Found in the season both in the northern and the southern hemisphere, pomegranates are a very popular fruit. The pomegranate is basically a shrub that produces a red fruit. The fruit has hundreds of edible seeds within, with each seed covered by a red, juicy and sweet seed covering also called an aril. These are the edible parts of the fruits, and the peel is discarded.
Pomegranates contain a high level of antioxidants, which can help remove free radicals, protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation. Here’s a complete picture of why pomegranate is a great addition to your diet.
Nutritional Value
1 cup of edible seeds weighing in at about 174 grams, contains
| Fiber | 7 grams |
| Protein | 3 grams |
| Vitamin C | 30% of the RDI |
| Vitamin K | 36% of the RDI |
| Folate | 16% of the RDI |
| Potassium | 12% of the RDI |
In addition, there are many pomegranate benefits for men that are highlighted below.
Benefits
1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Chronic inflammation drives many serious diseases, including heart disease, cancer, type-2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and obesity. Pomegranates may reduce inflammatory activity in the digestive tract, and breast and colon cancer cells(1).
2. Helps Fight Prostate Cancer
A common type of cancer in men, prostate cancer cell reproduction may be slowed by consuming pomegranate. Eating this fruit may also result in the death of cancer cells. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a blood marker for prostate cancer.
Men who have double the PSA levels in a short period of time may be at an increased risk of death from prostate cancer. A study has found that drinking around 250 ml of pomegranate juice a day increased the PSA doubling time from 15 to 54 months(2).
3. May Be Effective Against Breast Cancer
A type of cancer that occurs in men and women, breast cancer may be more common in the latter. Pomegranate extract may slow down the reproduction of breast cancer cells, and may even kill some of them(3).
4. Lowers Blood Pressure
People with hypertension may face a significant reduction in blood pressure, if they consume pomegranate juice daily, for at least a fortnight.
5. Helps Fight Against Joint Pain
Arthritis sometimes causes joint inflammation. The plant compounds in pomegranate have anti-inflammatory effects. Pomegranate extract can block enzymes that may damage the joints in people suffering from osteoarthritis.
[Read: Apricot Seeds for Cancer]
6. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
The main fatty acid in pomegranate, known as Punicic acid, may help protect against several steps in the process of heart disease. Pomegranates help reduce bad cholesterol in people, and also help reduce high blood pressure, thus lowering the risk of heart disease.
7. Might Help Treat Erectile Dysfunction
Pomegranate juice may help increase blood flow, thus providing some kind of relief from erectile dysfunction. The juice, rich in antioxidants, increases blood supply. That is one of the most important pomegranate juice benefits for men.
8. May Help Fight Bacterial and Fungal Infections
There are certain plant compounds in pomegranates that can help you fight harmful microorganisms. Pomegranate can combat some types of bacteria and the common yeast Candida Albicans. This anti-bacterial property may be effective against oral infections like gingivitis.
9. May Help Improve Memory
The polyphenols found in pomegranate juice have neuroprotective properties. Hence, consuming pomegranate juice may also help increase your memory power and prevent forgetfulness
10. May Help Improve Athletic Performance
Rich in dietary nitrates, pomegranates might help you get a better workout. A gram of pomegranate extract 30 minutes before exercising can significantly increase blood flow, delay the onset of fatigue and increase your physical efficiency.
How to Use?
You can start by cutting the fruit in half. Then, use a spoon to take out the red seeds into a bowl. You can consume these as is, or add these to salads, yogurt, oatmeal, desserts or anything else. If you want, you can add the seeds into a blender and make fresh pomegranate juice.
[ Read: Multivitamin For Men’s Health ]
Side Effects
- Overconsumption of pomegranate affects the synthesis of certain enzymes in the liver. Certain enzymes produced by the liver are important for metabolizing cholesterol-lowering drugs. Pomegranate may interfere with the production of these enzymes if you over-eat the fruit.
- Consuming large quantities of pomegranates may cause allergic symptoms in some people. It may lead to rashes, oral swelling, difficulty in breathing and swallowing, etc.
- Pomegranates contain a lot of sugar; hence diabetic patients might do well to watch their pomegranate intake. Those who are looking to lose weight also might do well to avoid the fruit.
- Excessive intake of pomegranate may cause stomach discomfort. It may even cause nausea, constipation and abdominal pain. If you overeat pomegranate, you may even have diarrhoea.
In conclusion, pomegranates are one of the healthiest fruits in the world. Packed with nutrients and powerful plant compounds, they have a wide range of benefits, and may even reduce the risk of contracting serious illnesses.
Not only that. Pomegranates may even boost your memory and your physical prowess. Do include this wonder fruit in your diet, and see the difference in your life.
[ Read: Pomegranate Juice Benefits ]
FAQs
1. Does eating pomegranate increase testosterone?
Studies reveal that pomegranate may help increase testosterone in men, which makes it a great alternative to artificial testosterone boosters.
2. What is a good time to eat pomegranate?
Since it is a fruit, it can be eaten preferably in the morning so you get a burst of energy. You can even consume this on an empty stomach.
3. Can you cook pomegranate?
There is no existing recipe for cooked seeds. However, you can add seeds as a garnish to your oatmeal, porridge, cornflakes, etc.
