Common Names: Pomegranate, Granada (Spanish), Grenade (French).
Related Species: Punica proto-punica.
The pomegranate is native from Iran to the Himalayas in northern India and was cultivated and naturalized over the whole Mediterranean region since ancient times. It is widely cultivated throughout India and the drier parts of southeast Asia, Malaya, the East Indies and tropical Africa. The tree was introduced into California by Spanish settlers in 1769. In this country it is grown for its fruits mainly in the drier parts of California and Arizona.
Pomegranates prefer a semi-arid mild-temperate to subtropical climate and are naturally adapted to regions with cool winters and hot summers. A humid climate adversely affects the formation of fruit. The tree can be severely injured by temperatures below 12° F. In the U. S. pomegranates can be grown outside as far north as Washington, D.C. and as southern Utah but seldom set fruit in these areas. The tree adapts well to container culture and will sometimes fruit in a greenhouse.
The Punica granatum leaves are opposite or sub-opposite, glossy, narrow oblong, entire, 3–7 cm long and 2 cm broad. The flowers are bright red, 3 cm in diameter, with four to five petals (often more on cultivated plants). Some fruitless varieties are grown for the flowers alone. The edible fruit is a berry and is between a lemon and a grapefruit in size, 5–12 cm in diameter with a rounded hexagonal shape, and has thick reddish skin. The exact number of seeds in a pomegranate can vary from 200 to about 1400 seeds, contrary to some beliefs that all pomegranates have exactly the same number of seeds. Each seed has a surrounding water-laden pulp—the edible aril—ranging in color from white to deep red or purple. The seeds are embedded in a white, spongy, astringent pulp.
In the Indian subcontinent's ancient traditional system of medicine, the pomegranate has extensively been used as a source of traditional remedies for thousands of years.
The rind of the fruit and the bark of the pomegranate tree is used as a traditional remedy against diarrhea, dysentery and intestinal parasites. The seeds and juice are considered a tonic for the heart and throat, and classified as a bitter-astringent component under the traditional system, and considered a healthful counterbalance to a diet high in sweet-fatty components. The astringent qualities of the flower juice, rind and tree bark are considered valuable for a variety of purposes, such as stopping nose bleeds and gum bleeds, and treating hemorrhoids. Pomegranate juice (of specific fruit strains) is also used as eyedrops as it is believed to slow the development of cataracts.
The traditional system differentiates between pomegranate varieties and employs them for different remedies.
Organic pomegranates are full of antioxidants. These are vitamins and enzymes known for keeping low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol from oxidizing and causing atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Organic pomegranate seeds act a lot like aspirin, keeping blood platelets from sticking together and forming dangerous blood clots. Antioxidants also buffer the effects of free radical damage to your cells caused by oxidation. Free radicals are produced by functions within the body and elements outside the body, such as radiation from the sun. Since you can’t stop free radical occurrence and oxidation, it’s important to consume foods that help neutralize their potential damage. Research also shows that eating organic pomegranate seeds and drinking pomegranate juice can increase oxygen levels to the heart. This fruit might also reduce the inflammation of arthritis by slowing down the enzymes that break down cartilage.
Packed with antioxidants equal to those in green tea and red wine, and especially loaded with Vitamin C and Potassium, pomegranates are said to help:
lower risk of heart disease
lower risk of cancer, especially prostate and breast
lessen symptoms of diarrhea
reduce cholesterol
control your weight
fight cell damage
Did you know? Pomegranates are one of the few fruits whose juice is just as beneficial as its fruit or seeds. That’s because the peel, which you can’t eat, contains the most antioxidants, and they are released in abundance when the fruit is squeezed for juicing.
Note: Eating pomegranates might interfere with certain medications in the same way that grapefruit juice does. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist about any drug interactions, if that’s a concern.
Pomegranate aril juice provides about 16% of an adult's daily vitamin C requirement per 100 ml serving, and is a good source of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), potassium and polyphenols, such as tannins and flavonoids.
Pomegranates are listed as high-fiber in some charts of nutritional value. That fiber, however, is entirely contained in the edible seeds which also supply unsaturated oils. People who choose to discard the seeds forfeit nutritional benefits conveyed by the seed fiber, oils and micronutrients. The most abundant polyphenols in pomegranate juice are the hydrolyzable tannins called ellagitannins formed when ellagic acid binds with a carbohydrate. Punicalagins are tannins with free-radical scavenging properties in laboratory experiments and with potential human effects. Punicalagins are absorbed into the human body and may have dietary value as antioxidants, but conclusive proof of efficacy in humans has not yet been shown. During intestinal metabolism by bacteria, ellagitannins and punicalagins are converted to urolithins which have unknown biological activity in vivo.
