Pomegranate, one of life’s wonder fruits

Punica granatum, or commonly known as pomegranates are not only  a delicious juicy fruit, they have numerous health benefits too. Right from its rind and leaves down to its flowers and kernals. Each part of this fruit has a positive effect on our health. Traditionally in the ancient asian culture, they were a sign of fertility, abundance and good luck.

As a powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous, it is very effective in fighting heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, anaemia, nausea infertility as well as acting as an aphrodisiac.

Pomegranates are great for maintaining balance of the three dosha (vata, pitta, kapha) in the body. With an astringent dominant taste, here is also, sweet, sour and bitter tastes coming through. Although pomegranates are highly effective on the digestion it does not aggravate the pitta dosha. There is also sweet, bitter and sours tastes.

The juice of pomegranate is useful in digestive problems such as dyspepsia (indigestion), purifies blood and anti bacterial effects. The rind, due to the astringent taste and high tannin content offer protection against free radicals and therefore help boost the immune system, the fruit rind can be beneficial in cases of diarrhoea, dysentery, parasites and haemorrhages. So when juicing, get it all in!

A decoction of the flowers can be gargled to relieve oral and throat inflammation. The flowers have also been traditionally used in cases of diabetes.

Nutritionally pomegranates are high in vitamin C, potassium and a good source of fibre whilst being low in calorie content. For me pomegranate juice is a definite winner for some funky non alcoholic cocktails and a great twist to salads and as a garnish to many dishes!