Pomegranate - composition, useful properties and contraindications for use

Pomegranate is renowned for its unsurpassed taste. In addition to its excellent taste, this fruit has many beneficial properties. The benefits are hidden in the seeds, and in the peel, and even in the partitions of this fruit.

The use of pomegranate in dietary nutrition is not at all uncommon. However, the use of the fruit also has contraindications. From the article you will find out what substances it contains and what benefits pomegranate brings and in what cases it is contraindicated to use it.

Calorie content and nutritional value of pomegranate

The calorie content of a pomegranate is low and depends on its size. The weight of an average fruit is about 270 g. Large fruits weigh from 500 g. On average, the calorie content of one fresh grant is 250-400 kcal. In the table below, you can get acquainted with the indicators of nutritional value and the total calorie content of fruits of different types: peeled fruit, that is, without a peel, pomegranate in a peel, without seeds and with seeds.

So, the number of calories in fruit with skin, with seeds and without seeds is almost the same. Peeled fresh pomegranate has a 100 g higher calorie content because the skin has been removed, adding weight. The calorie content of the individual grains of the fruit is also small: 100 g of seeds contain approximately 55-60 kcal. Thanks to this, they are appreciated by dieters.

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Let us dwell separately on such an indicator as the glycemic index. The information is especially important for diabetics and people at risk for this disease. Glycemic index of pomegranate - 35 units... This is a relatively low figure, so we can conclude that diabetics can eat it. In moderation, of course.

So, pomegranate is a low-calorie fruit that contains many nutrients.

The chemical composition of the fruit

The chemical composition of the fruit is very diverse: pomegranate is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids and other biologically active compounds. All these substances in combination and separately act on the human body, making it healthy and strengthening. Let's find out what elements are contained in the pomegranate.

Vitamin, mineral (macro- and microelements), amino acid composition of pomegranate is really rich. In addition to these elements, the fruit contains dietary fiber (0.9 g in 100 g), water (81 g in 100 g), ash (0.5 g in 100 g), organic acids (1.8 g in 100 g) ...

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The pomegranate peel is also saturated with compounds with healing properties: it contains tannins of the catachin group, pigments, and minerals in small quantities (iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, magnesium, selenium, nickel, boron). Fruit seeds are rich in B vitamins, vitamins A and E, macroelements (potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium), trace elements (iron, zinc), fatty acids.

So, pomegranate contains a ton of compounds that have a positive effect on health. Grains, seeds, and fruit peels are filled with useful substances.

The benefits of pomegranate

The benefits of pomegranate for the body are simply enormous. This is due to the presence of a large amount of nutrients in the fruit. These compounds have a beneficial effect on all organs and systems. Thanks to the elements contained in pomegranate, immunity is strengthened, physical, emotional state and appearance are improved.

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Let's look at the issue in more detail. Pomegranate is useful:

