The benefits and harms of pomegranate for human health and ways to consume the fruit and seeds

Many have heard about the healing properties of pomegranate juice, which have a beneficial effect on the human body. But not everyone knows what will bring more benefits - fresh or canned juice, or how to properly consume this fruit - by swallowing or throwing away the seeds. The proposed material will discuss the benefits of pomegranate and its harm to health, the rules for choosing, consuming and storing the fruit, and other related issues.

Composition and calorie content of pomegranate

This fruit consists of five hundred to a thousand grains, inside of which there is a small seed surrounded by juicy, slightly sour, dark red pulp.

The composition of pomegranate includes (per one hundred grams of fruit):

• water - up to eighty grams;
• proteins - one gram;
• carbohydrates – nineteen grams.

The calorie content of the fruit is very low and amounts to 53 kilocalories. Pomegranate also contains large amounts of:

• minerals - iron, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium;
• vitamins - the entire group B, E, P and C.

The average fruit weight is two hundred grams.

How to select and store pomegranate

When choosing a fruit, you need to pay attention to its appearance. There should be no visible damage or soft dents. A ripe and high-quality fruit is characterized by a dry skin and a juicy core.

Ripeness is determined by the thin amniotic skin that tightly fits the grain. If the skin is wet and has a spongy texture, the pomegranate was picked green. The structure of the outer peel is uniform in color with a glossy tint. The presence of brown spots indicates that the fruit is affected by rot disease.

Preference should be given to large-sized fruits that are crispy when pressed slightly. In a ripe pomegranate, the calyx of the flower, located at the top of the fruit, should be dry and open, its color matches the overall color of the fruit.There is no need to choose a fruit with a green tail.

Storage conditions require low temperature (no more than ten degrees), in a dry room, wrapped in moisture-repellent paper. Pomegranate easily tolerates storage; drying out of the peel does not indicate damage to the core - the pulp remains juicy. If there are no storage conditions, a possible option is to freeze the peeled grains.

Is it healthy to eat fruit with seeds?

Pomegranate seeds are of great benefit as dietary carbohydrates. Once in the esophagus, they improve the absorption of food and its passage through the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is recommended not to spit out the seeds when eating the fruit.

Beneficial features

Many people are interested in the benefits of pomegranate for humans. Next - in more detail about the healing qualities of its components.

Pomegranate juice

Only freshly squeezed pomegranate juice should be consumed. It promotes:

• cleansing the body;
• normalization of the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• improving appetite;
• increase in hemoglobin;
• blood pressure stabilization;
• speedy recovery from ARVI, flu, cough, scurvy and other diseases.

The juice has diuretic and antiseptic properties, improves the functioning of the kidneys, liver and lungs.

Peels

Powder made from pomegranate peel is used in the treatment of:

• enterocolitis;
• skin diseases;
• respiratory infections;
• helminth infections;
• stomatitis, bleeding gums.

If dried partitions are added to brewed tea, it will improve sleep and normalize the psycho-emotional state.

Seedling

Ground seeds help relieve headaches, reduce blood pressure and normalize hormonal levels. Seed oil is used in cosmetology.

Flowers and leaves

Tea from leaves and flowers is taken for the purpose of losing weight, to normalize the digestive process, and in the treatment of infectious diseases. Pomegranate leaves and flowers added to the juice significantly improve its healing properties. A paste made from these components is used for eye diseases.

Effects of pomegranate on the body

The nature of the effect of pomegranate on the body largely depends on the characteristics of the person. Below are the characteristics of the effect on women, men and children.

Female

Estrogens contained in grains ease menopause and relieve depression. Ellagotannins help reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer and prevent their growth.

Male

In men, when consuming pomegranate, blood circulation improves, which stimulates erection; all other beneficial properties are similar to other categories.

Children's

It is useful for children to give pomegranate juice to improve the absorption of iron from food, which is especially important in the treatment of anemia. Children who regularly eat pomegranate seeds are characterized by increased sensitivity to knowledge.

Features of use during pregnancy

Pregnant women should be careful when consuming pomegranate, since the oxalic, citric and malic acids it contains cause the risk of stomach irritation and have a detrimental effect on the development of the fetus.

But drinking diluted or combined juice with other vegetables or fruits will eliminate the irritating effect and enrich the body with numerous vitamins and minerals.

Methods of use for diseases

In the presence of diseases of various nature, the use of pomegranate is characterized by some features.Next - in more detail about the effect of this fruit on various diseases.

For stomach ulcers

Those suffering from this disease will benefit from drinking diluted pomegranate juice three times a day before meals. This will improve the digestion process and reduce the irritating effect on the inner walls of the stomach.

With impaired metabolism

In this case, treatment is carried out within three weeks:

• first, take half a glass three times a day;
• in the second - the same amount, twice a day;
• in the third - leave one step.

This measure allows you to cleanse the blood of toxins and normalize metabolism.

For cardiovascular diseases

Drinking half a glass of sweet pomegranate juice before meals for three months significantly improves the condition of people with cardiovascular diseases.

For diabetes

The same amount is taken, or doubled, with the addition of a tablespoon of honey.

For stomach upsets

Regular consumption of half a glass of juice (with the addition of five grams of crushed peel and steamed in boiling water) thirty minutes before meals for forty days will help you avoid or eliminate stomach upset. A month later the course is repeated.

For inhalation for acute respiratory viral infections and influenza

An infusion prepared from pomegranate peels is effective if taken in the form of inhalations for colds. Inhaled vapors relieve nasal congestion, relieve sore throats and enrich the blood with antioxidants that counteract colds.

Traditional medicine recipes with pomegranate

Masks using pomegranate juice, salt and soap are effective against skin diseases.

A product made from pomegranate peel will help deal with worms.To do this, fifty grams of dried raw materials are infused for five hours in cold water, boiled over low heat until half the volume of liquid evaporates. The finished composition is filtered and taken every hour in a small amount. In the evening, an enema is given from the remaining liquid. The next day the course is repeated.

For diarrhea, take one teaspoon of juice with steamed peel three times a day. The peel is steamed in boiling water for twenty minutes.

Gargling with juice can easily relieve a sore throat. If you have excess thirst, this drink will easily quench it. A mixture of pomegranate and honey will relieve high fever. A quarter glass of juice will increase appetite if there is a lack of it.

The use of fruit in cosmetology

The berry is actively used for cosmetic purposes. Its healing properties in this area are explained by its rich chemical composition.

Pomegranate seed oil for hair

Aromatic and healing oil is obtained from pomegranate seeds. For this, cold pressing is used. Thanks to the high content of saturated acids, vitamins and microelements, this product restores damaged or colored hair, improving the structure and protecting it from harmful environmental influences.

Fruit pulp for the skin of the hands and face

Masks, lotions, and creams are made from pomegranate pulp that improve color, smooth out wrinkles, cleanse pores, relieve inflammation and rejuvenate the skin. These products help strengthen blood vessels, tightening and smoothing the skin.

Existing contraindications

Along with its beneficial qualities, it must be borne in mind that pomegranate juice is contraindicated for people suffering from:

• chronic gastrointestinal diseases;
• increased acidity.

It is not recommended to drink undiluted juice for children under seven years of age, and under the age of one year it should be avoided completely. Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice has a detrimental effect on tooth enamel, so it is recommended to rinse your mouth after consumption.

You should not eat pomegranate if you have hemorrhoids or frequent constipation.

The said fruit has multiple medicinal properties, but freshly squeezed juice should be used as store-bought products include some undesirable additives. It is better to purchase dried peel and membranes at a pharmacy. Regular consumption of pomegranate will avoid many problems, but possible contraindications must be taken into account.