The king of all fruits is what the crowned pomegranate is called in the East. The beneficial properties of this fruit have been known since time immemorial. The ancient Greeks were sure that pomegranate could kindle love in the soul and keep the body in good shape. Today, it has been scientifically proven that the king of all fruits strengthens the immune system and helps the body fight many diseases.
Natural vitamin and mineral complex
Vitamins of groups B, A, C, E, PP, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus - generously awarded pomegranates with useful properties. Rich in vitamin C - for strong immunity. Vitamin PP, potassium and magnesium - for the smooth operation of the cardiovascular system. Iron and vitamin B12 stimulate the formation of red blood cells. Calcium and phosphorus strengthen teeth and bones, vitamins A and E stimulate the regeneration of skin cells.
Pomegranate, the calorie content of which, by the way, is only about 70 kcal per 100 grams of pulp, contains an amazing set of amino acids. There are as many as 15 of them in this fruit. Moreover, 6 of them are only in meat and are unique for plant foods. And since it is amino acids that are an indispensable building material for cells, pomegranate is just a godsend for vegetarians.
Another unique substance found in pomegranates is punicalagin. Along with ellagic acid, which is also present in the chemical composition of pomegranate pulp, it is a powerful antioxidant. Interestingly, the level of antioxidants in the king of fruits is higher than in, or. From a scientific point of view, this is due to the fact that pomegranate fruits contain a large amount of water-soluble polyphenols.
Finally, pomegranate is known for its tannin content. In fact, the largest amount of tannins is not in the fruit, but in the bark of the pomegranate tree. But still, they are enough in pomegranate juice. Therefore, it is often taken for diarrhea, and also caressed with inflamed gums and throat with sore throat. To do this, the juice must first be diluted with plain water.
What diseases can pomegranate help with?
So, pomegranate is a fruit, the beneficial properties of which are undeniable in many diseases. There is even an opinion that the use of pomegranate slows down the development of cancer and removes radiation from the body. Among the already proven healing properties of the miracle fruit is help with acute respiratory viral diseases. Its juice will quench your thirst, activate the defense mechanisms in the body and help reduce fever, relieve coughing.
Pomegranate is well suited for people with diseases of the cardiovascular system. So, with hypertension, regular consumption of this fruit normalizes blood pressure. In addition, pomegranate lovers strengthen the heart muscle.
If you are stressed out by eating a pomegranate, save the white membranes. Dry them and add to tea. This remedy relieves nervous tension, calms and strengthens the nervous system.
Burnt? And here comes the grenade to the rescue. Lubricate the burnt surface with diluted juice. Then sprinkle the sore spot with dried and chopped peel. If there are no stocks of bark powder at home, processing with juice will ease the pain in any case.
Dried pomegranate peel is a good antihelminthic. To do this, prepare an infusion: put 50 g of chopped peel in 400 g of cold water and leave for 5-6 hours. Then boil the infusion over low heat until it is reduced by half. Strain the cooled broth and cool. Drink the resulting liquid within an hour in small portions. Then take a laxative, and after 6 hours do an enema.
Pomegranate juice is also used for cosmetic purposes. For example, for the treatment of acne, removing age spots and freckles. To whiten your face, try this mask. Combine a teaspoon of pomegranate juice with a small amount of sour cream. Apply the resulting mixture for 10 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.
In addition, the periodic use of pomegranates has a preventive positive effect on the body in atherosclerosis, diabetes, anemia and exhaustion of the body. And the bones crushed and mixed with honey will relieve toothache if you attach them to the inflamed gum area.
To have harmony in the family
Inclusion in the diet of the king of fruits will help to establish a couple's sex life. Pomegranate helps restore hormonal balance in the body of both men and women. With painful menstruation or menopause, this fruit will make a woman feel better - it will relieve irritation, help to relax, and neutralize a headache.
Representatives of the stronger sex who prefer this fruit can boast of excellent male strength. After all, pomegranate improves blood circulation due to the fact that it reduces cholesterol "pollution" of blood vessels. According to the experiments of the International Impotence Research Center, 47% of men who regularly drink pomegranate juice have increased potency.
