Pomegranate (Anar) : Benefits, Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Price

What is Pomegranate?

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is an exotic fruit with a brilliant red hue and jewel-esque, edible seeds. The now popularly consumed fruit was used to symbolize life and fertility in ancient civilizations. Apart from being delicious, pomegranates also offer numerous health benefits, and are used as medicine in Ayurveda. It is rich in iron, potassium, Vitamin E, A and K, fiber, protein and folate.

Pomegranate Price

Benefits of Pomegranate for Health

1. Improves Heart Health

The anti-atherogenic properties of pomegranates remove inflammation from arteries preventing various heart diseases. It lowers the body’s bad cholesterol levels decreasing the risk of reduced blood flow to the heart and blockages.

2. Prevents Cancer

The high anti-oxidant content in the fruit removes free radicals from the body. This prevents cancer cells from growing and multiplying within the body. The fruit also bolsters the immune system keeping a range of diseases at bay.

3. Balances Blood Sugar Levels

As pomegranates contain low levels of fructose as compared to other fruits, it is great for people suffering from high sugar levels. So, it can help in the prevention and maintenance of diabetes.

4. Promotes Digestion

Being rich in dietary fiber, the fruit regulates bowel movements and prevents digestive ailments like constipation and diarrhoea. The anti-inflammatory properties of the fruit also help cure diseases like Crohn’s, colitis and other inflammatory ailments of the digestive tract.

5. Prenatal Care

Pomegranates are highly beneficial for pregnant women as they contain high levels of folate. This mineral prevents brain deformities and low birth weight in foetuses. The potassium also prevents leg cramps which are otherwise common during pregnancy.

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Properties of Pomegranate

• Anti-Oxidant
• Anti-Viral
• Anti-Tumor
• Anti-Bacterial
• Anti-Microbial
• Anti-Inflammatory
• Anti-Depressant
• Anti-Diabetic
• Anti-Cancer
• Anti-Atherogenic

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Uses of Pomegranate for Skin

Effective Anti-Ageing

The anti-oxidant nature of pomegranate promotes the regeneration of skin cells. It prevents wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots.

Hydrates Skin

The fruit contains punicic acid and omega 3 fatty acids which keep the skin moisturized and hydrated. It heals dry and irritated skin while also preventing over production of oil. It also prevents the outbreak of pimples.

Improves Skin Health

It promotes production of collagen and elastin, which keep your skin supple and soft. It improves skin texture and also makes it glow.

Uses of Pomegranate for Hair

Prevents Hairfall

Pomegranate juice strengthens hair by stimulating the follicles. It also makes them look lustrous.

How to Use Pomegranate?

For Overall Health

Pomegranates can be consumed raw or processed into juice. Fresh fruit is always healthier to consume than juice.

For Hair

A hair pack made with pomegranate and lemon cleanses and refreshes the scalp. It also removes dandruff and prevents hairfall.

• Blend pomegranate seeds, peel and lemon to make a fine paste
• Apply the pack over hair and roots
• Wash off in 20 minutes

 For Face

An easy pomegranate pack can be made using the fruit mixed with sugar and coconut oil.

• Grind pomegranate seeds, peel, sugar and coconut oil together
• Apply the face pack on the face excluding the eye area
• Wash off in 20 minutes

Dosage of Pomegranate

• 1 cup of seeds per day
• 1 glass of juice per day

Side Effects and Precautions

• Can inhibit the effect of liver medicines
• Excess can lead to high sugar levels
• High caloric levels make it unsuitable for weight watchers
• Excessive consumption can cause nausea and vomiting
• Can cause allergies and related symptoms like swelling, hives, rashes and difficulty in breathing
• Can cause low blood pressure

Stores Where You Can Find Pomegranates

• Grofers
• BigBasket