I have always been a fan of fruits that you bite right into — and you can guess the cumbersome pomegranate is not one of them. But the moment you bite into the sweet, juicy nectar of the fruit, you cannot help falling in love with it. Our ancestors wouldn’t stop swearing about the amazing things pomegranates can do for your body. And they were right!
Rich in vitamin C and K1
Pomegranates are rich sources of both vitamin C and K1. It has natural and healthy sugar content, so highly diabetic people should have it in moderation. About 1/2 cup of it contains 16g of carbohydrate and 3g of dietary fibre. Yes, the juice is there too, but you get 33g carbs in a bowl. Out of this, 32g is pure sugar! However, this juice is highly recommended for people who have reduced energy levels or fatigue issues. The citric acid fumaric and malic acid present in the pomegranate juice helps in the ATP-producing Krebs cycle.
Here are some of the benefits of the fruit:
- It improves blood pressure blood
- Manages oxidative stress
- Helps with hyperglycemia and inflammation
- Improves issues related to arthritis
- Prevents risks of Alzheimer's
- Helps to fight cancer
Erectile dysfunction
As per a study by the International Journal of Impotence Research, the juice of this fruit is known to improve erections and helps fight ED. Almost one out of every ten men in the U.S. suffer from ED. The disease is generally caused because of high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, nerve damage, depression, imbalance of the endocrine, etc.
Having pomegranate seeds or even the juice of this fruit improves blood flow to the penis and helps stimulate the sexual act.
Alongside, pomegranate is loaded with antioxidants — as compared to green tea and wine — and also contains an ample amount of nitrates. These nitrates are known to enhance sexual performance. They further improve the flow of blood to the genitals, which helps in enhancing ED issues.
A study in 2011 showed that ED was an issue seen commonly in people who had diabetes, hypertension, etc. The narrowing of arteries was one of the significant causes to restrict blood flow in the penile region. With improved circulation, blood flow and lower oxidative stress, erection issues could be combated.
Studies further show that potent antioxidant levels in the fruit helped in restricting the free radical molecules from hindering the circulatory functions of the body. Along with enhanced blood flow, the fruit is also known to reduce or reverse arterial plaque growth. It mitigates arterial plaque and enhances blood vessel dilation.
So that’s plenty of reasons to start eating pomegranates now. You can cut the fruit in two halves. Using the back of the spoon, tap the shell and let the seeds come out. It will help you get the dual benefits of fibre and antioxidants. Sprinkle this on salads or eat it right out of the bowl. Alternatively, you can also have the juice by using a press-juicer.
Medically reviewed by Rishabh Verma, RP
