The pomegranate is also fondly known as the Chinese apple although it is not originally from China. Native to Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, India, and the Himalayas, this unusual looking fruit has long been cultivated and naturalized in the Mediterranean region and the Caucasus since ancient times. In Greek mythology, the pomegranate is a symbol of life and rejuvenation and its herbal use dates back some 3,000 years.
It looks more decorative than edible with its hard ruby red flesh that clings tightly to individual tiny seeds and it's covering in a thick yellowish skin. Hence, it is an expensive process to extract the goodness from the fruit and pomegranate supplements tend to be a bit more pricey.
But this delicate fruit houses strong antioxidant power — particularly ellagitannin compounds like punicalagins and punicalins, which makes up approximately half of the fruit's antioxidant ability, that give many health benefits. Research studies show that pomegranate juice has three times more antioxidant power than red wine or green tea. There are no known toxic effects caused by the pomegranate and so it seems like a powerful but safe alternative. It’s no wonder that many people are won over by what this natural remedy can do.
What are the benefits of this wonderful fruit?
Heals Dry Skin
Found by a research study by the University of Michigan Medical School, pomegranate seed oil contains a lot of punicic acid, an omega-5 fatty acid, that promotes skin rejuvenation. It is used as a topical treatment to heal dry, cracked, or irritated skin.
Unclogs Arteries
Numerous studies suggest that clogged arteries are partly caused by free radicals, so the strong anti-oxidant power of pomegranate was found to be capable of lowering bad cholesterol levels and the development of this disease.
Reduces High Blood Pressure
Having high blood pressure puts sufferers at risk of more serious diseases, like heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, kidney disease, and stroke. Scientific research shows that if you drink 50 ml of pomegranate juice daily, you could lower your blood pressure levels by 5 per cent.
Anti-Tumor Effects
Pomegranate seed oil can help reduce skin tumors in those suffering from skin cancer. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help colon cancer tumors and can inhibit breast cancer cells.
Helps Weight-Loss
More recently, pomegranate leaf extracts have been getting attention as a diet support supplement. Apparently it can reduce intestinal fat absorption without affecting blood triglyceride levels, or the fat cells that store the body’s unused calories. Scientific trials on rats found significant weight-loss results but the same on humans is yet to be further proven.
