12 Proven Benefits of Pomegranate Posted on 06 May 2015 at 01:12 1. Pomegranates Are Loaded With Important Nutrients The pomegranate, or Punica granatum, is a shrub that produces a red fruit. Categorized as a berry, the pomegranate fruit is about 5-12 cm (2-5 inches) in diameter. It is red, round and looks kind of like a red apple with a flower-shaped stem. The skin of the pomegranate is thick and inedible, but there are hundreds of edible seeds called arils within. The arils are what people eat, either raw or processed into pomegranate juice.MORE: Secrets Revealed: The Powerful Health Benefits of the Pomegranate Powerful Disease Protection From Pomegranate Pomegranates have an impressive nutrient profile: One cup of arils (174 grams) contains: Fiber: 7 grams. Protein: 3 grams. Vitamin C: 30% of the RDA. Vitamin K: 36% of the RDA. Folate: 16% of the RDA. Potassium: 12% of the RDA. The pomegranate arils (seeds) are also very sweet, with one cup containing 24 grams of sugar, and 144 calories. However, where pomegranates really shine is in their content of powerful plant compounds, some of which have potent medicinal properties. Bottom Line: The pomegranate is a fruit that contains hundreds of edible seeds called arils. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and bioactive plant compounds, but they also contain some sugar. 2. Pomegranates Contain Two Plant Compounds With Powerful Medicinal Properties There are two unique substances in pomegranates that are responsible for most of their health benefits. Punicalagins Punicalagins are extremely powerful antioxidants found in the juice and peel of a pomegranate. They are so powerful that pomegranate juice has been found to have three times the antioxidant activity of red wine and green tea. Pomegranate extract and powder is typically made from the peel, due to its high antioxidant and punicalagin content. Punicic Acid Punicic acid, also known as pomegranate seed oil, is the main fatty acid in the arils. It is a type of conjugated linoleic acid with potent biological effects. Bottom Line: Pomegranates contain punicalagins and punicic acid, unique substances that are responsible for most of their health benefits.