1. For the heart and blood vessels. Vitamins of group B, vitamins E, D, amino acids and minerals, such as potassium, have a beneficial effect on the work of the cardiovascular system. Thanks to the pomegranate, the contraction of the heart muscle is regulated, while the blood pressure returns to normal. The fruit thins the blood well, which allows it to supply the entire body. The heart rate is normalized, so kernels and pomegranate juice are indicated for hypertension, arrhythmias and similar heart diseases.
2. For blood. Thanks to the pomegranate, hemoglobin increases, so this fruit is indispensable for such a disease as anemia (anemia). Blood composition is improved through the regular use of either pomegranate seeds or freshly squeezed juice. At the same time, the level of bad cholesterol decreases.
3. For the nervous system and the brain. The benefits for the nerves and the improvement of brain activity are due to the presence of B vitamins in pomegranate, or rather, B12 (cobalamin). It is this substance that has a calming effect on the nervous system, prevents mental disorders, fights insomnia, nervous breakdowns, and stress. It has been proven that with its help, the brain becomes more active.
4. With oncology. Pomegranate contains allogatonins - substances through which the growth of malignant tumors is prevented. Pomegranate is a prophylactic and therapeutic agent used in the fight against cancer. Due to the elements contained in the fetus, the development of cancer cells is significantly slowed down: they either do not arise, or are destroyed by useful substances. Scientists have proven that you need to drink one glass of pomegranate juice a day. This will reduce the risk of breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.
5. With an inflammatory process. Due to the content of vitamins A and C in pomegranate, the fruit is in demand in the fight against colds. These vitamins resist viruses and microbes that weaken the immune system. Due to vitamins A and C, pomegranate juice has the strongest antioxidant properties, which contributes to a speedy recovery. The juice contained in the grains of the fruit fights inflammation and prevents the development of viral and infectious diseases, including diseases of the liver, kidneys and lungs.
6. For the oral cavity and teeth. The substances contained in pomegranate fight against diseases such as stomatitis, periodontitis, gingivitis. At the same time, thanks to vitamin C, teeth are strengthened.
7. For hair, nails and skin. Vitamins A, C, PP, E, D - these are the substances due to which the condition of the skin improves: wounds heal, rejuvenating processes take place. The joints have a beneficial effect on nails: they do not exfoliate, do not break. The positive effect of drinking pomegranate and juice from it on the hair has also been scientifically proven: vitamins and minerals strengthen hair follicles, stimulate hair growth, prevent hair loss, splitting and brittleness. Regular consumption of pomegranate juice will make nails and hair strong, strong, and the skin soft, elastic, smooth.
8. For the gastrointestinal tract. On the stomach, pancreas, intestines, and pomegranate peel, and septa, and juice from the grains of the fruit have a beneficial effect. Fruit juice improves the functioning of the human digestive system. Membranes and skin are natural and proven remedies for gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea and flatulence. Doctors recommend drying pomegranate peels, making a decoction of them and drinking them with discomfort in the stomach and pain in the intestines. An alternative option is an infusion of fruit zest. Regarding the seeds, the opinions of doctors differ: some call the seeds "garbage", while others are inclined to believe that the bones remove toxins and toxins from the body. The seeds are rich in acids and oil, which enhances the healing properties of the fruit.

The question of the benefits of pomegranate for men and women deserves special attention. The beautiful half of humanity will appreciate the effect of the fruit on the skin (smoothing wrinkles on the face, removing freckles and age spots), on the hair (stimulating growth, fighting fragility and splitting). But that is not all. Due to the content of vitamin E in pomegranate, the hormonal background is normalized. Women after 50 will be interested to know that thanks to pomegranate juice, problems with pain during menopause are solved. The fruit is also very beneficial for weight loss.

The effect on the male body of pomegranate is invaluable, because this fruit stimulates potency, helps to strengthen immunity and build muscle mass.

For diabetics, pomegranate will also be very useful. There is practically no sugar in the fruit. The juice has diuretic properties, which will relieve people with diabetes from edema. Just 60 drops of pomegranate juice a day will significantly lower blood sugar levels.

Both pink and white pomegranate will bring great benefits to the body. Pomegranate has an effect on the cardiovascular, circulatory, immune, nervous, endocrine systems, takes an active part in the normalization of the digestive tract, strengthening hair, teeth, nails. Here are the reasons why this fruit must be present in the diet.

Harm to the fetus and contraindications

Despite the beneficial properties of the fruit, the use of its grains, seeds and partitions can negatively affect human health. It is necessary to be guided by the rules and know the main contraindications to the introduction of fruit into the diet.

As with any product, pomegranate should be consumed in moderation. It is recommended to use pomegranate three to four times a week, one piece (100-200 g). Of course, everyone has their own norm, but in any case, it is better not to overeat. ...

Contraindications to the use of the fruit are as follows:

• peptic ulcer;
• gastritis of any form;
• pancreatitis;
• severe damage to tooth enamel;
• gout;
• chronic constipation;
• hemorrhoids;
• chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• individual intolerance;
• allergy;
• pregnancy;
• baby's age up to 1 year.

In the presence of these indications, one should be very careful with the use of pomegranate. You should definitely consult with your doctor about including fruit in your diet.

There are no contraindications for diabetes mellitus. On the contrary, the fruit will be useful for this disease.

Among scientists, there is an opinion that pomegranate seeds should not be used. Researchers believe that sunflower seeds pollute the stomach, leading to serious disruptions in the functioning of the entire digestive system.

Grant juice is considered to be unambiguously useful. Scientists look ambiguously at the peel and partitions. They contain substances that negatively affect health. These are compounds such as isopelletierin, alkanoids, and pelletierin. Therefore, before using home remedies from pomegranate peels (tinctures, decoctions) or pharmaceutical preparations based on the peel, you should also visit your doctor.

