Ladies and gentlemen; pomegranates are in season, and thus, are Fitness Republic’s Star of the Week! Yes, the season of Pomegranate starts in October and lasts all the way till January in the US. This week is dedicated to the one and only…. Pomegranates!

Pomegranate is a Latin word which literally translates to ‘seeded apple’! Pomegranate consists of a large uneatable hexagonal shaped fruit, inside which are nearly 600 red seeds! These seeds are considered to be very aesthetically pleasing as they look like crystal rubies! This fruit is admired for its vast nutritional profile as it is low in calories, high in Vitamins and Minerals, Fiber and contains a richness of important phytochemicals.

May Help Fight Cancer

This health benefit of pomegranates is probably the most publicized benefit of this exotic fruit. Pomegranates are filled with essential Phytochemicals which are commonly found in little quantities. These phytochemicals help fight various diseases. The phytochemicals found in pomegranates are called Polyphenols which include Quercetin, Tannins and Anthocyanins. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants, which mean they have the ability to eradicate and prevent Free Radical cell damage that may cause cancer! Also, these polyphenols can help induce cancer cell and tumor growth.

 Helps Manage Weight

This health benefit of pomegranates is for those who are trying to achieve weight loss. Eating pomegranates may help with weight management as this delightful fruit is both low in calories and high in Fiber. These will not only help you with weight loss, but will also help reduce the risk of diseases such as Obesity and Diabetes.

Good for Your Heart

The ruby red beads of a pomegranate are also said to be very good for heart health as they help support normal blood flow to the heart. Due to this, consumption of pomegranates or pomegranate juice can help reduce your risk of heart attacks, heart disease and strokes. Also, due to the fact that pomegranates are a rich source of Antioxidants, the arteries remain clean and clear of clots by preventing bad LDL cholesterol from forming and promoting good HDL cholesterol, yet again promoting heart health.

Protects the Brain

Research shows that drinking pomegranate juice helps protect the Neonatal brain, especially after an injury.

Supports Body’s Defense System

Eating pomegranate is also said to help support and strengthen the body’s normal defense system and therefore helps prevent diseases and ailments such as Diabetes, Atherosclerosis, and even osteoarthritis. It is said that this fruit can help damage caused by thickening of artery walls, and damage in joints and cartilage. Effectively, this means that there are several health benefits of pomegranates in this single category.

Folic Acid - Good for Pregnancy

Having pomegranates is also said to help women who are expecting as this fruit reduces the possibility of premature birth. This health benefit of pomegranate is believed to stem from the Folic acid/Folate content which is central to a healthy pregnancy.

Provides Essential Vitamins

Pomegranate houses a number of essential nutrients, of which there are two key Vitamins. Namely, Vitamin C and Vitamin K. Vitamin C is necessary for iron absorption and Vitamin k which is essential for proper blood clotting and for strong and healthy bones. Pomegranates contain 17 % of the daily recommended value for Vitamin C and 16% of the daily recommended value for Vitamin K.

Helps Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

Research conducted shows that eating pomegranates helps reduce the risk of elderly people developing Alzheimer’s disease.