by Anisa Chaudhry

Created on: February 12, 2009   Last Updated: February 16, 2009

The Healthy Effects of Pomegranate

Pomegranate, a popular fruit in ancient times, is demanding attention once again. Claiming its origins in Iran and once grown in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the pomegranate has slowly made its way to many corners of the world. Through its many journeys it has built quite a remarkable reputation in both the culinary arts and in medicinal practices.

The fruit itself consists of a thick, red leathery exterior that serves to protect the interior chambers that hold hundreds of delicate seeds called arils. These jewel-like arils range in color from lustrous white to ruby red. As recognized by Persians, Indians and Arabs long ago, these luxurious berries not only carry a desirable tangy flavor but also carry quite the nutritious punch with high quantities of vitamin C, vitamin B and potassium.

Furthermore, pomegranate leaves, fruit and skin have been used for medicinal purposes in Ayurvedic, Chineseand Arabic treatment practices for thousands of years. Pomegranate has been used as a remedy for conjunctivitis and tuberculosis. The fruit and it's counterparts have also been used to destroy parasitic tape worms. Over the course of history, pomegranate juice has been the most commonly prescribed treatment for a number of intestinal ailments including colitis and diarrhea.

To add to its benefits, modern research shows that the fruit is rich in antioxidants such as tannins, polyphenols and anthocyanins. Antioxidants prevent oxidation of low-density lipoproteins; therefore, reducing the chance of developing arthrosclerosis, high systolic blood pressure and in turn reducing the possibility of developing heart disease. In women, the antioxidants help prevent breast cancer by inhibiting excessive production of estrogen. For males it is said to not only help with erectile dysfunction but also protect against prostate cancer. The same antioxidants are being credited for reducing inflammation in joints helping ease the pain of those suffering from arthritis.

Given its health advantages, including pomegranate in an already balanced diet can prove to be life saving. Many ethnic cuisines have already incorporated this healthy fruit as a key ingredient in some of their foods. For example, in the Mediterranean pomegranate seeds are used as a garnish on rice, salads, couscous and hummus. Pomegranate molasses, made by reducing pomegranate juice, is used as a marinade for chicken, lamb and beef dishes in Iran. When lime is scarce dried pomegranate seeds, or anardana, are used as a souring agent in Indian cooking. In the West, the seeds are most often used to bejewel yogurt parfaits, breakfast cereals or fruit salads. For an exotic dinner, pomegranate seeds are added to a mango or avocado salsa which is then served as a side to roasted chicken or grilled salmon. For dessert pomegranate sorbet is a healthy low-fat choice. It is easy to make this versatile fruit with a healing past and a promising future a part of a regular diet.
Once again ancient societies have proven to hold many secrets and one of those secrets is the delicious pomegranate. The medicinal and health benefits are just beginning to make an impact in our daily diets.

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