The Pomegranate is a shrub that produces a red fruit, 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, freeze-dried or processed into pomegranate juice.

Pomegranates have an impressive nutrient profile. One cup of arils (174 grams) contains:

Fiber: 7 grams.

Protein: 3 grams.

Vitamin C: 30% of the RDA.

Vitamin K: 36% of the RDA.

Folate: 16% of the RDA.

Potassium: 12% of the RDA.

The pomegranate arils (seeds) are also very sweet, however, where pomegranates really shine is in their content of powerful plant compounds, some of which have potent medicinal properties.

There are two unique substances in pomegranates that are responsible for most of their health benefits.

 - Punicalagins

Punicalagins are extremely powerful antioxidants found in the juice and peel of a pomegranate.

They are so powerful that pomegranate juice has been found to have three times the antioxidant activity of red wine and green tea.

Pomegranate extract and powder is typically made from the peel, due to its high antioxidant and punicalagin content.

The antioxidants in pomegranate juice can help remove free radicals, protect cells from damage, and reduce inflammation.

 - Punicic Acid

Punicic acid, also known as pomegranate seed oil, is the main fatty acid in the arils.

It is a type of conjugated linoleic acid with potent biological effects.

Pomegranate has potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Chronic inflammation is among the leading drivers of many killer diseases.

One study in diabetics found that 250 ml of pomegranate juice per day for 12 weeks lowered the inflammatory markers CRP and interleukin-6 by 32% and 30%, respectively.

Memory

Drinking pomegranate juice daily may improve learning and memory.

Antiviral

Between the vitamin C and other immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin E, pomegranate juice can prevent illness and fight off infection. Pomegranates have also been shown to be antibacterial and antiviral in lab tests. They are being studied for their effects on common infections and viruses.

Vitamin-rich

In addition to vitamin C and vitamin E, pomegranate juice is a good source of folate, potassium, and vitamin K.

An amazing fruit, with tons of health benefits.