Other phytochemicals include polyphenolic catechins, gallocatechins, and anthocyanins, such as prodelphinidins, delphinidin, cyanidin, and pelargonidin. The ORAC (antioxidant capacity) of pomegranate juice was measured at 2,860 units per 100 grams.
In preliminary laboratory research and clinical trials, juice of the pomegranate may be effective in reducing heart disease risk factors, including LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation. In an article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2000, researchers detailed an experiment in which healthy adult men and unhealthy mice consumed pomegranate juice daily. After two weeks, the healthy men experienced increased antioxidant levels, which resulted in a ninety percent drop in LDL cholestoral oxidation. In the mice, “oxidation of LDL by peritoneal macrophages was reduced by up to 90% after pomegranate juice consumption...”.
In a limited study of hypertensive patients, consumption of pomegranate juice for two weeks was shown to reduce systolic blood pressure by inhibiting serum angiotensin-converting enzyme. Juice consumption may also inhibit viral infections while pomegranate extracts have antibacterial effects against dental plaque.
Despite limited research data, manufacturers and marketers of pomegranate juice have liberally used evolving research results for product promotion, especially for putative antioxidant health benefits. In February 2010, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to one such manufacturer, POM Wonderful, for using published literature to make illegal claims of unproven antioxidant and anti-disease benefits.
Metabolites of pomegranate juice ellagitannins localize specifically in the prostate gland, colon, and intestinal tissues of mice, leading to clinical studies of pomegranate juice or fruit extracts for efficacy against several diseases.
In 2011, 32 clinical trials were registered with the National Institutes of Health to examine effects of pomegranate extracts or juice consumption on a list of diseases; consumption of pomegranates and pomegranate juice appear to correlate with preventing such diseases.
prostate cancer
prostatic hyperplasia
diabetes
lymphoma
rhinovirus infection (completed, July 2008)
common cold (completed, June, 2007)
oxidative stress in diabetic hemodialysis
atherosclerosis
coronary artery disease
infant brain injury
hemodialysis for kidney disease
|
Food Value Per 100 g of Edible Portion (Analyses of fresh juice sacs made by various investigators.) |
|
|
Calories |
63-78 |
|
Moisture |
72.6-86.4 g |
|
Protein |
0.05-1.6 g |
|
Fat |
Trace only to 0.9 g |
|
Carbohydrates |
15.4-19.6 g |
|
Fiber |
3.4-5.0 g |
|
Ash |
0.36-0.73 g |
|
Calcium |
3-12 mg |
|
Phosphorus |
8-37 mg |
|
Iron |
0.3-1.2 mg |
|
Sodium |
3 mg |
|
Potassium |
259 mg |
|
Carotene |
None to Trace |
|
Thiamine |
0.003 mg |
|
Riboflavin |
0.012-0.03 mg |
|
Niacin |
0.180-0.3 mg |
|
Ascorbic Acid |
4-4.2 mg |
|
Citric Acid |
0.46-3.6 mg |
|
Boric Acid |
0.005 mg |
All parts of the tree have been utilized as sources of tannin for curing leather. The trunk bark contains 10 to 25% tannin and was formerly important in the production of Morocco leather. The root bark has a 28% tannin content, the leaves, 11%, and the fruit rind as much as 26%. The latter is a by-product of the “anardana” industry. Both the rind and the flowers yield dyes for textiles. Ink can be made by steeping the leaves in vinegar. In Japan, an insecticide is derived from the bark. The pale-yellow wood is very hard and, while available only in small dimensions, is used for walking-sticks and in woodcrafts.
The juice of wild pomegranates yields citric acid and sodium citrate for pharmaceutical purposes. Pomegranate juice enters into preparations for treating dyspepsia and is considered beneficial in leprosy.
The bark of the stem and root contains several alkaloids including isopelletierine which is active against tapeworms. Either a decoction of the bark, which is very bitter, or the safer, insoluble Pelletierine Tannate may be employed. Overdoses are emetic and purgative, produce dilation of pupila, dimness of sight, muscular weakness and paralysis.
Because of their tannin content, extracts of the bark, leaves, immature fruit and fruit rind have been given as astringents to halt diarrhea, dysentery and hemorrhages. Dried, pulverized flower buds are employed as a remedy for bronchitis. In Mexico, a decoction of the flowers is gargled to relieve oral and throat inflammation. Leaves, seeds, roots and bark have displayed hypotensive, antispasmodic and anthelmintic activity in bioassay.
