Pomegranates Are Beautiful!
Pomegranates are among the healthiest fruits on Earth. They contain a range of beneficial plant compounds, unrivalled by other foods. Categorized as a berry, the pomegranate fruit is about 5–12 cm (2–5 inches) in diameter. It is red, round and looks kind of like a red apple with a flower-shaped stem. The skin of the pomegranate is thick and inedible, but there are hundreds of edible seeds called arils within. The arils are what people eat – either raw or processed into pomegranate juice. Pomegranates have an impressive nutrient profile – one cup of arils (174 grams) contains:
- Fibre: 7 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Vitamin C: 30% of the RDI
- Vitamin K: 36% of the RDI
- Folate: 16% of the RDI
- Potassium: 12% of the RDI
The pomegranate arils (seeds) are also very sweet, with one cup containing 24 grams of sugar and 144 calories. However, pomegranates really shine in their wealth of powerful plant compounds, some of which have potent medicinal properties.
Testosterone level & Infertility
Oxidative damage can impair blood flow in all areas of the body, including erectile tissue. Pomegranate juice has been shown to help increase blood flow and erectile response in rabbits.
Exercise levels
Pomegranate is rich in dietary nitrates, which have been shown to improve exercise performance. A study in athletes running on a treadmill showed that one gram of pomegranate extract 30 minutes before exercise significantly enhanced blood flow, delaying the onset of fatigue and increasing exercise efficiency.