Pomegranate, a Pharmacy...

Pomegranate is considered “a pharmacy unto itself”. I will highlight new and old studies that detail the many health benefits of Pomegranate.

A Recent study suggests significant Cardio-vascular benefits of pomegranate consumption. ‘Pomegranate juice can reduce macrophage Cholesterol and Oxidised lipid accumulation (the hallmark of early atherosclerotic plaque formation).

Pomegranate juice can also inhibit the development of Atherosclerotic lesions by protecting LDL against oxidation’. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284914411_Pomegranate_Punica_granatum_-_Overview

Most of you who know me, are aware that I am a firm believer in the beneficial properties of Pomegranate, known as 'Dadima' in Ayurveda.

The preferred pomegranate product in terms of biological potency and consequent health benefits is pomegranate juice from the whole fruit (including the peel).

The fruit and the rind (pericarp) are used as medicinal foods and home remedies as well as in more complex Ayurvedic formulations.

The numerous benefits of fresh pomegranate juice/ dry powder are due to the pomegranate rind being a rich source of phytoestrogens especially helpful for easing menopause symptoms.

The fruit contains numerous antioxidants including phenolics, flavonoids as well as minerals, mainly potassium, good for cardio vascular health, heart palpitations and regulating heart rhythm.

Pomegranate is an anti-parasitic and anti-microbial agent, therefore a good blood tonic.

It is an antioxidant, anti-viral, has neuro-protective and hepato-protective properties.

At Vedant Nutrition, we use it in therapy to heal ulcers, in etymological possesses and as a powerful anti inflammatory. It is a useful tool in the management of RA (rheumatoid arthritis).

Pomegranate and blood glucose: Pomegranate has an anti-atherogenic, hypoglycaemic and antiglycemic effect. It has a place among other interventions used to treat obesity.

Pomegranate and fertility:

It enhances the reproductive function, treats male infertility and vyana vayu as well as other dosha imbalances within the body.

Pomegranate and gut health

Additionally, Pomegranate bark and root bark are used for treating diarrhoea and dysentery. It is also effective in treating bleeding piles and intestinal parasites.

Let us recap a few of the myriad healing properties of Pomegranate:

Quenches thirst, helps reduce “fire” inflammation in the abdomen.

Strengthens the heart, removes bad breath, halitosis. Helps eliminate and reduce harmful microbes and parasites from the body.

Cools and hydrates the mucus membrane and nurtures the reproductive tissue.

Appropriately detailed in ancient texts: 'Pomegranate tastes sweet in the beginning, leaving a slight astringent taste at the end. It is tridoshic (balances all three doshas: vata, pitta and kapha)'