Far from being toxic, pomegranate seeds brim with health benefits. In fact, all parts of the pomegranate tree, including the seeds and bark, are full of polyphenols -- plant chemicals that battle disease. Extracts of pomegranate seed contain more antioxidants than green tea or red wine, according to biochemist Bharat B. Aggarwal, Ph.D., author of the 2011 book "Healing Spices." Use pomegranate for medicinal purposes only under your physician's guidance.
Uses
Ancient texts, including the Iliad and the Bible, mention the pomegranate. It belongs to the Punica genus. The Poenica, or Phoenicians, treasured the fruit, according to Michael Castleman in the 2010 book, "The New Healing Herbs." In India, the acidic spice anardana consists of dried and ground pomegranate seeds. In recent times, pomegranate juice has become a trendy food in the United States and is now available widely. Pomegranate juice is making an appearance in flavored waters, combination juice drinks and even Popsicles.
Enjoying the Pomegranate
The pomegranate's crimson-colored, tough skin opens up to expose thousands of juice sacs, also called arils. Inside these juicy cases sits the pomegranate seed. To eat a raw pomegranate out of hand, you can separate the juice sacs from their membranes and feast on the sweet and acidic fruit. Go ahead and crunch away on the raw seeds. Ingesting pomegranate seeds causes no harm. Pomegranate juice is manufactured by pressing the juice sacs and discarding the seeds. It is a good way to reap the fruit's many benefits if you do not like eating the seeds.
Nutritional Facts
Pomegranate fruit is an abundant storehouse of important nutrients. One medium pomegranate measuring about 4 inches in diameter and weighing 282 g contains 234 calories. It also boasts of 4 g of protein, 52 g of carbohydrates and 11 g of fiber. Your body needs protein to construct and maintain healthy tissue and to build hemoglobin -- the part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen through the body. Carbohydrates provide energy to fuel your body. Eating foods with fiber, like fresh fruit, makes you feel full and helps your intestinal tract work at its peak.
Vitamins and Minerals
Pomegranates are a source of necessary vitamins and minerals. The fruit has vitamin C, an antioxidant that is necessary for cell development. Another component of pomegranates is choline, a molecule that resembles a B vitamin. The brain utilizes choline to manufacture neurotransmitters, which transmit nerve impulses throughout the body. Your body also uses choline to build cell membranes and to improve cognition and stamina. Pomegranates also offer a number of minerals including calcium, phosphorus and a large dose of magnesium. Magnesium strengthens bones, enhances immune function and regulates blood pressure.
References
- "Healing Spices: How to Use 50 Everyday and Exotic Spices"; Bharat B. Aggarwal, Ph.D.; 2011
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
