POMEGRANATE: PROPERTIES AND HEALTH BENEFITS

Pomegranate is a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and good luck. For many centuries, it has been a tradition to welcome the New Year by breaking a pomegranate at the doorstep, a gesture believed to bring good fortune for the year ahead.

As an archetypal symbol, the pomegranate has appeared in the traditions of many ancient civilizations. It is even broken during weddings to symbolize fertility, prosperity, and good luck for the newlywed couple, not only in Greece but in other parts of the world as well. In China, it is customary to give a ceramic pomegranate as a wedding gift, while Bedouins break pomegranates and scatter the seeds inside the newlyweds' tent to bring fertility.

Additionally, even when dried on the outside, the seeds of the pomegranate remain filled with juice, symbolizing both life and death.

Health Benefits of Pomegranate

This fruit is considered a superfood due to its numerous health benefits. It is a concentrated source of vitamins (A, B, C, and E), minerals (potassium, calcium, magnesium), and trace elements (zinc, copper, and manganese). Moreover, pomegranate is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, which have numerous benefits for heart diseases, hypertension, and cholesterol management.

Here are some of its health benefits:

? Protection from Free Radicals

Pomegranate is rich in antioxidants, protecting the body from free radicals that cause premature aging. Free radicals are formed due to exposure to the sun and harmful toxins in the environment.

? Prevention of Atherosclerosis

As we age, the walls of our arteries become stiffer due to cholesterol, sometimes leading to blockages. The antioxidant properties of pomegranate prevent the oxidation of bad cholesterol. Consuming pomegranate helps eliminate excess fat and prevents the hardening of arterial walls.

? Acts as an Oxygen Mask

Pomegranate helps increase the oxygen levels in our blood. Thanks to the antioxidants in pomegranate, it combats free radicals, reduces cholesterol, and prevents blood clotting. These factors allow blood to flow more freely, improving oxygen levels in the body.

?Prevention of Arthritis

Pomegranate can reduce cartilage damage by combating the enzyme that causes it. Additionally, it has the ability to reduce inflammation, making it beneficial for people suffering from arthritis.

?Fights Heart Disease and Prostate Cancer

Two studies support that pomegranate juice can combat prostate cancer. One study showed that pomegranate juice slowed the growth and even killed cultured cancer cells.

As mentioned in the second point, pomegranate juice thins the blood, improving circulation and helping prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Pomegranate's Beneficial Nutrients

One cup of pomegranate seeds contains 24 grams of sugar and 144 calories.

? Improves Memory

A study showed that individuals with memory problems who drank 237 ml of pomegranate juice daily experienced significant improvement in both verbal and visual memory. Another experiment on mice showed that consuming pomegranate could potentially prevent Alzheimer’s disease. However, this experiment has not yet been conducted on humans.

? Reduces Blood Pressure

Punicalagins, one of the main components of pomegranate, help reduce cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.

❕Who Should Be Cautious When Consuming Pomegranate

Pomegranate is generally safe to consume and does not cause side effects when eaten as a fruit or consumed as juice. However, pomegranate extracts can cause sensitivity in some cases.

Symptoms of sensitivity may include itching, swelling, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. There are certain conditions under which individuals should be cautious before consuming pomegranate in any form.