The pomegranate: properties, uses and benefits
Plant native to Asia but present since antiquity in the Mediterranean area, the pomegranate belongs to the Punicaceae family. Its fruits are large round-shaped berries with a very hard and thick skin which contain many seeds covered with a shiny red pulp with a rather sweet flavor.
Much appreciated and used in gardens for its aesthetic characteristics, the pomegranate has many properties contained both in the roots, which are used for its medicinal characteristics, and in the fruits, rich in tannins, mineral salts and vitamins.
Properties, uses and benefits of pomegranate have been known since ancient times, when the root was cooked in wine and used as a vermifuge while the decoction obtained with the peel of the fruit was used to solve intestinal problems, thanks to its astringent and sedative properties.
See also
Pomegranate is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B and vitamin A, it contains a lot of potassium but also proteins and carbohydrates. The presence of mineral salts such as iron, calcium and magnesium is also important.
However, its main beneficial properties derive from the presence of polyphenols and tannins thanks to which it performs an anti-tumor function and fights free radicals. Among the benefits of taking pomegranate juice is the prevention of cardiovascular disease and arteriosclerosis as well as the reduction of LDL cholesterol levels in the blood and consequent increase of HDL.
Uses of pomegranate
In addition to the classic juice, a sweet syrup called grenadine is obtained from the pomegranate and is used above all for the preparation of cocktails. Its properties make it widely used in the cosmetic industry for the preparation of anti-aging creams and body lotions.
In fact, from pomegranate seeds an oil with beneficial properties for skin care, emollient and moisturizing, counteracts free radicals and relaxes wrinkles is obtained.
In the kitchen its use is very wide. The grains can be used to enrich salads and fruit salads with fresh fruit, or added to the mixture of cakes for breakfast.
Contraindications
The contraindications to taking pomegranate are actually linked to its excessive consumption, which can cause intoxication, with symptoms such as dizziness, headache and breathing difficulties. In some cases and if taken in high quantities it can interact with the intake of some drugs while allergic symptoms are unlikely to occur. Finally, one of the effects of the intake of pomegranate juice in abundant quantities and the lowering of the blood potholder.
