8 Reasons Why You Should Start Eating Pomegranates

Pomegranate or anaar as it is called in India, is a fruit that is not only high in terms of taste, but nutrition too. It has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a part of many traditional remedies. In this post, we’ll tell you some reasons why you should include it in your daily diet.

1. Prevents heart disease
A single glass of pomegranate juice has more antioxidants and polyphenols than green tea and red wine. It is also a rich source of dietary fibre along with a compound found only in pomegranates called punicalagins. These nutrients make it a potent fruit that’ll reduce your cholesterol levels and keep heart disease at bay. You could also try these 8 natural cholesterol busters to keep your heart healthy.

2. Prevents cancer
Several studies have proven that the antioxidants and polyphenols present in pomegranate can help prevent the growth of cancer cells and stop them from spreading. Cancer can be a tough condition to handle for both the patient and the caregiver, and if it isn’t detected early then it can even prove fatal.

3. Aids digestion
You need to consume at least 20-35g of fibre everyday according to dietary guidelines prescribed by Harvard School of Public Health. Pomegranate is a rich source of this vital nutrient that not only helps prevent constipation and keep your digestive system in good health, it also helps you absorb other nutrients more efficiently.

4. Improves your immunity
Eating pomegranates is a great way to boost your immunity as it is rich in Vitamin C. A healthy immune system will keep most diseases and infections at bay, as your body becomes strong enough to fight them. Here are some more foods that can help boost your immunity.

5. Increases your libido
According to a research conducted by researchers from Queen Margaret University, a glass of pomegranate juice consumed daily helped boost testosterone levels in both men and women. This makes pomegranate a natural aphrodisiac that is great for your sex life.

6. Keeps you looking younger
Ever wondered why we grow old and our skin develops wrinkles and other signs of ageing? Well, it is because of free radical damage that affects your cells. Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants which help delay this process. Therefore, eating pomegranate keeps your skin glowing and radiant for a long time.

7. Helps reduce stress
According to a study conducted by Queen Margaret University, drinking pomegranate juice could help reduce stress levels significantly. The study concluded that people who drank pomegranate juice had lower levels of cortisol – also known as the stress hormone. Read our mega guide to deal with stress in our daily lives.

8. Keeps Alzheimer’s at bay
Imagine being stuck on a road having forgotten where you live? Surely, you wouldn’t want it to happen to you for real. According to a research conducted by Richard Hartman from Loma Linda University, a daily glass of antioxidant juice could help reduce the build-up of harmful proteins that can cause Alzheimer’s disease.

All of these health benefits make pomegranate a great addition to your diet. The fruit is a bit on the expensive side but so much nutrition definitely makes it worth the price.

Article By: Sameer Jha Feb 21, 2014
Source: http://www.thehealthsite.com/fitness/health-benefits-of-pomegranates-sa214/