The Magical Pomegranate

 

Exotic and a tad mysterious (claimed to be Eve’s original apple), pomegranate originated in tropical Asia and has been grown for over 5,000 years throughout the Mediterranean, East Asia and the Middle East. It has been revered as a symbol of health, fertility and rebirth throughout history. Some cultures believed it held profound and mystical healing powers. The great thing about pomegranate trees is that they enjoy long lifespan. The fruit has a round, spherical shape and contains dozens of small ruby-colored seeds.

Traditional Uses

The pomegranate has several uses in traditional medicine, including as a gargle for persistent coughs, as an antidote for fevers, diarrhoea and colic and to remove intestinal worms in children. They believed the rind of the fruit is an astringent and contains a certain amount of poison. The fruit is also used for treating bladder disturbances, strengthening gums and soothing mouth ulcers. In India the leaf of the pomegranate is used to treat cuts, as it contains a natural healing and soothing agent.

Modern uses

Given its citrus flavor and juiciness, many drinks and even foods are derived as can be seen in a great range of applications in icings, salad dressings, soups and puddings or use to flavour sauces and pickles.

Nutritional properties

Its wide adoption can be attributed to recent studies that showed the fruit contains a high amount of antioxidants called flavonoids (also known as polyphenols) that play a vital role in keeping us healthy by preventing free radicals from attacking our cells causing diseases and premature aging.

This large group of plant chemicals is known to have a wide range of beneficial actions - anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral. Most if not all fruits contain a certain amount of beneficial nutrients like vitamins, fiber, antioxidants and folic acid. 
Pomegranate appeared on the top 10 favored list packed with a whole host of them, even overtaking green tea, red wine, cranberries and grapes.

A single pomegranate contains -

+  Approximately 40% of our recommended daily dose of vitamin C;
+  High content of vitamins A, E and folic acid;
+  Contains 3 times the levels of antioxidants found in green Tea and red wine;
+  Fat free and high in fiber.

Health Benefits

+ The heart benefits from the antioxidants by receiving more oxygen which can help to prevent heart disease. Its high dietary fibre can work on some digested fat from intestinal absorption, thus lowering the cholesterol in the blood. The juice also triggers the production of nitric oxide which keeps arteries open - crucial for proper blood flow. In this way, the arteries are prevented from clotting and thus reduces the chance of atherosclerosis, stroke and heart attacks..


In a limited study of hypertensive patients, consumption of pomegranate juice for two weeks was shown to reduce systolic blood pressure by inhibiting serum angiotensin-converting enzyme. One study showed that drinking 1.7 ounces of pomegranate juice per day lowered blood pressure by as much as 5%. This is because its high potassium content regulates body fluids and blood pressure.


+  It high fibre content acts as a natural laxative and can thus relieve constipation by adding bulk to the stools and improving peristalsis movement. However, excessive intake can cause constipation instead as tannin in it promotes lower intestinal activity and is prescribed for diarrhea.

+ Juice consumption may also inhibit viral infections whilst pomegranate extracts have antibacterial effects against dental plaque and intestinal worms.

+ Different studies have discovered that pomegranate juice acts as an enzyme inhibitor which may prevent cartilage deterioration and thus prevents osteoarthritis. On top of that, it contains Vitamin C which aids in manufacture of collagen.


+  Vitamin K found in it can treat small blood loss due to hemorrhoids, nose bleeds and bleeding gums.

+ The special polyphenols in it is beneficial in fighting certain forms of cancer including breast, lung, skin and prostate cancer. One of its compounds, ellagitannins prevents a key enzyme that normally converts certain compounds in food into carcinogens.


-  Ellagic acid in it increases the body’s built-in supply of glutathione, an antioxidant that both protects DNA and helps recycle estrogen, which protects skin cells. It also inhibits certain enzymes in ways that give cells time to divide normally.

-  Experiments on mice also showed to delay the growth of prostate cancer and stabilise PSA levels in men who have been treated with prostate cancer.


-  In colon cancer cells, the result is a whopping 85%. This can be due to at least 29% of the helpful compounds in pomegranate juice reaching your intestines intact.

+ If you currently smoke or smoked in the past, or hang around in smoky places the juice of the fruit can bolster your defence.

+ Brain cell damage and deterioration of lab rats fed with the juice was found to be reduced by up to 50%. This is good news for mental patients like Alzheimer’s.

+ Turkish researchers: Drinking pomegranate juice can improve sperm health. Male rats fed such juice for seven weeks saw their sperm cells grew in size and numbers, displayed improved mobility and were healthier. Evidence also suggested it could help regulate erectile dysfunction.

Skincare benefits

When the body is attacked by free radicals, the system is also robbed of the nutrients that are required for skin repair and renewal. If this continues, the skin becomes dull, dry and loses its elasticity, all effects that lead to premature ageing. The skin-saving benefits of pomegranates have recently been discovered by cosmetic houses, which have included the fruit in moisturizers, sunscreens and cleansers, among other products.

VIVA corner

Pomegranate is the main nutritious ingredient in VIVA Biofruity. It is packed with Vitamin B1, B12, folate, niacin and Vitamin C that help in absorption of iron. With only 30 calorie per serving this refreshing drink is great for people on weight-management program. An ingredient, ribose present in it is a simple carbohydrate that yields energy.

One serving of this delicious drink supplies 80% of the RDI for Vitamin C and 40% of the RDI for an array of energizing B-vitamins, as well as a proprietary blend of super antioxidants and energy boosting nutrients.