Jon Halty - Who doesn't know pomegranates? This fruit that has a tempting red color besides tastes good, it has some unexpected health benefits. There is nothing wrong if you try fruit that is included in the same clade (group) with this berry.
"Unlike other types of food, the nutritional facts and benefits of pomegranates are not excessive. This fruit contains polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that help protect your body's cells from free radical damage," said Patricia Bannan, RDN, a nutrition consultant to Women's Health.
In addition, Bannan said that pomegranates are a good source of potassium for the body. Potassium is an electrolyte compound that is important for healthy muscles. The following are specific details of the contents of one pomegranate :
Calories : 144
Fat : 2 g
Saturated fat : 0.2 g
Carbohydrates : 33 g
Sodium : 5 mg
Sugar : 24 g
Fiber : 7 g
Protein : 3 g
Admittedly, the levels of sugar in pomegranates are high compared to berries, such as raspberries which only have 5 grams of sugar. Therefore, if you have diabetes or other conditions that require you to maintain sugar intake, be wise in consuming this fruit.
Benefits of pomegranate for health
As mentioned above, pomegranates contain antioxidants. Bright red foods tend to contain three types of antioxidant polyphenols, including tannins, anthocyanins, and elagic acids which are all rich in nutrients. The antioxidant power comes mainly from elagitanin compounds, which are responsible for the benefits of pomegranates for the mind and body.
Here are the benefits of pomegranate for health, as quoted by the Medical Daily :
1. Fight obesity
Pomegranate fights obesity by holding back hunger because it creates a "full" sensation. In a study in 2016, researchers from Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, gave participants pomegranate supplements every day. In addition, they are also given a glass of pomegranate juice before eating.
As a result, those who were given supplements became less hungry, lacked the desire to eat, and felt more satisfied than the other groups. Their hypothesis is that polyphenols in pomegranates are responsible for appetite suppressants.
2. Protect against heart disease
A 2010 study found that consuming 800 milligrams of pomegranate seed oil every day for 4 weeks improved the ratio between triglycerides and "good" cholesterol (HDL). In addition, eating half a glass of pomegranate juice and three dates every day can help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
3. Protect from breast cancer
Phytochemicals in pomegranates can help prevent and even slow the growth of various types of breast cancer. A 2010 study found that elagitanin affects the growth of breast cancer by preventing duplication of breast cancer cells. Urolitin B, an ellagitannin derivative compound, is said to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.
4. Improve memory
Eating pomegranate juice can help improve the health of your brain, including in terms of memory. A study in 2013 found that drinking 8 ounces of pomegranate juice for 4 weeks significantly improved verbal and visual memory in the elderly group.
5. Fight arthritis
Pomegranate can help reduce the severity of your arthritis symptoms. A 2016 study found that pomegranate extract can reduce biomarkers of rheumatoid arthritis and oxidative stress. Those who were given the extract twice a day experienced less swelling and pain than the group who did not take it.
6. Deal with erectile dysfunction
A 2007 study found that drinking pomegranate juice every day helps manage erectile dysfunction. About half of the participants reported an increase in their erection after drinking 8 ounces of pomegranate juice every night for 2 weeks, and then for 4 weeks respectively. The researchers suspect, the antioxidant content in pomegranates can stop free radical molecules that inhibit blood flow in the penis.
Apparently, a lot, yes, the benefits of this pomegranate? Not only to prevent obesity and beneficial for brain health, but also various other healthy benefits. Come on, consume this fruit regularly to get its goodness.