Do You Have To Eat Pomegranate Seeds?

Pomegranates (Punica granatum) are the sweet, nutritious fruit of a shrub in the Lythraceae family, which includes over 620 species of plants, trees, and shrubs.

Pomegranates, which are classified as berries, are crimson and spherical nutritious powerhouses.

The pomegranate is one of the world’s oldest fruits, considered to have originated in Persia.

Cultivation quickly expanded across the Mediterranean and into China, where it became known as the Chinese apple.

Pomegranates have been used for medicinal reasons for over 3,000 years.

Peltierines are unique alkaloids found in all portions of the pomegranate plant, or punica granatum.

These substances paralyze tapeworms, allowing them to be removed from the body.

Also, the plant is high in tannin, a kind of polyphenolic molecule.

It was used to treat mouth sores, throat infections, and vaginal infections.

• Bark The bark was used to treat germs and viruses.
• Flowers They were prescribed for dysentery, stomachaches, and coughs.
• The flower juice was used to alleviate nosebleeds.
• Stem Tapeworms were treated with the stems and root bark.
• Rind To assist with diabetes, the fruit rind was crushed in water and consumed every morning.
• Dysentery and diarrhea were treated with the dried rind.
• Seeds Syphilis was treated using a seed mixture.
• Extract The fruit’s ethyl alcohol extract has been demonstrated to alleviate oxidative stress.

Moreover, the plant was supposed to have an active component for healing aged skin.

The blooms and rind may be used to make natural red dyes and inks, while the bark can be used to make black ink. (Source)

Flash forward a few thousand years to when pomegranate was introduced to the United States.

Pomegranates, which are now extensively grown in Arizona and California, have gained their reputation as a superfood.

Promising research on the possible health benefits has resulted in a slew of pomegranate pills, drinks, powders, and extracts, but nothing matches the fruit itself.

Pomegranate products are now widely available in ordinary grocery shops throughout the country.

What Are The Benefits Of Eating Pomegranate Seeds?

Polyphenols are naturally occurring substances found in fruits, dark chocolate, vegetables, herbs, spices, and wine.

Polyphenols come in over 8,000 different varieties.

Punicalagins are the most frequent and biggest polyphenol by molecular weight.

Pomegranate oils include punicic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid. (Source)

These give pomegranates the reputation of having a slew of amazing advantages when combined.

Anti-Inflammatory

Persistent inflammation is the root cause of many serious illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.

Pomegranate punicic acid is reported to lower inflammatory activity in the digestive system as well as breast and colon cancer cells.

Antiviral

Pomegranates, which contain vitamins C and E, may help fight infections and prevent disease.

Blood Pressure and Heart Disease

According to this evaluation of controlled studies, pomegranates have been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure.

High blood pressure is a major cause of heart attacks and strokes.

Diabetes

Pomegranates have traditionally been used as a diabetic treatment in India and the Middle East, although the effects of pomegranates on diabetes are yet unclear.

Yet, research suggests that it may help reduce blood sugar and insulin resistance.

Sports

The juice is said to hasten recuperation and improve athletic performance.

Antioxidants also reduce oxidative damage produced by strenuous physical exercise.

Joint Pain and Arthritis

Arthritis is a prevalent condition, especially among the elderly, and is characterized by the frequently painful inflammation of the joints.

Pomegranates may assist control pain due to the anti-inflammatory characteristics of the polyphenols.

Moreover, some research suggests that the extract may inhibit enzymes that harm joints in persons with osteoarthritis.

The majority of this study has been conducted on mice, and data from human experiments is currently scarce.

Sexual Wellness
Oxidative stress may impair blood flow throughout the body and has been linked to male erectile dysfunction and sperm malfunction.

The antioxidant content of pomegranate juice has been demonstrated to aid with various illnesses.

Moreover, consuming pomegranate juice has been related to increased testosterone levels in both men and women, the key hormone responsible for sex desires.

Pomegranates are delicious fruits with a lot of sugar.

A cup of arils has 24g of sugar, compared to 5g in raspberries and 1g in avocados.

A cup of pomegranates has the following nutrients, according to the USDA food database:

Pomegranates are well-known for their ability to help with weight reduction.

1. The high fiber content keeps you filled for longer, reducing appetite and minimizing overeating.
2. Antioxidants aid in the battle against free radicals and increase energy levels, providing a boost for activity and metabolism.
3. Triglycerides, a form of fat that binds to blood and raises the risk of heart disease, are blocked by pomegranates. It may diminish the look of abdominal fat by limiting absorption.
4. Polyphenols are also recognized to be natural fat burners that help to keep fat at bay in the body.
5. Pomegranates are a low-calorie fruit, containing around 145 calories per cup.
6. While substantial evidence relating pomegranate intake to weight reduction is sparse, some of these aspects imply that they may aid with obesity management.

Unfortunately, the pomegranate season is brief.

It usually begins in September and lasts into the new year.

To enjoy pomegranates for longer, freeze the seeds and divide them for later use in salads, smoothies, or eating raw.

Pomegranates may be kept intact for up to two months.

Nonetheless, seeds will keep in the freezer for approximately three days.

Freezing them would be a fantastic approach to extend their life.

The previous six months have passed without any nutritional value being lost.

Pomegranate seeds may be frozen in the following manner.

1. Split the fruit in half and remove the seeds.
2. Make sure the seeds (and arils) are completely dry.
3. Put the seeds on a baking sheet fitted with a silicone mat or wax paper, one at a time.
4. Ensure sure the seeds are not touching one another and are dispersed in a single layer.
5. Put the tray in the freezer and let it to cool. That should take around 2 hours.
6. Put the individually frozen seeds to a container or freezer bag, and mark it with the date frozen if desired.

Extra Tip: You may store them separately by freezing them on a baking sheet beforehand.

When it’s time to use them, just scoop out what you need rather than thawing the whole bag.

To defrost frozen pomegranate seeds, follow these steps:

• Put the required amount of seeds in the fridge before going to bed. These should be defrosted by morning.
• Are you in a hurry? On a baking sheet, spread the seeds in a single layer. Depending on your room temperature, they should defrost in around 30 minutes.
• Frozen seeds may also be used in smoothies or salads. In salads, they will need around 20 to 30 minutes to defrost.

There are several applications for frozen pomegranate seeds.

These are little seeds that will thaw in around 20 to 30 minutes at normal temperature.

Frozen pomegranate is often used in the following dishes:

• Salads with fruits
• Your cereal or oatmeal in the morning
• Yogurts
• Cake decoration
• Drinks as well as mocktails

Frozen seeds aren’t as juicy or crisp as fresh seeds, and they’re a touch mushier.

Conclusion

Pomegranates have earned their position and status as a superfood.

They have been feeding us for thousands of years and will continue to do so for thousands more.

We hope you enjoy these nutrient-dense fruits for a long time and wish you the best of health!