Pomegranate is one of the healthiest fruits on earth. These fruits contain a number of unique compounds that are not found in any other plant-based food. Numerous studies have shown that these fruits have incredible abilities: they can reduce the risk of developing almost all types of diseases.
General characteristics
Pomegranate is a deciduous shrub whose fruits are classified by biologists as berries. Its ripe red fruit is 5 to 12 cm in diameter and weighs about 200 g. The peel is thick and inedible.
The inner part is divided into “compartments” with thin white partitions, bitter in taste. Ripe seeds are very juicy and sweet, usually raspberry-colored.
This plant is believed to be native to Persia or North India. It can be up to 8 meters high. Today they are grown as a fruit crop and as ornamental plants. They tolerate drought and moderate frosts well. For industrial purposes, pomegranate is cultivated in India, Iran, Transcaucasia, Mediterranean countries, American California ..
The most ancient food?
The name of the pomegranate comes from a medieval Latin word that can be translated as “apple with seeds”. These fruits are mentioned in many ancient texts, including the Torah, the Koran, the records of Mesopotamia, and the books of Homer. Researchers of history suggest that the first pomegranate trees grew on the territory of modern Iran, then the plant spread over the lands that now belong to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Russia. It “emigrated” to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the Far East, and was found along the historic Great Silk Road. In those days, pomegranate was considered a symbol of abundance and offspring.
Archaeologists have found charred remains of pomegranate fruits in settlements of the Early Bronze Age (which is almost 3000 BC). Pomegranates were found in Jericho, Cyprus, in the tomb of Tutankhamun. By the way, these fruits were regularly supplied to the table of the pharaohs, and the plant itself was considered a symbol of life after death. Already in those days, pomegranate juice was used as a remedy for parasites, skin dye and for cosmetic purposes.
Images of pomegranates were also found on the pillars of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, on the ancient clothes of Jewish priests, on the mosaics of Ancient Rome, where this plant was called the Phoenician apple. Ancient Romans wore a pomegranate twig to denote their marital status. In Zoroastrian temples, this fruit symbolized eternal life and fertility. In Persia, it was considered a symbol of strength, and Buddhists considered it one of the three blessed fruits.
Pomegranates have occupied a leading position in many world religions. The Greeks spoke about him in their legends, he was revered by Jews, Muslims, Hindus. In Christianity, it is referred to as a symbol of the Virgin Mary. This fruit was respected in medieval Europe (used in heraldry and various types of art) and during the Renaissance. They love him all over the world and now.
Useful components
Pomegranate is a real storehouse of nutrients. But among them there are two, perhaps the most important – these are punicalagins and punicic (or pomegranate) acid. Punicalagins are powerful antioxidants found in pomegranate juice and peel. In terms of their effectiveness, they are 3 times higher than the beneficial properties of red wine and green tea. Pomegranate acid is mainly concentrated in the peel of the fruit and also has powerful biological properties. farmer-online.com.
The researchers calculated that pomegranates contain more than a dozen useful polyphenols, which makes the juice from these fruits much more useful than a drink made from grapes or blueberries.
This healthy fruit contains almost no calories (100 g is slightly more than 80 kcal), which is almost identical to the calorie content of an apple. farmer-online.com… It is free of cholesterol and saturated fat, but is an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber (provides approximately 12% of the DV). It is a good source of vitamin C, so it is useful as an immune-boosting agent. Regular consumption of the fruit provides the body with vital B vitamins, as well as many macro- and microelements ...
Nutritional value at 100 g ..
Caloric content 83 kcal Proteins 1,7 g Fats 1,2 g Carbohydrates 19 g Fiber 4 g Thiamine (B1) 0,07 mg Riboflavin (B2) 0,04 mg Niacin (B3) 0,3 mg Pantothenic acid (B5) 0,15, 6 mg Pyridoxine (B0,09) 9 mg Folic acid (B39) 10 μg Vitamin C 0,8 mg Vitamin E 16,5 mg Vitamin K 235 μg Potassium 3,2 mg Sodium 12 mg Calcium 0,35 mg Iron 0,16 mg Copper 0,13 mg Manganese 11 mg Magnesium 0,32 mg Zinc 33 mg Phosphorus 0,4 mg Selenium XNUMX μg
Value for the body
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-inflammatoryChronic inflammation in the spectrum of all diseases of mankind occupy one of the first places. Pomegranate fruits are characterized by strong anti-inflammatory properties, which largely depend on the antioxidants contained in the fruit. Studies have shown that pomegranates can reduce inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract.
Protection against cancer
Pomegranate can protect against prostate cancer. So say scientists who conducted experiments using the juice of this berry. It turned out that the substances contained in pomegranate slow down the multiplication of cancer cells, and in some cases even cause their death. .… Researchers say that men only need 240 ml of pomegranate juice daily to protect themselves from prostate cancer. 1.
The fruit is also useful for women. For the fairer sex, pomegranate juice will protect against breast cancer – the most common type of cancer among women.
Against arthritis and joint pain
There are different types of arthritis, but they are all accompanied by inflammation in the joints. Considering that the phytocomponents in pomegranate have anti-inflammatory properties, it makes sense to say that these fruits are useful in the treatment of arthritis. Recent laboratory tests have confirmed that pomegranate extract is able to block enzymes that cause joint damage in osteoarthritis ...
