The pomegranate originates from Persia, and has enjoyed recognition in various cultures as a fruit of significance. Pomegranates are found in Islamic art, in Jewish scripture, in Christian religious decoration, was depicted on the shekel in 140 BC, features in Greek mythology, is one of the three blessed fruits of Buddhism, and is has been found to be an important part of the history of many other cultures. In the recent motion picture " The Kite Runner", and the book from which the movie was adadpted, the pomegranate tree was an important feature, and when Amir tries to start a pomegranate fight with Hassan, Hassan responds by crushing a pomegranate into his own head instead of retailiating against Amir.
Much research has been done in praise of the powerful antioxidant properties of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) from green tea, and resveratrol in wine and grapes, but nature has provided us with an even more potent gift for healing.
Health Benefits of Pomegranates
- Antioxidants
What makes the pomegranate such a potential fruit for healing is it’s high levels of polyphenol antioxidants with its powerful free-radical scavenging ability. Tannins, anthocyanins, ellagic acid and gallic acid are all types of polyphenols that are found in pomegranates. The antioxidants in pomegranates are much higher than in green tea, red wine, blueberries, cranberries, or any other fruit or food.
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- Cancer
Results from research at Philipps University in Germany, demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity of pomegranate extract against human prostate cancer.
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- Plaque
In other research pomegranate juice has been proved effective in reducing factors leading to heart disease, and may clear clogged arteries, reducing build-up of plaque by up to 30% in a study of 19 elderly patients with atherosclerosis.
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- Leukemia
Studies have been conducted with pomegranates and leukemia, and the results show that the juice had an inhibitory and suppressive effect.
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- Diabetes
In another study involving ten type 2 diabetics and ten healthy volunteers, showed that pomegranate juice to be of benefit to diabetics with high cholesterol by reducing risk for atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to arterial wall thickening and hardening.
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- Vitamins
Apart from the powerful antioxidant properties of the pomegranate, it also contains vitamins A, C, and is a rich source of folic acid.
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Nutrient Values of Pomegranates per 100g
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Dietary Fiber
1g
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Sugars
17g
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Sodium
3mg
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Zinc
0.3mg
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Potassium
259mg
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Niacin
0.3mg
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Magnesium
7mg
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Copper
0.11mg
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Calcium
8mg
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Iron
0.5mg
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Vitamin A
3mg
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Vitamin C
8mg
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Vitamin B6
0.2mg
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Vitamin B1
0.03mg
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Vitamin B2
0.03mg
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References:
The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, Joseph Pizzorno, and Lara Pizzorno.
Complementary and Alternative Health by Dr. Steve Bratman.
Benders' Dictionary of Nutrition and Food Technology.
USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.
PubMed PMID: 15383219
PubMed PMID: 15158307
PubMed PMID: 16226266
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