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Health See other Health Articles Title: 7 Incredible Pomegranate Seeds Benefits Nutrition facts Pomegranate seeds are a great source of several nutrients, including vitamin K, vitamin C, folate and potassium. Plus, they are also low in calories yet high in heart-healthy fiber. A half-cup serving (about 87 grams) of pomegranate provides approximately the following nutrients: Calories: 72.2 Total Carbohydrate: 16.3 g Fiber: 3.5 g Sugar: 11.9 g Total Fat: 1 g Protein: 1.5 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 2.6 mg (0% DV*) Vitamin K: 14.3 mcg (18% DV) Vitamin C: 8.9 mg (15% DV) Folate: 33.1 mg (8% DV) Copper: 0.1 mg (7% DV) Potassium: 205 mg (6% DV) Manganese: 0.1 mg (5% DV) *Daily Value: Percentages are based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day. Health Benefits 1. May be a natural aphrodisiac In many cultures, pomegranates have been associated with fertility and abundance because of their many seeds. In recent years, the fruit has been studied for its libido-boosting effects as well. A study by Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh found that consumption of pure pomegranate juice increased salivary testosterone levels in participants by an average of 24 percent, which can lead to heightened mood and increased sexual desire. Concerns about erectile dysfunction? Pomegranate juice has also been shown to help increase blood flow and erectile response in animal models. Although more research is needed in humans, it may also offer a similar set of benefits for those affected by sexual dysfunction as well. 2. May help reduce arthritis and joint pain Arthritis is a common condition characterized by the inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that can worsen with age. Pomegranates are a great source of polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant that acts as anti-inflammatory agent in the body and may help relieve symptoms of arthritis. In fact, animal models demonstrate that pomegranate seed extract may reduce the onset and incidence of collagen-induced arthritis. Studies conducted with animal subjects also show that the severity of arthritis and joint inflammation can be significantly reduced with consumption of pomegranate extract as well. If you’re already on medication for arthritis, be sure to check with your healthcare professional before adding pomegranate products to your daily routine. 3. May help fight cancer When it comes to cancer, more and more research shows that pomegranate seeds may act as a potent cancer-fighting food. For instance, multiple in vitro studies have found that pomegranate extracts can effectively inhibit the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. Additionally, pomegranate seed oil contains punicic acid, an omega-5 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid that has been shown to block breast cancer cell proliferation. Further research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice may also slow the growth of prostate cancer, the leading cancer for men in the U.S. In a study of male subjects with recurrent prostate cancer and rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, researchers found that taking pomegranate juice extract significantly slowed the rate at which PSA was rising. Other in vitro studies have found that certain compounds in pomegranate juice show powerful antitumorigenic effects and are able to slow the growth of prostate cancer cells in the laboratory. 4. May lower blood pressure The juice of pomegranate seeds contains several different types of antioxidants and polyphenols that can promote heart health by lowering blood pressure levels. A 2013 study reported that consumption of pomegranate juice could decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 7 percent and 6 percent, respectively, in those with high blood pressure. Another study published in Phytotherapy Research also concluded that pomegranate juice could be beneficial for those with high blood pressure, as it was able to lower blood pressure levels after just two weeks of daily intake. 5. May battle bacterial infections Pomegranate extracts have been used since ancient times to treat several conditions, including parasitic and microbial infections, diarrhea, ulcers, canker sores, hemorrhages, and respiratory complications. Pomegranates have also been shown to stimulate the beneficial bacteria in the gut, which could enhance their ability to fight bacterial infections, according to research published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 6. May improve heart health The juice made from pomegranate seeds contains antioxidants at higher levels than many other fruit juices, which could help block the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries for those at risk of heart disease. Research published in Clinical Nutrition studied the effects of pomegranate juice in people with carotid artery stenosis. This is a narrowing of either of the two key arteries located in the front of the neck through which blood from the heart goes to the brain. After one year, the juice was effective at lowering blood pressure levels by over 12 percent and reducing atherosclerotic plaque by a whopping 30 percent. Conversely, those who did not drink the juice actually experienced a 9 percent increase in atherosclerotic plaque, suggesting that pomegranates could potentially offer protection against heart disease. 7. May boost memory Studies have reported that polyphenols, which are found abundantly in pomegranate seeds and their juice, could significantly enhance cognitive function. In fact, one study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that pomegranate polyphenols could provide long-lasting protection from memory dysfunction caused by heart surgery. Another study had elderly individuals with memory problems drink eight ounces of either pomegranate juice or a flavor-matched placebo drink for four weeks. Compared to the control group, those who drank pomegranate juice had significantly improved markers of verbal and visual memory. In addition, an animal model conducted by the Department of Psychology at Loma Linda University noted that incorporating pomegranates into your diet could help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, showcasing the fruit’s ability as a potential Alzheimer’s natural treatment. How to open a pomegranate When it comes to how to remove pomegranate seeds, it does take a bit of work. Some might describe the effort as tedious, but once you get the hang of how to do it, the payoff really is worth it. Plus, a lot of companies have started offering pomegranate seeds solo in a ready-to-eat state so there are no excuses for not incorporating these little gems into your diet regularly! If you want the freshest seeds possible, then definitely opt to obtain them from the fruit itself. Wondering where to buy fresh pomegranates? These tasty fruits can typically be found in your local grocery store between September and January. When choosing a pomegranate, you want to make sure that you pick one that feels heavy and has a leathery skin that’s firm and taut with no soft spots. To open a pomegranate, you need a knife, bowl and wooden spoon: Roll the pomegranate around to loosen the seeds. Score around the middle of the fruit with a sharp knife, and tear it open into two halves. Try your best to only score the skin and not to cut through into the seeds. Hold half of the fruit with the seeds facing down over a clean bowl, and tap the skin with a wooden spoon while slightly squeezing to encourage the release of the seeds. Do the same thing with the other half. If there are a few stragglers among the white pith, you can simply remove them with your fingers or a spoon. Enjoy the product of your labor. Whole pomegranates can be stored unopened at room temperature for about one week, or they can be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic for up to two months. Fresh pomegranate seeds, meanwhile, can be refrigerated for up to three days. Alternatively, try freezing them in a single layer on a tray and then storing in the freezer for up to six months in an airtight container. The seeds are often shriveled when thawed, but they still taste great in whatever you add them to! Poster Comment: Only 10% of Americans have a metabolism that is working effectively. Dr. David Perlmutter Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
#1. To: Horse (#0)
There are definitely plenty of pips in a pomegranate.
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