MAGICAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF POMEGRANATE

The purpose of writing this article is to discuss magical health benefits of pomegranate. The information shared here is not the replacement of any medical care or advice.

ABOUT POMEGRANATE
Pomegranate belongs to Punicaceae family. Historically, it is considered as “MEDICINAL FRUIT “. Pomegranate are in season from September to January. Pomegranate is a fruit packed with healthy nutrients like vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is three time more potent than red wine or green tea in concentration of antioxidants.

BIOACTIVE COMPONENTS OF POMEGRANATE
Tannins (Gallo tannins, Ellagitannins, punicalagin, complex tannins, condensed tannins), flavonoids, flavanols, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanidin ,phenolic acid (gallic, ellagic, caffeic, chlorogenic, butyric, erucic, ferulic, cinnamic acid),conjugated and unconjugated fatty acids, minerals (K, Na, P, Ca and Mg) ,vitamins, phytosterols phytoestrogen(beta sitosterol),dietary fiber, nitric oxide

HEALTH BENEFITS OF POMEGRANATE
The healthiest and medicinal qualities of pomegranate for healthy life will be discussed as follow,

PROSTRATE CANCER
In recent studies, it is found that pomegranate juice or fruit is beneficial against prostate cancer because it slow down the growth of cancerous cells and promote apoptosis (programmed cell death).

BREAST CANCER
Many in vitro studies are indicating the anti-cancerous potential of pomegranate extracts, Pomegranate juice and Pomegranate seed oil. Fermented pomegranate juice (due to more concentration of polyphenols) and pomegranate seed oil (due to punicic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid linolenic acid and starchy acid) are more effective against breast cancer as compare to pomegranate juice.

LUNG CANCER
According to recent research and preclinical animal study findings  pomegranate extracts selectively inhibit the growth of lung cancerous cell.

COLON CANCER
Ellagitannins is a type of polyphenol which is abundantly present in pomegranate. Ellagitannins is metabolized by gut bacteria into Urolithins-A which exhibits anti-cancerous activity in colon according to some study findings along with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

SKIN CANCER
Pomegranate extracts, Pomegranate juice and Pomegranate seed oils exhibits profound anti cancerous effects against UVB induced skin cancer.

HEART HEALTH
Pomegranate is considered as “heart friendly juice” because of presence of dense concentration of antioxidants. Let’s check out,

ATTENUATION OF INFLAMMATION
Ellagitannins, anthocyanins and anthocyanidin are potent bioactive nutrients which reduces the markers of inflammation and oxidative stress thereby, attenuate the risk of cardiovascular events.

LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE
In eight clinical trials, it has been found that pomegranate causes reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. According to some studies findings pomegranate may lower only systolic blood pressure by preventing serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity while diastolic pressure remains unchanged. Pomegranate juice is rich in potassium with low sodium and phosphorous make it ideal for lowering blood pressure.

LIPID PROFILE AND POMEGRANATE
According to some researchers pomegranate reduces triglycerides level while serum cholesterol and glucose level remain unchanged while some small studies results indicating that pomegranate due to presence of phytosterols, stanol and steroidal cholesterol (having  chemically and biologically function similarity with cholesterol) compete with cholesterol for absorption from intestine which results in reduction of blood cholesterol levels. Hence, we can say that the study results are mixed with regard to pomegranate and blood cholesterol attenuation.

ANTI-ATHEROGENIC EFFECTS OF POMEGRANATE
Pomegranate prevent oxidation (damage) of LDL (bad cholesterol) which become one of the leading causes of atherosclerosis (plaque formation). Pomegranate subsequently increases blood flow through the arteries by clearing arteries.

ANGINA AND POMEGRANATE
Pomegranate minimizes the risk of chest pain or angina due to presence of nitric oxide which cause vasodilation and improves blood flow.

RHEUMATOID ARTHIRITIS AND OSTEOARTHRITIS
Several in vitro, animals and human studies findings are showing promising result of  pomegranate extracts against rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress and by blocking enzyme responsible for damage of cartilage mainly due to presence of flavanol’s.

POMEGRANATE AND REPRODUCTION
There is no scientific evidence which support pomegranate role in fertility  but according to some theories pomegranate promote uterine health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, by increasing blood flow and by preparing uterine lining or bed for implantation. Pomegranate contain phytoestrogen (beta sitosterol) which stimulate estrogen production especially in women with hormonal imbalance. In male, regular consumption of pomegranate juice (due to dense concentration of antioxidants) not only improves sperm count, quality and motility but also improves testosterone level. Nitric oxide present in pomegranate cause vasodilation and increase blood flow and effective against erectile dysfunction.

ANTI BACTERIAL, ANTI FUNGAL AND ANTI PARASITIC EFFECTS OF POMEGRANATE
Phenolic compound, tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids inhibit growth of bacteria (E.coli, Staphylococcus and Salmonella ), parasites (Giardia Lamblia, Plasmodium Falciparum) and fungus (Candida Albicans, Aspergillus Niger and Fusarium Solani) by disrupting cell wall, by inhibiting enzyme activity and by interfering with protein or metabolic processes.

BRAIN AND MEMORY
Pomegranate improve brain health by reducing neuroinflammation through the reduction of oxidative stress thereby, improve cognitive function and memory. According to preclinical and clinical findings, Pomegranate supplementation has potential against Alzheimer disease progression and in preservation of memory.

POMEGRANATE AND DIGESTION
According to 2023 review, more beneficial bacteria increase, the harmful types decrease. Healthy and gut friendly fiber along with polyphenols act as prebiotic for gut microbiota. As a result of it, beneficial bacteria increase which improves gut lining and decrease inflammation and prevent from the inflammatory bowel disease.

POMEGRANATE AND DIABETES
Pomegranate is considered as low-sugar fruit for diabetic people but portion size and total carbohydrates intake should be taken into consideration. According to animal and human studies findings it improves fasting blood sugar level n diabetic patients.

PRECAUTION FOR PEOPLE HAVING KIDNEY PROBLEMS ALONG WITH DIABETES 
Not with every kidney and diabetic patient, consumption of pomegranate will cause the harm but in certain cases pomegranate due to high concentration of potassium may harm the patients having diabetes and kidney problems so, consultation with your health care provider is necessary.

CONCLUSION
Pomegranate is healthy fruit with potent health benefits loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants due to which it must be incorporated into diet.