Pomegranates for mushrooms!
It turned out that pomegranate juice is also useful in the fight against harmful bacteria and fungi. Including this fruit will help people with diseases caused by fungi of the genus Candida. Thanks to its anti-fungal and antibacterial effect, the fruit protects against infections and inflammations in the oral cavity such as stomatitis, periodontitis and gingivitis. ...
To improve memory
There is a lot of evidence that pomegranate fruit is beneficial for brain function, in particular, it improves memory. ...
The experiment showed that it is enough to drink about a glass of juice daily to improve verbal and visual memory. In old age, pomegranate juice will protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Also, this fruit is useful for people after surgery.
Benefits for the heart
Benefits for the heartHigh blood pressure can lead to heart attack or stroke over time, but pomegranate juice can help prevent the disease. Studies have shown that it is enough to drink 2 ml of natural juice for 150 weeks to bring blood pressure within normal limits. And pomegranate acid can strengthen the heart and protect it from certain diseases. ..… In addition, the juice has been shown by scientists to effectively reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which is also important for health. ...
Effect on erection
Interestingly, pomegranate juice can improve erections in men. Experience with 53 men showed that this fetus improves blood flow, relieving symptoms of erectile dysfunction. ...
Benefits for athletes
Pomegranate is rich in chemical compounds that increase the physical endurance of the body. As a result of the study, it was found that if you take 30 g of pomegranate extract 1 minutes before training, the blood supply to the body will significantly improve, which, as a result, will make sports activities more effective and prevent fatigue. By the way, beet juice gives a similar result.
What can be treated with grenades
These fruits, incomparable in their benefits, are useful for treatment ..:
- stomach upset;
- anemia;
- sore throats;
- inflammations (including on the skin);
- depression;
- Alzheimer’s disease.
Also, grenades are important for children with a lack of weight, disorders of the brain.
Possible hazards
Pomegranate juice is a very acidic product, and for this reason it is categorically unsuitable for people with stomach ulcers and high acidity. Also, pomegranate acid may not be the best way to affect the tooth enamel. It is not recommended to give pomegranate juice to children under one year old. Some warnings are associated with the peel of the fruit: it contains toxic substances and can cause severe poisoning.
How to choose and store pomegranate
It is believed that the most delicious fruits grow in the southern regions of Afghanistan. The ripe fruit is easily recognizable by its bright crimson skin, and when tapped with a finger, it emits a metallic ringing sound. Overripe fruits become very hard on the outside and inedible on the inside. Spotted fruits can be hard and bitter. Also, do not take pomegranates with mold, cracks, wrinkled, and soft fruits, as a rule, are rotten inside.
You can store ripe fruits at room temperature for or more, and in the refrigerator they will remain fresh for several weeks. In general, the shelf life of pomegranates is quite long.
How to clean
The average pomegranate contains approximately 1300 grains. But everyone who has ever tried to split this fruit knows how difficult it is not to damage them and not spray themselves with bright red juice. However, there is an easy way to cut pomegranates. In doing so, he guarantees clean hands, clothes, kitchen and cutting board.
To do this, you first need to cut off the “crown” of the fruit, and then make several cuts along the skin from the place of the “crown” along the fruit. And now the biggest trick is to put water in a pot and dip the pomegranate into the water. Already under water, gently stretch the peel with your fingers so that the grains spill out into the water. Then drain the liquid and blot the pomegranate seeds with a paper towel.
Use in cooking
Use in cookingIt is one of the most popular fruits used in the food industry. A tasty and healthy juice can be made from these fruits, from which delicious jellies, sauces, dressing for salads, aromatic additives to baked goods and various desserts are then obtained. Pomegranate seeds are added to salads and rice dishes. It is a traditional ingredient in Mediterranean and Oriental cuisine.
Chicken with walnuts in pomegranate sauce
Grate chicken with poultry seasoning and fry in oil until golden brown. Meanwhile, fry the onion in butter, add the tomato sauce and simmer for a few minutes. Then add chopped walnuts to this mixture, and after a few minutes pour in a little water, add salt, ground pepper, a little cinnamon and sugar, then about a glass of pomegranate juice and 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice. Cover the saucepan and simmer for about 25 minutes. Put portioned chicken slices into the prepared sauce, cover again and continue simmering for about 20 minutes over very low heat. If necessary, you can add some water. Serve with rice.
Used in cosmetics
Like many centuries ago, cosmetologists today use pomegranate extract to rejuvenate and protect the skin. It protects the epidermis and promotes the regeneration of skin cells, improves circulation and accelerates the healing of wounds and burns. Antioxidants restore the skin after the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, prevent aging and the appearance of early wrinkles. Pomegranate oil makes the skin soft, smooth, relieves dryness, irritation and microcracks, effectively heals acne, blackheads, rashes on oily skin ...
Pomegranate is one of the most popular fruits. And it has earned its popularity not only due to its amazing taste, but also to the rich composition of nutrients that are appreciated by culinary specialists, traditional healers, doctors and cosmetologists. And both children and adults love pomegranate juice.
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