Luscious red, ruby-like little juicy pomegranate seeds, sweet and refreshing are a treat to your taste buds. But do you know, these tiny seeds carry abundant nutrients? Pomegranate seeds are power packed with enormous health benefits.
Health Benefits Of Pomegranate Seeds
Let's understand what health benefits these little seeds are power packed with.
1. Rich in Antioxidants
Pomegranate is power packed with antioxidants, which protect the cells of your body from free radicals. According to study by Harvard, free radicals damage DNA, cell membranes and other parts of the cell. Adding pomegranate seeds in your diet will help your cells fight off free radicals and reduce the risk of diseases like cancer and diabetes. Having antioxidant-rich foods will help you maintain your overall health. A study reveals, “Antioxidants can control the autoxidation by interrupting the propagation of free radicals or by inhibiting the formation of free radicals and subsequently reduce oxidative stress, improve immune function, and increase healthy longevity.”
2. Promotes Heart Health
The polyphenolic content of pomegranate seeds benefits heart health and keeps heart disease at bay. In a study published by National Institute of Health, on people with heart disease, drinking pomegranate juice reduced their chest pain and severity of the heart disease. Consuming pomegranate can thus reduce the risk of heart diseases.
Also read: Heart Attack Prevention and Management: The Importance of Regular Health Check-ups
3. Lowers Blood Pressure
The antioxidant properties in pomegranate seeds help in reducing blood pressure. According to research, “Pomegranate juice consumption may reduce systolic blood pressure, inhibit serum ACE activity, and is convincingly a heart-healthy fruit. Pomegranate juice consumption inhibits serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity and reduces systolic blood pressure.”
4. Promoting Joint Health
The anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate seeds contribute to joint health. Having pomegranate seeds or its juice can be beneficial for people dealing with conditions like arthritis. The high content of Flavonoids in pomegranate prevents bone density and helps in keeping them strong.
5. Controls blood sugar levels
Studies have shown that pomegranate helps in maintaining the balance of blood sugar levels in the body. The polyphenol in pomegranate helps fight diseases like diabetes by helping maintain the glucose levels in blood. A study says, “Pomegranate punicalagin inhibits α-amylase, causing sugars to be released more gradually, thus preventing spikes in sugar levels.”
6. Weight Management
Pomegranate seeds are low in calories and high in fibre. Fibre contributes in controlling the appetite of the body. Consuming pomegranate seeds can give you a feeling of fullness and thus avoid weight gain. So grab that bowl full of pomegranate seeds or a glass of its juice to achieve this longing goal of yours.
7. Aids Digestion
The fibre content of pomegranate contributes to a healthy digestive system. Fibrous foods help you ease your bowel movement by smoothening stools, thus cleansing your digestive system. It can also alleviate constipation. Pomegranate also contains good bacteria that supports your gut health.
8. Benefits Skin
Pomegranate seeds are believed to have anti-aging properties. The antioxidant properties help in protecting your cells from free radicals which help maintain a healthy skin and promote complexion.
Bottomline
These teeny weeny seeds provide abundant health benefits and help your body fight diseases and problems like improper digestion, poor gut health, diabetes, arthritis and even cancer. Add these seeds in your diet to grab all the wondrous benefits. Sprinkle them on salads, squish a juice out of them or eat them as it is and help your body defend against those villains that harm your health.