The scientific name of the pomegranate seed is Punica granatum. Pomegranate seeds have been cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean region of Africa, Europe, and Asia. It is native from Iran to the Himalayas in Northern India. Also, it might have originated in Persia. All pomegranates are self-pollinating. Pomegranates are berries because their seeds are embedded in the fruit’s flesh.
Color: The color of pomegranate seeds ranges from yellow-green to dark red. Pomegranate seeds also have pink or white seeds.
Shape: round hexagonal shape observed in pomegranate seeds.
Size: 5-12 cm in diameter, usually has 600 seeds approximately in one pomegranate fruit.
Flavor: the flavor of pomegranate seeds ranges from sweet to tart. Fresh ripe pomegranate seeds have crunchy, edible seeds.
Nutrients
Pomegranate seeds are very beneficial and important for human beings as they are fully packed with nutrients. Pomegranate seeds are perfectly edible. Pomegranate seeds are rich in numerous minerals but their most important source of nutrients are vitamins and antioxidants. Some of them are follow as:
- Calories 144
- Carbohydrates 33 g
- Protein 3 g
- Fats 2g
- Saturated fats 0.2 g
- Sodium 5 mg
- Sugar 24 g
- Fiber 7 g
How to grow pomegranate seeds? |
Healthy Benefits of Pomegranate Seeds
Pomegranate seeds protect against infection, reduce inflammation, and slow the cancer cell’s growth. Pomegranate seeds are delicious, nutritious, and easy to enjoy in a number of different recipes. Some of the beneficial effects of pomegranate seeds are described below:
Prevent inflammation
Eating pomegranate seeds may help prevent the inflammation associated with chronic conditions. Pomegranate seeds also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Drinking pomegranate seed juice can reduce certain markers of inflammation. Chronic inflammation mainly leads to heart disease and Cancer.
Improve heart health
Fruit rich in polyphenolic compounds such as pomegranate seeds may improve your heart health. Drinking the juice of pomegranate seeds reduces the severity and frequency of chest pain. Pomegranate seeds may protect your heart in many ways, including reducing blood sugar levels and lowering blood pressure. These seeds also attenuate atherosclerosis development and its consequent cardiovascular events.
Anti-microbial properties
Pomegranate compounds may help fight harmful microorganisms. These seeds may protect oral health by reducing the growth of germs that contribute to bad breath and tooth decay. Pomegranate seed extract contains high levels of phytonutrients and phytochemicals, which have antibacterial activity.
Support urinary health
Human studies have shown that pomegranate seed extract may help reduce the formation of kidney stones. These beneficial seeds inhibit the mechanism associated with stone formation in people. Pomegranate seed extract can help regulate the concentration of oxalate, calcium, and phosphate in the blood.
Rich source of iron
Pomegranate seeds are rich in iron and must be taken each day by anemic individuals. It helps to stay in pink cheeks and good health.
Anti-cancer properties
Components present in pomegranate seeds have anti-cancer properties. Pomegranate seeds help slow tumor growth in the early stages of liver cancer. Pomegranate seed extract may be beneficial for prostate cancer. Numerous studies have shown that polyphenol extract obtained from natural sources can be used for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Good for brain
Pomegranate seed extract may help protect the brain against Alzheimer’s disease and Perkinson’s disease by reducing oxidative damage and increasing in survival of brain cells. Pomegranate seed extract may delay the onset of cognitive disease in humans.
Supports digestive health
Pomegranate seeds may increase levels of beneficial gut bacteria, suggesting that, it may have prebiotic effects. Prebiotics serve as fuel for the beneficial bacteria in your gut and support a healthier gut microbiome. Pomegranate seed extract may protect against some digestive conditions.
Rich in antioxidants
Pomegranate is a potent antioxidant. Pomegranate seeds may help protect your body cells from damage caused by the free radicals. It also supports overall health and prevents various diseases. Pomegranate seed extract helps the body to protect against inflammation.
Side Effects of Pomegranate Seeds
Pomegranate seeds can cause digestive problems, block the digestive tract, and irritate your gastrointestinal tract. Pomegranate may cause nausea, vomiting, stomach, diarrhea, and constipation in some cases. Pregnant women should not take pomegranate seed extract because it may contain fruit rind.
FAQ
What are the benefits of eating pomegranate seeds?
Pomegranate seeds are very beneficial and important for human beings as they are fully packed with nutrients. They protect against infection, reduce inflammation, and slow the cancer cell’s growth. They are rich in numerous minerals but their most important source of nutrients are vitamins and antioxidants.