For the health of men and women who do not have the listed contraindications, pomegranate is absolutely harmless. Eat in moderation - and no problems due to the fruit will bother you.

Slimming pomegranate

Pomegranate is widely used for weight loss. What is the reason for this? The essence is in the pomegranate juice contained in the grains of the fruit. Thanks to the juice in the blood, the concentration of fatty acids is reduced and the accumulation of fat in the abdomen, waist and thighs is prevented. Scientists have also proven that this delicious sweet and sour drink satisfies hunger.

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Is it possible to eat pomegranate while losing weight? Nutritionists answer this question unequivocally: yes, it is possible, and even necessary. However, this is allowed only in the absence of contraindications, which were discussed above. How is the fruit useful? During weight loss, the body needs nutrients more than ever. The supply of necessary elements of grenades is fully replenished. This relieves the body from exhaustion and fatigue and prevents anemia. And the calorie content of pomegranate pulp is quite low - a maximum of 80 kcal per 100 g. Thanks to grains, metabolism is normalized, metabolism is accelerated, obesity is prevented, since fat cells are broken down.

Varieties of diets

There are dozens of varieties of diets on pomegranate: on juice, pulp (grains with and without seeds), on the peel, partitions. Diet also differs in duration. According to the period of the diet, they are classified into five-day, seven-day, ten-day, with a duration of a month. Let's tell you more about them.

1. Five-day. According to the results of those who sat on such a diet, you can get rid of 3 kg. You need to have breakfast with one pomegranate or a glass of freshly squeezed juice, dine with boiled meat (preferably chicken) also with juice, and supper with cottage cheese with grains. During the day, you should drink 2-3 liters of clean water.
2. Seven-day. Getting rid of 4 kg. Calculated for 6 meals: breakfast - buckwheat with juice, second breakfast - apple, pear or low-fat yogurt in the amount of one glass, lunch - buckwheat with boiled meat, afternoon snack - banana, dinner - buckwheat with herbs, second dinner - kefir or green tea ...
3. Ten-day. Really lose 5-6 kg. There are minor differences between the ten-day and seven-day diets. In the morning you need to drink a glass of warm purified water, and after half an hour - a glass of pomegranate juice. For lunch they eat buckwheat, for lunch - buckwheat with steamed meat or fish. Afternoon snack is a green apple, and dinner consists of buckwheat and vegetable salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs). Before going to bed, it is recommended to drink green tea or kefir with a small percentage of fat.
4. Duration a month. It is necessary to adhere to proper nutrition and drink a glass of juice between meals: in the first week - 3 times a day, in the second week - 2 times a day, in the third - 1 time a day. Such a diet will save you 7-8 extra pounds.

However, we recommend that you seek the help of a dietitian. He will help you make a menu, determine the timing and get out of the diet correctly, without harming your health.

Why is pomegranate juice useful?

The health benefits of pomegranate juice are that it is easily and quickly absorbed. It is recommended to drink 0.5 liters of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice within two days. Due to this, the work of the heart and kidneys will return to normal, pressure will normalize, and most importantly for those who are losing weight, the waist will decrease. Pomegranate juice also has antiseptic, choleretic and diuretic properties, which is why excess weight is lost.

And when is the best time to drink pomegranate juice: in the evening or in the morning?

1. Drink at night. In the evening, that is, before going to bed, drinking pomegranate juice is not recommended. According to nutritionists, the drink should be consumed two to three hours before bedtime. You do not need to overuse the juice, as it contains a lot of water, and this can lead to edema.
2. Juice on an empty stomach. Drinking the drink on an empty stomach is strictly prohibited.Fruit juice is saturated with organic acids that will negatively affect the stomach lining if it is empty. Drink the juice 30 minutes after eating - only in this case it will have a positive effect. A freshly squeezed drink should be consumed immediately, because after 20 minutes it is oxidized, and there will be no positive effect from taking it.

Outcome

Pomegranate is a delicious and healthy fruit. The body benefits from its grains, juice and even partitions. Adhere to the rate of fruit consumption, do not forget about contraindications, consult with experts about the diet - and you will not have problems with your figure and health.

Watch the video: POMEGRANATE JUICE BENEFITS - 10 Reasons to Drink Pomegranate Juice Every Day (November 2024).