The benefits and harms of pomegranate for the health of women, men and children
Many have heard that pomegranate is useful, but not everyone knows what exactly. It has a unique composition, a powerful concentration of vitamins and microelements, while being low in calories. The fruit is used completely - from the peel and partitions to bones... Berries and juice are used in nutrition, cosmetology, and folk medicine. Read about how many calories are in a pomegranate, its benefits and harms to health.
The content of the article
Chemical composition and properties of pomegranate
The beneficial substances contained in fruits have a positive effect on all human systems and organs. Due to its composition Garnet recommended for both children and adults. It gives strength and energy to elderly and weakened people.
Vitamin and mineral content
The presence of anthocyanins in the composition determined the ruby color of the grains. Phenolic compounds and amino acids essential for humans give a unique tart taste and aroma.
Content of minerals and vitamins per 100 g:
- 4 mg of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) - to protect the immune system;
- 8.7 mg of B vitamins - strengthens the nervous system;
- 0.4 mg of tocopherol (E) - prolongs youth;
- 0.5 mg of vitamin PP - keeps blood vessels and heart in good shape;
- 150 mg of potassium and 2 mg of sodium - regulate intracellular pressure;
- 10 mg of calcium and 8 mg of phosphorus - for the formation and strengthening of the skeletal system;
- 2 mg magnesium - involved in the metabolism, for example, glucose, protein synthesis and nucleic acids;
- 1 mg of iron - provides a full production of red blood cells, thus helping to saturate organs and tissues with oxygen.
There are so many vitamins and minerals in grains that 100 g (3/4 of the fruit) provide half the daily requirement.
Calorie content and BZHU
The almost complete absence of fat in pomegranate makes it indispensable in dietary nutrition. Fiber benefits the digestive system, and most of the carbohydrates provide irreplaceable, that is, non-processed substances by the body.
As part of the fruit per 100 g:
- proteins - 0.7 g;
- fat - 0.6 g;
- carbohydrates - 14.5 g;
- fiber - 0.9 g;
- water - 81 g.
The average calorie content is 55 kcal. Due to the negligible fat content and the presence of substances that activate metabolic processes, pomegranate promotes fat burning.
Glycemic index
Pomegranate is one of the safest foods for those who control body weight. Its GI is 35 units. However, people who are overweight and have uncontrolled cravings for food should not be consumed by people - it increases their appetite.
Benefits and harm to the body
Since ancient times, in different cultures, pomegranate has been considered a symbol of fertility. It has been used to treat many diseases.
Modern medicine recommends using the fruit for the following diseases and conditions:
- weakened immunity;
- inflammatory processes;
- hypertension;
- increased nervous irritability;
- parasites;
- anemia;
- increased intracranial pressure;
- angina;
- stomatitis;
- after a course of chemotherapy.
Pomegranate helps to remove toxins from the body, increases overall tone, normalizes the gastrointestinal tract, promotes wound healing, and regulates metabolism.
Important! Pomegranate protects blood vessels from the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Contraindications
Despite the undoubted benefits, eating the fruit is not good for everyone.
Contraindications:
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the acute stage (pancreatitis, stomach ulcer, gastritis with high acidity);
- constipation;
- allergic reactions;
- hypotension;
- diabetes.
Excessive consumption of exotic fruit can cause nausea, heartburn, increased sensitivity of teeth, problems with stool.
Why pomegranate is useful depending on gender / age
The specific characteristics of the male and female organisms determine the different value when using the "Carthaginian berry".
For women
Pomegranate normalizes the menstrual cycle, reducing the intensity of discharge and reducing pain. Relieves irritability and increased sweating during menopause.
During pregnancy, indicated for low hemoglobin. Vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, potassium included in its composition contribute to the proper intrauterine development of the fetus. Amino acids normalize hormones.
Pomegranate contains antioxidants that scavenge free radicals. Thanks to this, the skin receives protection from aggressive factors. The fruit stimulates the production of collagen, which maintains the elasticity and youthfulness of the skin.
Important! Pomegranate contains substances that block the excess estrogen production that causes breast cancer.
Men
The strong sex of pomegranates helps with mild and moderate impotence, doubles the level of the male hormone testosterone. Regular consumption reduces the risk of prostate cancer.
Children
In the absence of allergic manifestations, infants are given diluted pomegranate juice from the age of 10 months. For children, the fruit is useful for strengthening immunity and memory, relieving stress, increasing resistance to mental stress.
In what form and quantity to eat to get the most benefit
Pomegranate can be eaten almost entirely: grains are tasty and healthy in and of themselves, partitions and peel are an excellent tool for increasing efficiency and immunity, eliminating digestive problems.
A healthy person can safely eat 2-3 ripe fruits a day. One pomegranate is enough for pregnant women.
In the presence of diabetes mellitus and the absence of other contraindications, one fetus will not have a negative impact, but will bring tangible benefits.
Important! Pomegranate strengthens hair follicles, thereby stopping hair loss.
Pomegranate pits
Dried and crushed pomegranate seeds effectively relieve headaches and normalize blood pressure. Their regular use normalizes hormones. Powder mixed with honey treats toothaches, and diluted in pineapple juice expels worms.
On the basis of crushed seeds, a scrub is prepared to cleanse the skin of the face.
Pomegranate juice
You shouldn't buy it ready-made. Only freshly squeezed juice will bring benefits to the body:
- strengthens the immune system;
- removes excess fluid and relieves swelling;
- increases the level of hemoglobin;
- normalizes appetite and stool;
- increases efficiency;
- keeps the skin young and healthy;
- restores strength and reduces the risk of developing cancer.
Pomegranate juice is effective as a non-seizure diuretic. It does not leach potassium from the body, making it preferable to drugs.
Cooking applications
Fresh pomegranate seeds are used in salads and desserts. When stewing, baking or frying meat, they are added to add a savory sweet and sour taste. The famous narsharab sauce is also made from pomegranate, which is indispensable for lamb, red fish and barbecue dishes.
Juices, preserves, and wine are also prepared from the fruits.
In folk medicine
Septa and pomegranate skin are mainly used as home remedies. They are dried, then infusions are prepared and decoctions.
Used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases - tonsillitis, influenza, SARS. To strengthen the immune system, eliminate diarrhea, teas with the addition of pomegranate partitions are effective. For skin diseases (rash, eczema, dermatitis), compresses and lotions are made.
How to choose and store pomegranates
When buying a fruit, pay attention to the absence of external damage, traces of rot and mold. The rind should be firm, the grains are slightly covered. Color - from dark red to light brown.
A soft fruit indicates improper storage or that the pomegranate is overripe. Too light skin - that the fruit is unripe.
Store the pomegranate in a cool dark place at a temperature of 0 to 10 ° C. Such conditions are ideally created in the lower compartment of the refrigerator intended for fruits and vegetables. Long-term storage is detrimental to the fetus - it is better use no later than 5-7 days after purchase.
It is interesting:
Step-by-step guide to propagating pomegranate cuttings at home.
Conclusion
Pomegranate is not only tasty, but also very useful for the human body. Thanks to him, women gain harmony and retain their youth. Representatives of the stronger sex who consume pomegranate on a regular basis boast masculine strength and high testosterone levels. Children will forget about fatigue and frequent colds. Pomegranates are also irreplaceable during pregnancy as a full-fledged source of health for the unborn child.