7 Reasons to Enjoy National Pomegranate Month

Posted on 02 Nov 2016 by Julian House
It’s National Pomegranate Month and there’s a number of reasons you shouldn’t allow this monthly observation slip under the radar. This powerful fruit helps fight cancer, supports hormone regulation and gives your body an influx of important minerals.

 

Pomegranate Month


 

 Who’d have thought they’d be a whole month dedicated to such a small fruit? But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in nutrients. It’s not the most common snack and that’s why we’ve took time to appreciate the berry. There’s an assortment of benefits that can be absorbed from this food and we list seven of them below.

 

What is a Pomegranate?


Firstly, what is this fruit and where does it come from? It derives from a shrub or small tree in modern-day Iran. Although it’s labelled as part of the berry family, it stands out as it doesn’t look to similar from the outside. The powerhouse food comes in the form of a ball with a hard exterior; it is about 3-7cm and is usally between the size of a lemon and grapefruit.

 

What are the benefits of this rather obscure piece of fruit?

 

1. Full of Nutrients


Just like most fruit, it contains vital vitamins for our bodies. But, it’s a little more powerful than your average fruit with a display of different vitamins and minerals.

  • Fiber:7 grams.

  • Protein:3 grams.

  • Vitamin C:30% of the RDA.

  • Vitamin K:36% of the RDA.

  • Folate:16% of the RDA.

  • Potassium:12% of the RDA.


2. Fights Against Cancer Cells


There have been preliminary studies carried out that show pomegranate juice and extract can fight against cancer. It has been tested particularly on prostate cancer, the most common type of cancer for men.

 

Men who have their PSA double in a short amount of time are most at risk of prostate cancer. One human study displayed some incredible results, as pomegranate juice slowed down the doubling of PSA from 15 months to 54 months.

 

It don’t just favour one gender either, it also tackles the most common cancer for women. The affect of this powerhouse has been shown to inhibit the reproduction of cancer cells and it may even kill them too. Research is still on going, but there have been many claims and studies that prove pomegranate to be a profound cancer prevention.

 

3. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease


It really is a forgotten wonder, not only does it go to battle with any cancer cells it can find, it also reduces our risk of heart disease. Heart disease is a somewhat complex subject and isn’t always fuelled by one factor. But the short of it, is that pomegranates can affect how we store fat and cholesterol. Consumption of this Iranian fruit could strengthen the ration of HDL (good cholesterol) and triglycerides. It also protects LDL cholesterol from oxidative damage, a pathway to towards heart problems.

 

4. Treats Erectile Dysfunction


Pomegranate could improve your sex life in more ways than one. Research has revealed that the berry can repair and improve blood flow problems, subsequently helping those with erectile dysfunction. But on top of that it is also known to boost hormones such as testosterone.

 

5. Pomegranates Improve Memory


According to Natural Society eating pomegranates can help improve our memory significantly. One research study displayed impressive results, with the clogging of carotid arteries reducing by up to 30% after a year of drinking pomegranate juice.

 

6. A Great Anti-Inflammatory


Chronic inflammation is a thriving environment for many killer diseases. By using natural anti-inflammatories we could combat a number of diseases and pains. Just 250ml of pomegranate juice has been shown to reduce inflammatory by up to 32% over a 12-week period.

 

7. Easy to Get Hold Of


Unlike some of the other superfoods that you may have heard of, this one is easily accessible. It comes in many forms and can be added to different meals, desserts or smoothies. You will find this disease-fighting fruit in most supermarkets with the option to buy the seeds and eat on-the go. How can we make the most of pomegranates?

Pomegranate Rice

Zesty Pomegranate Rice

BBC Good Food treat us to an amazing recipe of zesty rice, the recipe is easy to put together and contains pomegranates and coriander seeds as its kick. Try this out and reap the rewards.

POmegranate SoupCauliflower Soup with Pomegranate

The Guardian lists ten ways to make use of the tasty fruit, one being this gorgeous cauliflower soup with another combination of coriander and pomegranates.

Smoothies & Seeds

You don’t have to be too adventurous, the fruit is already sweet and is a great snack to pick up during your lunch. Get the seeds already picked and eat from the container or alternatively add them to a smoothie of your choice. Use our Sainsburys promo codes and Tesco discount codes to find these seeds, and you can even get hold of the organic juice with Holland and Barretts promotional codes.

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