrubs for courtyards and also small gardens.

9. Goliath Pomegranate

The Goliath pomegranate tree can easily grow 10 feet in height and is also packed with huge pomegranates, similar to the name infers. The Goliath pomegranate is twice the dimensions of almost every other pomegranate cultivars Pomegranate Plants can form pomegranate bushes or even trees, according to when the limbs towards the end of the plant are trimmed.

10. Grenada Pomegranate

Grenada Pomegranates mature in August, are usually self-fertile, and require just 200 chill hours (8 days of sub 45 degrees F) to generate pomegranate fruit. The shelf-life of the Grenada pomegranates is preferable to a number of other cultivars which makes it a huge success for industrial pomegranate orchards. Numerous enhanced cultivars of the pomegranate have shown up within the U.S. over the past century, several by accident (mutation) plus some by cross pollination, and also the Grenada pomegranate seemed automatically from the branch of the Wonderful pomegranate. Numerous pomegranates were grown within the historical civilizations, a few for food yet others for juice.

11. Plantation Sweet Pomegranate

The Plantation Sweet Pomegranate Tree chill hours is 200 hours, self-fertile, and also was discovered developing in an old Georgia plantation home throughout the 1940’s. The buds were obtained from the initial pomegranate tree and also grafted on to seedling stock for study purposes in the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station situated in Tifton, Georgia. The interior of the Plantation Sweet Pomegranate fruit included delicious as well as bright red pulp with the outstanding taste and also fragrance. The Plantation Pomegranate comes with an prolonged shelf-life even if not chilled, and also the fruit is usually chosen in October and placed into a fruit bowl to brighten a dinner table for Thanksgiving and also long-lasting till Christmas. Whenever growing on the tree, the Plantation Pomegranate usually grows into groups which create a bright red color onto the skin as the fruit ripens. The red Grenadine juice of the Plantation Sweet Pomegranate is regarded as the well-liked use because of this outstanding ancient fruit which grows further North as compared to other pomegranates. The juice which has a extremely high anti-oxidant advantage to battle numerous illnesses is bright red in color and is also utilized in the preparation of numerous beverages with a commitment of health advantages.

12. Russian Pomegranate

A Cold Hardy Russian Pomegranate tree is the greatest Northern Pomegranate tree which is certain to endure temperatures of Northern States- Even zones 6a which include Pennsylvania, New York, and also Ohio. Russian Pomegranate trees have got survived experimental temperature ranges of 6 degrees F.  The fruit size is bigger than a grapefruit and also fall of scrumptious sweet juice.

13. Scaly Bark Tree Form Pomegranate

The heavy bark of the tree form pomegranate safeguards it from heavy freezes to really make it cold hardy to zone 7-10. This grafted plant lifts the pomegranates into a height for simple picking and also safeguards the fruit from animals feeding.

 

Preparation and serving method

Clean pomegranate fruit within cool water or even rinse in tepid water to make to normal temperatures if stored in the cold storage space. To discover its rich taste, consume fresh fruit since it is without including anything. Usually, the fruit is consumed out of hand by making superficial vertical cuts within the tough skin and after that breaking it aside. Groups of juice sacs are lifted out, and also the white membrane, pith, and also rinds are divided from the arils. Separating its succulent, fragile arils is simple by performing this task in the bowl of cold water, wherein its seeds settle down at the end and pulp float. Eliminate water and also carefully pat dry seeds.

Arils additionally make a beautiful enhance whenever scattered on salads and also dishes.

Here are some serving tips:

Side Effects of Pomegranate

Pomegranate is generally a safe and secure fruit to consume whenever consumed moderately. However, an overdose of Pomegranate seeds, its juice, oil or even extract might cause diarrhea or even annoyed abdomen. In uncommon circumstances, many people could be sensitive towards the fruit. If you see any kind of itching, inflamed lips or even tongue, or perhaps trouble in swallowing or even breathing, you need to stop use and also to talk to your doctor instantly.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate

https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/pomegranate.html

https://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/pomegranate.html

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/the-health-benefits-of-pomegranates/

http://fruitfacts-sastha.blogspot.com/2012/07/fun-facts-about-pomegranate.html

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/pomegranates-incredible-health-benefits-5-facts/

https://propelsteps.wordpress.com/tag/interesting-facts-about-pomegranate/

http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/22-facts-about-pomegranates.html

http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/15710/1/Pomegranate-Nutrition-Facts-and-Health-Benefits.html

http://www.encyclopedia.com/plants-and-animals/plants/plants/pomegranate

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/38370/

https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=30372

http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Punica+granatum

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/pomegranate

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c831

http://www.plantnames.unimelb.edu.au/Sorting/Punica.html

http://www.floracatalana.net/punica-granatum-l-

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