A fruit that is the "nemesis" of 6 types of cancer, extremely good for women's beauty and health
Pomegranates have high nutritional value.
Nutritional content of pomegranates
The pomegranate, scientifically named Punica granatum, is a fruit-bearing shrub that produces red fruit. Classified as a berry, pomegranates range from about 5 to 12 cm in diameter. The fruit is red, round, and resembles a red apple with a flower-shaped calyx at the bottom.
Seeds are the edible parts of a pomegranate. According to research, pomegranates have high nutritional value – 174 grams of pomegranate seeds contain:
Fiber: 7 grams.
Protein: 3 grams.
Vitamin C: 30% RDI.
Vitamin K: 36% RDI.
Folate: 16% RDI.
Potassium: 12% RDI.
Pomegranates contain two plant compounds with potent medicinal properties
The arils (seed coats) of the pomegranate are very sweet and highly prized. However, the high value offered by pomegranates comes not only from the arils but also from plant compounds, some of which possess potent medicinal properties.
Pomegranates contain two characteristic compounds that offer beneficial effects for the body:
Punicalagin: This is an extremely potent antioxidant found in pomegranate juice and peel. This compound is so powerful that pomegranate juice has been found to have three times the antioxidant activity of red wine and green tea. Pomegranate extracts and powders are typically made from the peel due to its high antioxidant and punicalagin content.
Punicic acid: Found in pomegranate seed oil, it is the main fatty acid component in the seed arils. It is a conjugated linoleic acid with potent biological effects.
Health benefits of pomegranate
According to Phu Nu Moi, the international academic journal Food Science & Nutrition published a study indicating that pomegranate extracts possess potent anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties, with the ability to significantly reduce the incidence of cancer. For women, this is not only a preventive remedy but also an effective secret to preserving youthfulness and balancing hormones.
Research shows that maintaining a habit of eating pomegranates can help reduce cancer risk by more than 20%. Nutrition experts affirm that polyphenols, isoflavones, and tannins in this fruit are capable of inhibiting malignant cell growth and modulating chronic inflammation in the body.
Among them, 6 types of cancer that pomegranates strongly help prevent include:
- Breast cancer.
- Skin cancer.
- Lung cancer.
- Colorectal cancer.
- Bladder cancer.
- Prostate cancer.
Compounds such as ellagic acid and punicalagin in pomegranates act by inhibiting the spread of cancer cells through altering cellular signaling pathways. When combining pomegranate with a diet rich in green vegetables, the body's protective capacity is multiplied.
Other uses of pomegranate
Pomegranates may lower blood pressure
In one study, people with high blood pressure saw a significant reduction in blood pressure after consuming 150 ml of pomegranate juice daily for two weeks. Other studies have found similar effects, especially on systolic blood pressure, which is the higher number in a blood pressure reading.
Pomegranates may help fight arthritis and joint pain
Laboratory studies suggest that pomegranate extract can block enzymes known to cause joint damage in people with osteoarthritis. The extract has also been shown to reduce arthritis in mice, but evidence from human studies remains very limited to date.
Pomegranate juice may reduce the risk of heart disease
Punicic acid, the main fatty acid in pomegranate, may help protect against several stages in the development of cardiovascular disease.
A 4-week study in 51 people with high triglyceride levels showed that 800 mg of pomegranate seed oil daily significantly reduced triglycerides and improved the triglyceride-to-HDL ratio.
Another study examined the effects of pomegranate juice in people with type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. The study noted a significant reduction in "bad" LDL cholesterol levels, as well as other improvements.
Pomegranate juice has also been shown in both animal and human studies to protect LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation, a critical step in the progression toward cardiovascular disease.
Supports urinary tract health
Test-tube and human studies have found that pomegranate extract may help reduce the formation of kidney stones. Studies indicate that pomegranate extract has been found to inhibit mechanisms associated with stone formation in people with recurrent kidney stones.
In addition, animal studies have shown that pomegranate extract can help regulate blood levels of oxalate, calcium, and phosphate, which are common components of kidney stones.
Benefits of pomegranate for female beauty and health
Pomegranates contain 1 to 2 times more vitamin C than apples, helping to neutralize free radicals and protect collagen structures, thereby preventing wrinkles and keeping skin firm.
Natural phytochemical pigments in pomegranates help improve subcutaneous blood circulation, delivering a radiant complexion and fading dark spots from deep within.
Rich in vitamins K, E, and folic acid, pomegranates create a strong protective shield for the body, helping women fight against inflammatory agents.
The iron and antioxidant content in pomegranates nourishes hair follicles, reduces thinning and hair loss, and helps women achieve thicker, shinier hair.
Thanks to its abundant phytoestrogen (plant estrogen) content, pomegranate helps balance hormones, easing hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue in women.
Who should limit or avoid eating pomegranates
- People with peptic ulcers or constipation should avoid eating pomegranates, as the natural acids can aggravate gastric and duodenal ulcers. Pomegranate peels and seeds may also worsen constipation.
- Pomegranates are high in natural sugars; therefore, consuming them may cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels for people with diabetes.
- Pomegranates have blood pressure-lowering properties; therefore, people with low blood pressure should not consume large amounts, as it can cause hypotension.
- People taking prescription medications such as blood pressure drugs (captopril, enalapril), statins for cholesterol, and anticoagulants (warfarin) may experience adverse effects or an increased risk of bleeding when consuming pomegranate.
- Pomegranates are rich in acids and sugars, which can easily erode tooth enamel and worsen toothache in people with oral diseases, especially cavities.
- People sensitive to components in pomegranate may experience symptoms such as itching, swollen lips/tongue, and difficulty breathing when consuming it.
- Pomegranate affects the blood clotting process and is not suitable for individuals preparing for surgery.
- Young children should not be given pomegranate seeds due to the risk of choking.
Note: Pomegranates are best eaten at breakfast or lunch; avoid eating them on an empty stomach and chew thoroughly to prevent intestinal obstruction.