For Skin and Potency: Everything You Wanted to Know About Pomegranate

Pomegranate is considered a symbol of abundance and vitality. It is loved for its refreshing taste and bright color. But it is not just a beautiful fruit with ruby seeds; it is a true treasure trove of beneficial substances. The king of antioxidants: pomegranate juice contains unique substances — punicalagins. Their activity is higher than that of green tea and red wine. More about the benefits of this fruit was shared by Irina Starkova, a doctor of Chinese and classical medicine, reflexologist, and qigong master.

Benefits of Pomegranate

Pomegranate is a true superfood that can be a valuable addition to your diet. It contains a wealth of beneficial components:

Vitamin boost — pomegranate is rich in vitamins C (strengthens the immune system), P (improves vascular health), B group (involved in metabolism), and also contains vitamins A and E.
Mineral wealth — the fruit contains potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and other important components. Iron is especially valuable for preventing anemia, while potassium is beneficial for the cardiovascular system.
Antioxidant power — pomegranate is a champion in antioxidant content, such as ellagic acid and punicalagins. They combat free radicals, slowing down aging processes and reducing the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer.
Heart health — regular consumption of pomegranate helps lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce levels of "bad" cholesterol. This makes it an excellent aid in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Immune system support — the high content of vitamin C and other antioxidants makes pomegranate an effective means of supporting the immune system, helping the body fight infections.
Anti-inflammatory action — "Due to the presence of punicalagins, pomegranate has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, helping to combat chronic inflammatory processes in the body," adds our expert.
Improved digestion — the fruit helps normalize gastrointestinal function, improves appetite, and aids in diarrhea.
Skin benefits — antioxidants promote skin cell regeneration, improve elasticity and color, and may help in the fight against acne.
Enhanced reproductive health — "Folic acid and other vitamins make it especially valuable for the health of the reproductive system," notes Irina.
Increased male potency — some studies show that pomegranate may positively affect male potency by improving circulation.

"From the perspective of Chinese medicine, pomegranate is sweet, sour, and cool in its properties. It is beneficial for the liver, heart, and stomach. The bright red color in Chinese medicine is directly related to blood. Pomegranate, especially its juice, is considered one of the best foods for nourishment during fatigue, pallor, and palpitations. The sour and astringent taste has a 'gathering', 'binding' effect. It also hydrates well and can alleviate a dry cough," says the doctor.

Additionally, pomegranate wonderfully quenches thirst, especially when suffering from dryness in the mouth and throat.

How to Consume It Correctly

It is usually customary to drink the juice; however, if you eat the seeds, you will gain more benefits — they contain a lot of fiber and tannins, which are beneficial for the intestines. "Choose heavy fruits with a dense, undamaged skin — this indicates juiciness," clarifies Irina.

Despite all its advantages, pomegranate, like any product, has its nuances and can be harmful in certain cases. "People with constipation should be cautious, as the strong astringent effect may 'bind' the condition. During exacerbations of gastritis or ulcers, it is also better not to indulge — the acid can irritate the mucosa. When taking certain medications, due to possible interactions, the fruit may disrupt the absorption of the drugs — be sure to consult a doctor," summarizes the expert.