Pomegranate is deservedly called the royal product - its noble color and exquisite taste can decorate both everyday and festive dishes. The benefits of pomegranate, its nutritional value and indications for use will be described in more detail in the article.
Pomegranate - fruit or berry: botanical description
Pomegranate shrub (it is also called a small tree) lives mainly in tropical and subtropical latitudes. In botany, the fruit of a plant is called a grenade - its maximum size can be up to 18 cm in diameter. The plant itself does not exceed 5-6 meters in height, so it belongs to the shrubs (only occasionally called a small tree). However, pomegranate is often called a fruit than a berry - due to the large size of the fruit, it does not fit 100% under the category of berries.
Pomegranate fruit is only 60-65% of the edible part. - this is juice and near-pulp. The rest is thick leathery shell, seeds and veins.
It is noteworthy that this plant is very fond of light and heat - in the absence of a sufficient amount of sunlight, it simply will not bloom.
Chemical composition
Pomegranate Fruit - This is a product that is included in the diet menu or the diet of therapeutic nutrition, because it is low-calorie, but saturated with a large number of useful components. So, one unit of this fruit contains more than 15 acids. Also in the composition of pomegranate fruit include:
- cystine;
- lysine;
- threonine;
- aspartic acid;
- serine;
- vitamins of groups A, B C, E;
- vitamin PP;
- beta carotene;
- magnesium;
- phosphorus;
- calcium;
- potassium;
- iron;
- disaccharides, etc.
Low-calorie foods include: tomatoes, fruit, dill, broccoli, squash, zucchini, pineapple, celery
Calorie content
The ratio of BZHU in 100 grams of the product is 1.7: 1.2: 19. Calories - 72 kcal. One pomegranate fruit weighs an average of 130 grams or more, respectively, the caloric value of one fruit unit is approximately 95 kcal. 100 grams of pure pomegranate juice contains only 50 kcal.
The nutritional value
Not every product contains an optimal balance of useful components. However, pomegranate is a unique product: it contains a lot of useful substances, which, moreover, are well combined with each other. Most in the pomegranate in the quantitative ratio contains vitamin B6 - it normalizes the work of the nervous system, prevents the occurrence of blood clots, updates the function of the blood. Crimson juice of this fruit in fiction is often compared with human blood - and indeed, most of all the pomegranate is useful for her.
Also normalize the work of the nervous system of purple sedum and prominent, hawthorn, primrose, hellebore, clover, fir, dogwood
The nutritional value of pomegranate is also in the presence of such components:
- fat - about 2 g;
- cholesterol - 0 g.
- potassium - 240 mg;
- carbohydrates -20.5 g;
- proteins - 1 g;
- calcium 110 mg;
- magnesium - 112 mg;
- sugar - 14 g
Did you know? According to one version, it was the pomegranate shape that inspired jewelers to create the shape of the French crown - therefore it is called the royal fruit.
Distribution and habitat
Today it is possible to grow pomegranate in a temperate climate - in the presence of a well-lit greenhouse, this is not a problem. Some regions of Asia, Southern Europe, Italy, and Spain are natural habitats for pomegranates. This plant is also grown in the Caucasus, Iran, France, Yugoslavia and southern Russia.
The benefits of pomegranate juice
If pomegranate is deservedly called the royal fruit, then its juice is the king of vitamins: It is considered the most useful of all freshly squeezed or canned fruit juices. Hippocrates described the benefits of juice from this plant, and actively used it for medicinal purposes.
