Do you know pomegranates have been referred to in Greek mythology because the fruit of demise? Within the fantasy of Hades and Persephone, Hades lured Persephone into the underworld utilizing the seeds of a pomegranate. Not solely that, however this funky fruit was additionally usually related to Aphrodite, and due to this fact turned an emblem of fertility, as nicely! However past the myths, what are the true benefits of pomegranate?
Pomegranates are stuffed with vitamins and powerful antioxidants, making them an extremely wholesome alternative for a snack or addition to your meal. To be taught extra concerning the shocking results of consuming this fruit, we chatted with medical board expert Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, creator of The First Time Mom’s Pregnancy Cookbook and Fueling Male Fertility.
Proceed studying to be taught extra about pomegranates, and for extra wholesome consuming suggestions try Secret Side Effects of Eating Raspberries.
Antioxidants, which may be discovered in lots of fruits, greens, nuts, entire grains, and even some animal merchandise, are essential in your well being in some ways. And pomegranates are full of them!
“Issues like stress and environmental pollution can generate free radicals, which can play a task within the growth of unsavory well being outcomes over time,” says Manaker. “Together with antioxidants in your food plan can assist fight the oxidative stress your physique experiences as a result of free radicals. Pomegranates comprise compounds with antioxidant exercise, which can assist assist your total well being. An in vitro research at UCLA discovered that POM Great 100-percent pomegranate juice has extra antioxidant efficiency than pink wine, Harmony grape juice, or inexperienced tea, on common.”
Many individuals might not notice this, however pomegranates are an important supply of potassium. And in accordance with Manaker, potassium is essential in your muscle health.
“Pomegranates are a supply of potassium, an essential electrolyte for wholesome muscle function,” says Manaker. “One 8-ounce serving of pomegranate juice has as a lot potassium as your common banana.”
Should you’re somebody who is concentrated on fitness or exercising, your physique will want sufficient vitamins that will help you meet your well being objectives. Due to their antioxidants, pomegranates can assist you with this.
“The antioxidants in pomegranates and in pomegranate juice might assist enhance nitric oxide bioavailability by defending it from breaking down,” says Manaker. “Nitric oxide helps your physique get the oxygen and vitamins it wants for exercise.”
And lastly, pomegranates are a good way to satisfy these sweet cravings with out consuming a ton of added sugar.
“It’s endorsed that folks restrict their added sugar consumption to assist cut back the chance of many undesirable well being outcomes,” says Manaker. “Pomegranates provide a candy style with no added sugar, making it a satisfying snack for individuals with a candy tooth.”