Pomegranate, also known as “seeded apple,” originated in Iran and was brought to Egypt in 1600 BC. The fruit is well-known for its medicinal properties. Pomegranate benefits the skin and hair, and helps to maintain overall good health.
Pomegranate juice benefits are alongside those of blueberries as it is just as high in antioxidants—three times more than green tea and oranges! A single glass of the pomegranate juice has 40% of the daily requirement of folic acid and vitamins A, C, and E. It’s always better to have freshly squeezed juice to reap all of the health benefits of the pomegranate’s nutrients. You must avoid adding sugar to the juice as it counteracts some of the health benefits of pomegranates.
According to the Cardiovascular Therapeutics Journal, drinking pomegranate juice regularly can reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Keep reading to know the benefits of pomegranate juice.
Pomegranate Juice Nutrient Composition
A cup of pomegranate contains the following nutrients:
- Fiber – 7 grams
- Protein – 3 grams
- Folate – 16% of the recommended daily intake
- Potassium – 12% of the recommended daily intake
- Vitamin C – 30% of the recommended daily intake
- Vitamin K – 36% of the recommended daily intake
Fresh pomegranate juice is also rich in other nutrients.
Folate
Pomegranate juice is extremely beneficial to an anemic person or a person suffering from heart problems. A cup of the juice has 60 micrograms, or 15% of the recommended daily intake of folate and helps the fetus when consumed during pregnancy. As per the National Institute of Health, folate is required for the healthy development of a fetus’ brain and spinal cord.
Antioxidants
The bright red-colored fruit is rich in antioxidants. The antioxidants present in the pomegranate juice combats free radicals in the body. Pomegranate juice contains a high number of antioxidants called flavenoids, which helps to reduce cholesterol, prevents both heart attacks and strokes, and helps keep the arteries healthy, according to the Cardiovascular Therapeutics Journal.
Macronutrient Composition
Pomegranate juice is high in calories and sugar. Eight ounces of juice has 134 calories, less than one gram each of protein and fat, and 33 grams of carbohydrates. Pomegranate juice benefits can be enjoyed when the juice is consumed in moderation.
It has a high amount of natural sugar (about 32 grams), which when taken in large amounts, can lead to weight gain, high blood sugar, and dental problems.
Potassium
Pomegranate juice has 533 milligrams, or 15% of the daily requirement of potassium in one cup of juice. Potassium helps the breakdown of carbohydrates for energy and the building of proteins. A potassium-deficient person may suffer from irregular heartbeat or muscle cramping.
10 Benefits of Pomegranate Juice
There are enormous health benefits of pomegranate juice. These benefits can also be acquired if you have a whole pomegranate instead.
1. Maintains Blood Sugar Levels
It doesn’t elevate blood sugar levels like the other fruit juices when consumed in moderation. According to some studies, the blood sugar level of diabetic patients didn’t show a significant increase when they drank this juice daily for a period of two weeks.
2. Maintains Blood Pressure
Pomegranate juice is known to reduce high blood pressure. It prevents the blood from coagulating and forming blood clots just like aspirin. This juice also acts as blood thinner and allows for the smooth flow of blood throughout the body.
3. Reduces Cancer Risks
The pomegranate juice destroys free radicals in the body and inhibits the growth and development of cancer and other diseases. The high-antioxidant content helps promote a strong and healthy immune system by stimulating the white blood cells to neutralize toxins in the body. It may also slow down the growth of cancerous cells in prostate cancer and blocks aromatase, which stimulates development of breast cancer.
4. Prevents Anaemia
Anaemia is the deficiency of red blood cells in the body. Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice has high amounts of iron which helps treat anaemia. Adding a couple of drops of pomegranate juice mixed with candied sugar in nostrils helps to control nose bleeds. Fresh pomegranate juice helps treat red or sore eyes, as well as falling eye lashes.
5. Boosts Immunity
The most important health benefit of pomegranate juice is it fights viruses and bacteria, thus improving immunity. It has strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which helps to reduce cavity-causing bacteria found in the mouth. Due to its antimicrobial properties, pomegranate is the best and most powerful of fruits to inhibit the transmission of HIV.
6. Helps with Digestion
Pomegranate juice is beneficial to induce hunger and to control thirst. It is a great drink in summers over nutrient-deficit colas. It also helps soothe urinary tract infection. It helps the stomach, heart, and liver to function smoothly.
The fiber content of the juice helps to improve digestion and regulate bowel movement. It is a healthy drink for people looking to lose weight as it is free of saturated fats and cholesterol.
7. Anti-Aging Agent
Constant sun exposure causes fine lines and wrinkles. Pomegranate juice has anti-aging properties which helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It helps regenerate skin cells, preventing hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
8. Helps to Heal Scars
The juice helps to regenerate cells in the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin. The oil of pomegranate seeds is loaded with nutrients which are beneficial for strengthening and regeneration of the epidermis. It helps treat sun burns, scars, and damage caused to the skin due to constant sun exposure.
9. Prevents Hair Fall
Regular intake of the juice strengthens the hair follicles which in turn prevents hair fall. It also helps improve the texture of hair giving the hair a healthy and lustrous appearance.
10. Promotes Healthy Skin
Pomegranate juice also gives astonishing results when applied directly on the face after cleansing. To make a face mask, add two teaspoons of pomegranate juice, one teaspoon each of powdered green papaya, grape seed oil, and grape seed extract. Mix the contents and apply it on the face. Leave it on for about an hour and wash it off with lukewarm water.
The benefits of pomegranate juice are numerous and it’s known to be one of the healthiest foods on planet. So grab one today and get ready to reap the benefits of the “seeded apple.”
Related:
- Benefits of Pomegranate Seeds
- Muscadine Juice: Nutrition Facts, Health Benefits & Recipes
- 15 Benefits of Carrot Juice
- Cranberry Juice Benefits
Sources:
“Nutrient Composition of Fresh Pomegranate Juice,” SFGate web site, http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/nutrient-composition-fresh-pomegranate-juice-7515.html, last accessed January 20, 2017.