Of course, such benefits of pomegranate depend on the unique chemical components in its composition:
- rich vitamin line significantly strengthens the immune system, as well as restore damaged hair follicles, strengthens the nails and rejuvenates the skin;
- organic acids have a positive effect on the composition of the circulatory system, improve the quality of the blood substance at the cellular level;
- citric acid in the composition of pomegranate juice eliminates urolithiasis, and malic acid helps to absorb the gland better;
- amino acids are involved in the formation of proteins in the body. Of these, about 6 are indispensable - that is, it is such that they do not form in the human body on their own, they can be ingested only through an external route, with food;
- tannin (tanning substance) gives pomegranate juice a tart spicy taste - it normalizes the intestinal system, cures colds. Also, rinsing with a pomegranate nipple is an excellent prevention of stomatitis and other types of gum inflammation;
- saturation of the blood with hemoglobin - therefore, the use of pomegranate juice is prescribed to almost all anemia sufferers;
- polyphenols (antioxidant components) - remove heavy metals and toxins from the body, slow down the aging process (as a function of rejuvenating the body, pomegranate juice is ahead of such well-known antioxidants like green tea and even blueberry juice);
- pectin - eliminates bloating, constipation, digestive problems;
- also pomegranate juice lowers blood pressure.
Normalization of blood pressure also contribute to: cantaloupe melon, champignons, plum, gooseberry, chervil, basil, honey, beet leaves, cherry, mint, celandine.
The beneficial properties of the peel
The maximum concentration of all the minerals of pomegranate falls on its peel: it contains more than 60% of all copper, iron, calcium, magnesium, chromium and manganese of the fruit. Also, the skin is rich in antioxidants, so simply throwing the peel, not using it, is not worth it. You can make a decoction or tincture of the peel, add to tea, dry and use with sweet syrup, or make sweet candied fruits - eating the peel will have a beneficial effect on the work of the digestive tract.
The beneficial properties of the peel of this product are mainly associated with astringent effect - it perfectly cures skin damage. By the way, it is for the treatment of cuts, rashes, and other problems of the skin, in traditional medicine they use pomegranate peels. They are also effective for mild burns.
Important! The pomegranate peel contains about 4% of alkaloids of plant origin, therefore its excessive use can lead to intoxication of the organism. To avoid this, consume no more than one third of the entire skin of the fruit per day (this also applies to decoctions and tinctures).
Good peel of pomegranate fruit affects the work of the stomach - effectively eliminates constipation and diarrhea. The extract of this plant is present in the composition of some drugs that treat disorders of the gastric system, both adults and children. Grudnichkov watered with a decoction of pomegranate peel for the treatment of diarrhea and colic.
Helps peel and in various diseases of the gums - From bleeding to periodontal disease. Pomegranate juice is a part of many medical toothpastes - the anti-inflammatory effect is created due to the presence of tannins in the pomegranate product.
The decoction of the peel is not only used orally - if you rinse their hair, dandruff will disappear, and the hair will gain shine and elasticity.
Useful properties of pomegranate seeds
In the pomegranate seeds are concentrated complex carbohydrates, they are a source of fiber. The bones, like the rind and the flesh, are involved in eliminating toxins and cleansing the stomach, although they are less digestible. Nevertheless, it was proved that people who used pomegranate seeds had normal pressure and headaches disappeared. Bones are able to remove and premenstrual pain, as well as stomach cramps, normalize the hormonal system.
Fiber is also found in black raspberry, watermelon, cauliflower, rutabaga, pear, actinidia.
It is important to carefully eat the bones. - their small particles can choke. Chew the bones carefully, but carefully (try not to damage the tooth enamel) - as a whole, they will not be helpful, but will only clog the stomach and impede the digestive process. There is also an opinion that excessive use of pomegranate seeds can cause inflammation of appendicitis, but this has not yet been confirmed by official medicine.
The benefits of pomegranate during pregnancy
Pomegranate fruit pulp (not its bones) Beneficial effect on many systems of the body of the future mother, both internal and external. Pomegranate strengthens the immune system of a pregnant woman well, thus reducing the risk of many colds. Also, this fruit lowers blood pressure, which is especially important for hypertensive patients. Due to the diuretic effect, this fruit removes puffiness, and due to antioxidant components in its composition it removes harmful toxins from the body. In addition, the garnet fruit tones and strengthens the muscular system, and most importantly - increases blood clotting, which is especially important during labor.