Although, pomegranate can be a great fruit to help you with certain health problems and conditions, there are some side effects that are rarely noted, some are mild and expected to be from the intake of too much of the fruit of a pomegranate. Over eating of these fruits can lead to stomach and gastrointestinal issues that can include vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. These may be very mild or very extreme in their effects upon you and they can last from anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
Another thing to consider is that pomegranate is actually used as a certain poison in ancient times. You do not need to be overly concerned about the fruit, as even water can make you sick if you drink too much or too quickly. You can eat them responsibly and try not to eat too much of any one thing at once. Keep in mind also that most fruit juice of any kind can cause diarrhea or some mild stomach upset. This is why it is always better to try to drink a fruit juice that does not contain as much sugar or additives in it.
Taking pomegranate as an herbal supplement can be a more dangerous choice than consuming the fruit alone. Also, some side effects are specific to the exact reason why you are taking them for, if it is used medicinally for more than just an extra boost in vitamins and minerals. If you are taking pomegranate to treat a parasitic infection such as one from tape worms, it is not recommended you take it with any fats or oils. Also, you should never eat the dried peel of a pomegranate fruit, for it has been shown to contain certain cells that can cause cancer, and never eat the stem or root without a doctor say so.
For most people, pomegranates do not cause significant side effects. However, allergic reactions are possible, even in people who have eaten pomegranates for years. Because these reactions can be quite dangerous, it is important to know the possible signs and symptoms.
It is important to note that studies using pomegranates for medical uses have been quite small, probably too small to learn much information about possible pomegranate side effects. It is possible that there are pomegranate side effects that are not yet known.
There are also some cases of drug interaction with pomegranate, especially if you take the supplement. People that are taking any kind of blood pressure medication whether for high or low blood pressure are encouraged not to eat many pomegranate products as pomegranate is shown to lower blood pressure so it may make it too low or work against trying to raise it.
Pomegranate products can potentially interact with several medicines. There is some evidence that pomegranates may restrain some of the liver enzymes that break down many different medications. This could cause high levels of these medications to accumulate in the body, increasing the risk of toxicity and side effects. Although an occasional consumption of pomegranate fruit or juice is probably not likely to lead to drug interactions, however excessive consumption, either through fruit, juice, extracts, or supplements may possibly result in drug interactions. You should talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider about the pomegranate interactions that may apply to you.
There are a number of different signs and symptoms of a serious pomegranate reaction, such as:
An unexplained rash, hives, or itching
Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Difficulty swallowing.
Remember, even if you have consumed pomegranates before, you can still have an allergic reaction. Because these reactions can become life threatening, seek medical attention immediately if you think you may be having an allergic reaction to pomegranates.
If you think you are experiencing a pomegranate side effect, please let your healthcare provider know. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you develop something that “just does not seem right.” While it may not be a pomegranate side effect, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
My Must Have September 21, 2011, From Arizona
This great tasting concentrate beats the overpriced grocery store brand hands down. There are university backed studies showing its benefits to heart and artery health ... quite reasonable price. ...
My Favorite Pom Juice! February 03, 2010, From Illinois
... I can feel energized & refreshed with the first drink of this juice. …
dynamic health ,pomegranate juice April 04, 2008, From Great Britain
helps to ease prostate problems,very good product,... thomas,england uk.
Tasty juice February 29, 2008, From Minnesota
This blends with water easily and tastes great. Beware of the warning that it may cause unexplained drop in blood pressure; one glass is noticeable since my pressure is already low. Use caution if you are on BP meds!
PREVENTING OF HEARING LOSS October 26, 2009, From Norway
Recently i've read some documents on the internet where a certain doctor(sorry i don't remember his name)advises pomegranate for preventing hearing loss.I've been started my third bottle now,i can't say if it'd helped,but i noticed that there's no more buzzing sound in my right ear anymore.Anyway it tastes really sweet and delicious. ...
... Pomegranate Juice July 08, 2008, From Oregon
... It is a very pure concentrate and works not only for our health needs it also makes a great jelly. Pat Smith, Oregon
Pompegranate July 12, 2008, From Ohio
Supposed to be antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial. But it tastes good anyway.
Linda Imhoff July 14, 2008, From Missouri
Hope you keep carrying the pomegranate juice. It is excellant for your health and delicious. All the grandkids love it. ...