For those on a diet
Those who follow the figure should also pay attention to the pomegranate. The calorie content of this miracle fruit is only 65–85 kcal per hundred grams. Juice is even less - about 50.
But losing weight should take a closer look at other important properties of pomegranate. It perfectly removes toxins from the body, significantly improves metabolism. Add pomegranate seeds to meat or fish dishes and they will activate digestion.
And if you eat pomegranate along with the seeds, then the content contained in them will help cleanse the intestines. It is practically not digested, helps other food pass through the digestive tract faster and promotes excretion.
But this does not mean at all that pomegranate seeds need to be chewed day and night. This can lead to inflammation of the appendix. Eat at least a few grains. Even they will help improve digestion.
Pomegranate cleansing
You can arrange for yourself a pomegranate cleansing of the body from toxins, toxins and decay products. To do this, drink pomegranate juice for three weeks. The scheme can be as follows: the first seven days - half a cup three times a day, the second week - the same amount, but twice a day. In the third phase of the cleanse, reduce consumption to ½ cup.
It is better to drink juice between main meals. Just keep in mind that it must be freshly squeezed. A store product in a tetrapack will not bring the desired benefit. A pomegranate cleansing course can be carried out three times a year.
But keep in mind that such a diet for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can result in big problems. Be sure to consult your doctor.
For expectant mothers
Pomegranate is also useful during pregnancy. During this period, the body of a woman is characterized by a lack of iron. To prevent or cure anemia, doctors advise the expectant mother to include pomegranates or pomegranate juice in her diet. It is worth drinking it 30 minutes before eating half a glass. Interestingly, eating this fruit also helps to strengthen the muscles of the vagina. By the way, if you are just planning a baby, drink 1 glass of pomegranate juice during the first 7-10 days of the cycle. This will help to normalize the production of hormones by the ovaries.
But it's still not worth getting carried away with grenades. With frequent use, they cause heartburn and can provoke constipation in a pregnant woman. It is recommended to eat no more than one fruit per day.
Is it possible for a nursing mother to have pomegranate? Experts say yes, but with caution. Try eating a small handful of grains or drinking half a glass of juice, always diluted with water. It is advisable to do this at the beginning of the day in order to track the baby's reaction to such mother's food. If within 6–10 hours the signs of allergies or digestive problems do not appear in the child, then you can occasionally indulge yourself with your favorite fruit.
If you or your child has a predisposition to allergies, you should refrain from eating pomegranates, like other red fruits. You should not experiment with store-bought juices either - they often contain a lot of preservatives and other harmful chemicals.
To whom are grenades contraindicated?
But do not rush to run to the store to buy kilograms of pomegranates. In large quantities, pomegranate juice, due to its high acidity, can destroy tooth enamel. To protect the teeth, it is advised to chew a little cheese before eating it, drink the juice diluted and through a straw. Limit the use of this fruit even if you suffer from low blood pressure.
With hemorrhoids, cracks in the anus, pomegranate can cause burning and discomfort. The pomegranate diet will also aggravate the situation with chronic constipation.
Like other bright vegetables and fruits, pomegranate can provoke an exacerbation of allergies. Even if your allergen is flowering plants, during a dangerous period, limit the use of foods that can aggravate the situation.
Do not get carried away and decoctions of the peel or pomegranate bark. They contain alkaloids that can lead to poisoning. At the first symptoms - weakness, dizziness, convulsions, clouding in the eyes, increased pressure - urgently call an ambulance.
Due to the high content of acids (citric, tartaric, malic and others) in pancreatitis, gastritis and ulcers, it is also strongly recommended to exclude pomegranates from the diet. The benefits and harms of this fruit in each specific situation can only be assessed by a doctor.
How to choose a ripe pomegranate?
In order not to be disappointed, choose your grenades carefully in the store or in the market. Ripe fruits should be firm. If the pomegranate is soft, it is likely that it was not transported correctly. Frozen on the way, or the fruit has already begun to deteriorate.
The main indicator of a ripe and sweet fruit is the peel. It should be dry and tight to the grains. If the fruit was picked unripe, the skin will be smooth, and the dimple where the flower was located will be greenish.