Important! Due to the fact that pomegranate seeds reduce arterial pressure, it is absolutely not recommended for pregnant women to use this fruit together with the bones - there is a possibility of provoking a spontaneous rejection of the child’s body.
In order to calculate the correct dose of the use of pomegranate fruit or its juice during pregnancy, you must consult with your doctor - incorrect or excessive intake of this fruit can be harmful.
The benefits of grenades for men
Men's health is also normalized by the use of pomegranate fruit. First of all, pomegranate juice can prevent a dangerous disease - prostate cancer. It is proved that the use of 1 cup of juice on an empty stomach can reduce the tumor of the prostate gland. It also helps pomegranate with impotence (in conjunction with a special diet and exercise), has a positive effect on sexual desire. In addition, pomegranate relieves stress and gives strength to muscles - this is especially true for men involved in any sport.
Did you know? In China, there is a tradition of giving a picture of a pomegranate to a wedding. This is believed to symbolize well-being.
The benefits of pomegranate for women
Pomegranate can act as a breast cancer prevention. Recommend to drink pomegranate juice and those women who have impaired ovarian function, suffering from infertility and having painful symptoms of PMS, as well as the severe course of the cycle itself. Pomegranate fruit well relieves menstrual, headaches, stomach cramps, improves mood and blood clotting - all this is relevant when the onset of the menstrual cycle.
Medical applications
The range of use of this fruit in traditional and traditional medicine is very wide. From the pomegranate elixir produce drugs for the normalization of pressure, adult and children's medicines to improve the work of the gastric tract, prevent viral colds, as well as various vitamins. Pomegranate juice is added to anti-inflammatory toothpastes and ointments.
Traditional medicine is actively using a decoction of pomegranate peels for the treatment of many stomach problems, skin ailments, to improve the condition of hair and skin, to relieve inflammation of the gums and prevent cancer. In addition, anti-aging creams and elixirs are produced, as well as vitamin pomegranate slimming teas.
Application in cosmetology
Since this fruit has a rejuvenating effect, It is added to many anti-aging creams - it is actively involved in cell regeneration, it can smooth wrinkles (by stimulating the production of collagen by the body) and improve skin color, as well as protect it from harmful ultraviolet radiation and dangerous radicals. Folic acid, which is one of the components of this fruit, protects the skin from the harmful effects of the environment and poor ecology. Also, pomegranate fruit oil perfectly heals small wounds, is able to remove skin pigmentation and give it a natural radiance.
It will be useful for girls to learn how to use rosemary, linden, marjoram, coltsfoot, dandelions, marigolds, chamomile, peony, calendula, nettle, lovage, enothera, periwinkle, savory, bird-cherry, parsnip, lettuce, zucchini, walnuts, beeswax.
Cooking Application
The basic rule for the effective use of pomegranate in cooking - Do not apply heat treatment. Juice is best to use freshly squeezed, and not to subject it to preservation. Pomegranate grains are added to fresh salads, sauces to meat dishes, they make sweet impregnation for baking, served with cheese, make fruit drinks, soft drinks and other drinks. Due to the high content of fiber, dishes with the content of this fruit are well absorbed by the body, and its exquisite sweet-sour taste gives a new savory flavor to dishes.
Pomegranate is widely used in dietary nutrition. - Many modern diets include it in your diet. It is noteworthy that there are no full-fledged mono-diets based only on the use of pomegranate fruit - a large amount of pomegranate juice can oxidize the stomach environment and damage the thin intestinal walls. However, there are options for fasting days - as a rule, they do not exceed more than 2-3 days for the entire period of adherence to the diet.
Did you know? The fruits of pomegranates were discovered during the excavation of ancient Egyptian tombs - they were placed in the sarcophagi of the pharaohs with the belief that this fruit would return the dead to life in the afterlife. In Egypt, the pomegranate tree since ancient times was considered sacred, "life-giving".
