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Pomegranates are one of the healthiest fruits you can put on your plate. They are packed full of nutrition and plant compounds that truly make them a superfruit. While most people only use the juicy seeds (arils), using the skin in juices and smoothies is also highly nutritious.
You can use pomegranate seeds in a large variety of dishes, according to Well and Good. You can sprinkle them on top of your breakfast oatmeal or yogurt, put them in a fruit salad or green salad, or as a colorful addition to almost any cooked dish. The ideas are almost endless.
While many pomegranate varieties are harvested in late summer, the ones grown in the US are in season from October to January according to epicurious. The fruit can keep for several weeks in the crisper section of your refrigerator and you can purchase frozen seeds and juice year-round.
Here are seven powerful health benefits of this amazing superfruit:
Highly Nutritious
This vitamin rich fruit is full of vitamin C, E, K, folate and potassium. In fact, the juice of a single pomegranate contains 40 percent of your daily vitamin C, states Medical News Today. One cup of arils contains seven grams of fiber and three grams of protein so it a great fruit for people who are vegans or vegetarians.
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Contains Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Pomegranate juice contains polyphenols – that’s where the bright red color comes from – that are powerful antioxidants that have multiple health benefits including removing harmful free radicals, protecting cells from damage, and helping to reduce the inflammation from injuries and chronic conditions like osteoarthritis.
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May Help Prevent the Spread of Prostate Cancer
This superfruit may help to prevent the growth of prostate cancer by slowing cancer cell reproduction according to a news release from the University of California, Los Angeles. A study at the university of men who had undergone surgery or radiation treatments for prostate cancer found that drinking a glass of pomegranate juice every day greatly increased the time their PSA levels were stable and they did not experience reoccurrences.
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Could Improve Memory
A study suggested that drinking a glass of pomegranate juice everyday could augment memory and brain activity in seniors who have mild memory loss. The antioxidants in the juice may also stall the progress of some dementias like Alzheimer disease.
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Aids Gut Health
The juice of this superfruit may also reduce inflammation in your gut and could be helpful for people with IBS, Crone’s disease, and ulcerative colitis according to Medical News Today. The fiber in pomegranates helps to prevent constipation and improves digestion.
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Promotes Heart Health
Pomegranate juice is also heart healthy because it improves your blood flow and can help slow the buildup of cholesterol in your arteries due to the anti-inflammatory effect of the punicic acid in the fruit, according to Healthline. But it should be used for prevention only and not be used if you are being treated for high blood pressure or high cholesterol because it can react negatively with medications for those conditions.
A useful tip, the properties in pomegranate that increase blood flow can also help bring oxygen to your muscles when you work out so drinking pomegranate juice before you exercise can help reduce fatigue.
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Contains Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Viral Properties
The plant compounds in pomegranates can help boost your immune system and help fight off illnesses and infections according to a 2009 study due to their antibacterial qualities. The high levels of vitamin C also help to boost your immune system so you can fight off colds and flus faster.
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