One pomegranate (282 grams) provides 234 calories, 4.7 grams of protein, 52.7 grams of carbohydrates and 3.3 grams of fat. Pomegranate seeds are a very good source of fiber and are rich in potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium.
Pomegranates are rich in polyphenols and have many potential benefits due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of these trace elements. Pomegranate nutrition may help treat risk factors for many diseases, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, oxidative stress, high blood sugar and inflammatory markers.
According to some studies, the antioxidants in pomegranate juice may help keep cholesterol in a less harmful form and may also reduce plaque buildup in blood vessels.
In a study of healthy men, researchers from Israel concluded that pomegranate juice reduced LDL (the type of cholesterol that forms plaque) and improved HDL (the good cholesterol).
Pomegranates have been used to treat infections for a long time. In medicine, pomegranate extracts, pods and bark have been used to treat dysentery and diarrhea.
Small studies have examined the antibacterial effects of pomegranate against several drug-resistant strains of bacteria. In a study conducted on guinea pigs, an ointment prepared from pomegranate peel applied to their wounds for 12 days significantly improved wound healing by increasing the synthesis of collagen, DNA and proteins. The extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity against wound bacteria.
In another study, 35 Wistar rats were infected with oral candidiasis, a fungus that accumulates in the lining of the mouth. These rats were treated with three different concentrations of pomegranate peel extract and oyster alkaloids. Regardless of the concentration of pomegranate peel extract, the researchers observed significant improvement after 15 days of treatment and no adverse side effects.
According to a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study of 19 men and women, consumption of pomegranate extract affected blood flow, pulse diameter and exercise performance. Participants had a mean age of 22 years and were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or pomegranate extract.
Participants who took pomegranate extract had increased blood flow compared to those who took a placebo. The researchers also found that taking pomegranate extract 30 minutes before exercise enhanced pulse diameter, blood flow, and delayed exercise fatigue.
