Pomegranates have been deemed as a superfood for many years, due to their rich nutritional content. Apart from the traditional applications of the fruit in beverages and food, recent research has shown that pomegranates have anti-aging benefits as well.
In this article, we are going to dig deeper into the benefits of pomegranates on anti-aging and how you can include them in your diet.
What Makes Pomegranates Anti-Aging?
Pomegranates are a great source of antioxidants, meaning they help to protect the body against harmful molecules that cause aging and other chronic diseases.
Studies have shown that pomegranates contain up to three times more antioxidants compared to red wine and green tea.
One of the most abundant antioxidants found in pomegranates is punicalagin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, another factor that plays a role in the aging process.
Furthermore, pomegranates are packed with vitamins like Vitamin C, E, and K, which together protect the skin against damage by free radicals, improve its texture and appearance, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C, in particular, has been shown to increase collagen production, which is essential to keeping the skin firm and youthful-looking.
How to Incorporate Pomegranates into Your Diet
There are many ways to incorporate pomegranates into your diet. Below are a few ideas:.
Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice is one of the easiest ways to enjoy this fruit. You can either buy it from your local store or make it yourself by blending pomegranate seeds with water and straining it.
Make sure to check the sugar content if you are buying from the store because some brands add a lot of sugar.
Pomegranate Seeds
You can also eat the pomegranate seeds on their own, or add them to your salads, desserts, or smoothies. Ensure to remove the white membrane around the seeds because it has a bitter taste.
Frozen Pomegranate
Frozen pomegranates are available in most grocery stores, they are great for smoothies and can even be used to make sorbet.
Other Benefits of Pomegranates
Apart from their anti-aging effects, pomegranates have other benefits such as lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and promoting gut health.
Pomegranates Regulate Blood Pressure
A study conducted on hypertensive patients showed that drinking 5 ounces of pomegranate juice every day for two weeks reduced both their systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 7% and 6% respectively.
Pomegranates Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation can cause chronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Several studies have shown that pomegranates reduce inflammation, especially in the digestive tract.
Pomegranates Promote Gut Health
The seeds of the pomegranate fruit are rich in fiber, which helps to promote gut health by feeding the friendly gut bacteria.
Evidence suggests that consuming an adequate amount of fiber may also reduce the risk of colon cancer and improve bowel movement.
Conclusion
Pomegranates are a superfood with numerous health benefits, including anti-aging effects. The high concentration of antioxidants in pomegranates helps to neutralize harmful molecules that contribute to aging.
Incorporating pomegranates into your diet is easy and adds a unique flavor to your meals. Additionally, the fruit also has other health benefits, such as reducing blood pressure, inflammation, and promoting gut health. So next time you are in the grocery store, grab a couple of pomegranates and enjoy all its health benefits!.
