Pomegranate juice is one of the most nutritious foods to include in your diet. It is a rich source of nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Its high nutrition chart is one of the reasons why pomegranate juice has been used in the preparation of several other beverages such as red wine and green tea.
Typically, pomegranate juice was used as a way of purifying the blood. It was believed that the red colour of the juice would rid our blood of any impurities and keep us healthy. Eventually, modern science proved that the antioxidant properties of pomegranate juice were what aided the elimination of substances such as free radicals.
Let us understand more about pomegranate juice and the effect that it has on our bodies.
What Minerals Are Present In Pomegranate Fruit?
Pomegranate juice is said to host a variety of essential nutrients, making it a great addition to a healthy eating plate. According to the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute Of Medicine, a single half cup serving of pomegranate fruit offers the following minerals:
- Calcium: Pomegranate fruit is a rich source of calcium. This nutrient plays a vital role in preventing the clotting of blood around the heart. It also helps maintain the action of cardiovascular muscles, ensuring smoother contraction and release – thereby assisting in the prevention of heart-related diseases
Additionally, calcium is necessary for the proper formation of bones and muscles, especially among growing children. It also helps reinforce bone density in adults and is vital for those over the age of thirty. Lack of calcium intake can cause severe health complications in the long run, such as hypocalcemia. - Magnesium: Pomegranate fruit also contains magnesium. This is one of the most essential nutrients required for the optimal functioning of our body. It carries out a wide variety of tasks such as regulating the flow of blood, promoting healthy digestion, and improving the concentration of oxygen levels in the body.
The Food and Nutrition Board of the Indian Medical Association suggests that we consume a minimum of at least 400 mg of dietary magnesium per day in order to get the maximum health benefits.
- Zinc: Pomegranate fruit is rich in zinc, an essential inorganic micronutrient required for promoting the optimal functioning of our body. Zinc cannot be naturally synthesized by the human body and has to be absorbed from external sources such as food or nutritional supplements. The main use of zinc in our body is to aid the production of cells and resist infections.
However, the Food And Nutrition Board has determined that the recommended daily dosage of zinc for adults to be around 15-30 mg, with a tolerable upper intake of 40 mg. The deficiency of zinc can lead to complications such as weakened immune response, fertility issues, dry skin, and thinning hair.
- Potassium: Another nutrient that pomegranate fruit is rich in is potassium. It is usually accompanied by the supplementation of vitamin k. Potassium has a huge role to play in the functioning of our heart as it prevents the buildup of plaque within the arteries. It maintains the balance of fluids within our body and aids digestion by promoting the growth of healthy intestinal micro bacteria.
One of the most important benefits of potassium, however, is that it helps in the clotting of blood when our body suffers from a wound. A lack of potassium can result in complications such as haemophilia, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and even constipation.
Health Benefits Of Consuming Pomegranate Juice
Given below are some of the uses of pomegranate for your body:
Anti Inflammatory Effects
One of the main uses of pomegranate is that it helps in reducing the inflammatory response of the body. Inflammation is one of the primary factors for several diseases such as Alzheimer’s, obesity and heart disease. Pomegranate fruit is rich in antioxidant properties which are primarily due to the presence of punicalagin in it. This fruit also reduces the inflammation experienced by the body in the digestive tract and breast cancer cells, reducing the risk of cancer as well. Pomegranate for skin is also useful in reducing the inflammation on the epidermis. This prevents redness and itchiness caused due to conditions like psoriasis.
Other uses of pomegranate include the reduction of inflammatory markers such as CRP and interleukin within the body. This is beneficial in reducing the risk of developing type 1 diabetes as well.
Reduces Risk Of Heart Disease
One of the most common causes of death is heart disease. This can be due to several factors such as obesity, excessive cholesterol and triglyceride levels, or even increased levels of oxidative stress
Pomegranate juice is a rich source of a certain fatty acid named punicic acid. This is one of the strongest defences against heart disease. Regular supplementation of a healthy diet that included pomegranate juice showed a promising improvement in the triglyceride levels of the body.
It also boosted the HDL cholesterol levels while keeping the secretion of LDL low. This particular benefit of pomegranate juice was especially beneficial for people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This helps our body in fighting off heart disease.
Improves Memory
Uses of pomegranate also include the proper functioning of our memory. Including this beverage as a part of your daily diet can be useful in reducing the oxidative stress exerted on the brain due to the presence of free radicals within the system. This also reduces the risk of development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Conclusion
Packed with a rich portfolio of nutrients such as antioxidants and minerals, pomegranates are one of the healthiest foods that you can include in your daily diet. However, pomegranate juice is also a rich source of natural sugars.
Consuming pomegranate fruit in excessive amounts can lead to unwanted complications such as spikes in your insulin level or an increase in blood sugar. This can further cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, lethargy, and bloating. Make sure to consume it in limited amounts as a part of a healthy balanced diet to stay fit and healthy.
