Fruits carry a diverse range of nutritional benefits for a sound and healthy lifestyle. With each fruit having its unique taste, texture, and color, new studies continue to discover more about their discrete and potent health benefits.
A fruit that stands out for its health benefits is pomegranate.
What Makes Pomegranate Good for Your Heart?
Pomegranate, a nutrient-rich fruit, is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The fruit’s juice and seeds pack a healthy dose of soluble and insoluble fiber, which minimizes the risk of cardiovascular diseases by having a positive impact on cholesterol, blood pressure levels, and inflammation.
Pomegranate seeds contain polyphenols, specifically tannins and anthocyanins, which work as potent antioxidants. The antioxidants help prevent plaque buildup in the arteries, which can cause arteries to harden, leading to various heart diseases.
Furthermore, the antioxidants in pomegranate help repair damaged cells in the body, including cells in the circulatory system and the internal lining of the arteries.
Pomegranate and Osteoporosis – What’s the Connection?
The fruit’s juice and seeds are rich in minerals beneficial for maintaining healthy bones. Regular consumption of pomegranate can provide minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which are essential for healthy and robust bones.
Postmenopausal women face a common bone disease called osteoporosis, which threatens the quality and strength of their bones and increases the risk of fractures.
Studies have shown that the antioxidant properties in pomegranates can promote bone cell growth, prevent bone loss, and aid in the regeneration and repair of the damaged bone tissue, thus making it an excellent fruit for combating osteoporosis in older women.
How to Incorporate Pomegranate into Your Diet?
One of the most common ways of consuming pomegranate is in its juice form. However, it is essential to watch out for excessive sugar added in commercial brands.
One specific study recommends having 250 ml of pomegranate juice daily for best results, though not everyone can consume such an amount.
Pomegranate seeds also make a flavorful addition to various dishes. Adding a handful of pomegranate seeds to salads, smoothies, chia pudding, or oatmeal bowls can augment the dish’s nutritional and taste experience.
Who Should Watch Out for Pomegranate?
While pomegranate offers a diverse range of health benefits, some individuals should consume it cautiously or avoid it altogether.
Pomegranate can impact the effectiveness of certain medications, including blood thinners, statins, or chemotherapy medication. Individuals on medication for high blood pressure or diabetes should consult a doctor before consuming pomegranate juice regularly.
Pomegranate, like any fruit, should be consumed in moderation, and individuals with a history of allergic reactions to fruits should avoid pomegranate altogether.
The Takeaway
Pomegranate is a fruit with notable heart and bone benefits.
The antioxidants in pomegranate assist in repairing damaged cells in the body, which results in healthy cardiovascular functioning, preventing arteries’ hardening, leading to various heart diseases.
Pomegranate can be an excellent fruit to consume to guard against postmenopausal osteoporosis as it contains minerals, including calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which are essential for strong bones.
With an extensive range of beneficial properties, incorporating pomegranate fruit juice or seeds into your daily diet can contribute to a vita, sound, and energized lifestyle.
Remember that if you have any underlying health conditions, it’s advisable to consult a doctor before significantly increasing your pomegranate intake.