The pomegranate is known primarily as a classic fruit. However, parts of it can also be used for medicinal purposes.
Occurrence and cultivation of the pomegranate.
The pomegranate (Punica granatum), also called grenadine, belongs to the family of loosestrife (Lythraceae). The pomegranate is a small tree, which can sometimes be just a shrub. The pomegranate (Punica granatum), also called grenadine, belongs to the family of loosestrife (Lythraceae). The pomegranate is a small tree, which can sometimes be just a shrub. Its maximum height of growth is 5 meters. The characteristics of the pomegranate tree include its gray to reddish-brown bark. The leaves, which can grow up to 10 centimeters long, are shiny and have a leathery texture. In spring and summer, yellow or red flowers resembling a bell flourish at the ends of the tree’s branches. From September to February, the fruits are formed from the flowers. These are the red, round pomegranates, which are about the size of a human fist. However, there are significant differences in size. A typical feature of the pomegranate is the small crown that sits on top of the round fruit. The inside of the apple is filled with many seeds. These are surrounded by the hull as well as the red, edible pulp. When the fruit is ripe, it can be picked from the tree. The pomegranate is native to Western and Central Asia. Its range extends from Turkey through the Caucasus and southern Russia to Afghanistan and China. It is also cultivated in the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. Growing areas include Israel, Egypt, Syria, Morocco, Spain and Armenia. Other growing regions include India and Indonesia.
Effect and application
The pomegranate contains numerous valuable ingredients. Thus, the fruit can also be used for therapeutic purposes. Healing substances are the numerous polyphenols such as flavonoids and anthocyanins. These natural pigments can have a healing effect. Also important are the phytohormones such as plant estrogens, which are able to compensate for an estrogen deficiency. On the other hand, the pomegranate also contains plant hormones that counteract an estrogen surplus. Thus, the pomegranate can be helpful in the treatment of breast cancer or prostate cancer and support conventional medical therapy. The phytohormones also have the effect of activating the metabolism, which improves the regeneration of the organism. Likewise, the skin benefits from it, which gets a younger appearance. The
Pomegranates also contain important vitamins and minerals. Pomegranate can be used both internally and externally. The most important medicinal components are the fruit and the juice. To develop the therapeutic effect, the pulp of the pomegranate is simply eaten. Another option is to drink the juice. Under the name of grenadine, it is also offered specifically in stores. However, fresh pomegranate juice is considered more effective than bottled juice. For fresh preparation, the juicy seed coats are placed in a sieve and squeezed. In this way, the seeds remain as well as the seed coat skin. In the context of cancer treatment, there is also a special fermented pomegranate juice, which is usually called “pomegranate elixir”. The positive effect of this elixir has been confirmed in scientific studies. Another form of administration of the pomegranate is capsules, which the user simply swallows. The seeds can also be used internally. For this purpose, they are simply eaten. The seeds of the pomegranate can also be processed into an oil and used externally. For this purpose, the seeds are first cleaned and dried. Then they are crushed in a blender. The resulting pulp is then placed in a screw-top jar and almond oil or jojoba oil is poured over it. After the mixture has stood in a bright place for two weeks, the oil can be used for skin care after straining. In addition, ointments or creams can be made from it.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
The pomegranate can be used therapeutically for various purposes.Because pomegranate juice contains numerous antioxidants, it is considered good for preventing cardiovascular diseases such as hardening of the arteries, a heart attack or a stroke. It is also said to prevent degenerative diseases of old age. Another field of application is the treatment of cancer. According to medical studies, the ingredients of the fruit have anti-cancer effects. This is especially true for cancers such as leukemia (blood cancer), prostate cancer and breast cancer. However, the positive effect of the fruit is rather light, so it is more suitable for support. For example, the side effects of chemotherapy can be mitigated. Since the ingredients of the pomegranate have a positive effect on the female hormone system, they are suitable for the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Other possible uses include infertility and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The pomegranate is also considered an effective anti-aging agent. Thus, it promotes blood circulation and regenerates the tissue, making the body look younger. In addition, the fruit is suitable for the treatment of age-related complaints such as joint problems, increased cholesterol levels, obesity and skin complaints. Other uses of pomegranate include protection of the liver, treatment of concomitant diabetes, diarrhea, stomach ailments, eye diseases, and oral hygiene. While neither pomegranate juice nor pomegranate extract cause any side effects, caution is advised with pomegranate root bark. For example, its high content of tannic acid and alkaloids can cause health problems such as diarrhea and vomiting. While in earlier times pomegranate root bark was used to treat tapeworms, nowadays its use is abandoned.