Indications for use
Indications for the use of pomegranate can be:
- strong vitamin deficiency;
- anemia, anemia, poor blood clotting and other blood diseases;
- poor performance of the gastrointestinal tract: constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, etc.
- prevention and treatment of manifestations of malignant tumors;
- treatment and prevention of certain skin diseases;
- persistent headaches and stress;
- female and male infertility;
- menstrual cramps, PMS cramps;
- general rejuvenation of the body;
- intoxication of the body with harmful toxins or heavy metals.
Possible harm
Pomegranate fruit can not be used for people with high acidity of the stomach - It further enhances it, and may trigger the appearance of gastritis. It is not necessary to give pure juice to children up to one year, and the bones - absolutely should not be used by pregnant women and people with stomach ulcers.
Important! Suffering excessive sensitivity of the teeth should be careful when using the juice of such fruit - it can destroy the enamel.
Chronic hemorrhoids or constipation also should not be treated with pomegranate - it can provoke the development of these diseases. Before you start using pomegranate and its derivatives (juices, flocks, powders) for treatment and prophylactic purposes, you should consult with your doctor.
Daily ration
An optimal daily ration should include whole pomegranate fruit, or its half - it would provide the body with all the necessary trace elements and minerals. However, if you consume a lot of citrus fruits, then the dose of pomegranate should be reduced by 2 times - otherwise, there is a danger of exceeding the level of acidity of the stomach. Of course, rarely who manages to eat the royal fruit every day. However, if you take it as a rule to eat this amazing fruit at least 2-3 times a week, you will feel how favorable the effect on the body and overall health is.
Learn more about the beneficial properties of fruits: figs, kumquat, feijoa, longan, medlar, kivano, guava, pineapple, arbutus, yoshta, goji, mulberry, strawberry, raspberry (black), currant (red, white, black), plum, nectarine , peach, apricots, pears, apples, mandarin.
How to cut fruit
To clean the pomegranate fruit, you should not make a lot of effort. The entire cleaning process will consist of only four steps:
- Carefully cut the top of the fruit in a circular motion. Try not to touch the pips.
- Holding the grenade by the convex part (it is, by the way, called the "crown"), with the swinging movements pull the incised crown up.
- Cut the veins of the fruit in places where it connects to the skin.
- Insert the knife in the center of the pomegranate pulp and rotate the fruit around its axis.
There is another cleaning method: Cut off the top of the fruit, turn it over with the open hole down, and tap on the skin with a spoon - in a few minutes all the grains will separate.
How to choose a grenade
In order to choose a juicy and ripe fruit, following is noteworthy
- the color should be rich, from bright red to maroon. Ripe pomegranate fruit has a peel without cracks and external defects. If the skin has spots, then the fruit is overripe;
- large fruits should be heavy. If a large pomegranate has a weight of less than 130 grams, it means that the seeds inside have already dried up, become less juicy;
- knock on a grenade - the sound should be slightly metallic (due to the large amount of juice inside). If the sound is deaf, it means that there is little juice inside, and the grains have dried out;
- peel should be elastic, with a slight pressure to immediately fall into place. If the fruit is too hard, or, on the contrary, soft, it is better not to buy it, it will definitely be spoiled.
Storage conditions
This fruit does not require special storage conditions. However, in order to maximize its safety, you need to keep it in a cool place at a temperature from +1 ° С to +7 ° С. In such conditions (for example, in the refrigerator, in a special compartment for fresh vegetables and fruits), pomegranate can be stored for up to 8-9 months. At room temperature, the fruit remains fresh no more than 3-4 weeks (provided that the skin remains whole).
Considering the benefits of pomegranate and its effect on certain internal and external systems of the body, as well as on the state of health in general, we can conclude that this royal fruit is really a leader in the presence of nutrients - therefore it must be present in everyone's diet. Its active ingredients can not only cure certain diseases, but also relieve stress, increase mood and well-being, and rejuvenate the body.
