Pomegranate Seeds 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Pomegranate Seeds – 100 g ($9.99), 50 g ($6.99), 25 g ($4.99)

Benefits: 
Nutrients and Compounds
Pomegranates, known scientifically as Punica granatum, are a type of shrub that produces red fruit. Classified as a berry, the pomegranate is about 5-12 cm in diameter. It is red, round, and looks like a red apple with a flower-shaped stem.

The skin of the pomegranate is thick and inedible, but inside are hundreds of edible seeds. Each seed is surrounded by a red, juicy, and sweet seed covering known as an aril. The arils are very sweet, with one cup containing 24 grams of sugar and 144 calories. However, pomegranates’ benefits go beyond their nutrient content. They also contain powerful plant compounds, some of which have medicinal properties.

The seeds are the edible parts of the pomegranate, which can be eaten raw or processed into pomegranate juice. Pomegranate seeds are a great source of several nutrients, including vitamin K, vitamin C, folate and potassium. Plus, they are also low in calories yet high in heart-healthy fiber. A half-cup serving (about 87 grams) of pomegranate provides approximately the following nutrients:

• Calories: 72.2
• Total Carbohydrate: 16.3 g
• Fiber: 3.5 g
• Sugar: 11.9 g
• Total Fat: 1 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 2.6 mg (0% DV*)
• Vitamin K: 14.3 mcg (18% DV)
• Vitamin C: 8.9 mg (15% DV)
• Folate: 33.1 mg (8% DV)
• Copper: 0.1 mg (7% DV)
• Potassium: 205 mg (6% DV)
• Manganese: 0.1 mg (5% DV)
• 10.4 mg of magnesium

*Daily Value: Percentages are based on a diet of 2,000 calories a day.

Pomegranates contain two unique substances that are responsible for most of their health benefits. Punicalagins are extremely powerful antioxidants found in pomegranate juice and peel. They have been shown to have three times the antioxidant activity of red wine and green tea. Pomegranate extract and powder are typically made from the peel due to its high antioxidant and punicalagin content.
Punicic acid, found in pomegranate seed oil, is the main fatty acid in the arils. It is a type of conjugated linoleic acid with potent biological effects.
Antioxidants  Pomegranate seeds are also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against inflammation and free radical damage. Antioxidant content varies between pomegranate varieties, but all contain high levels of these healthful bioactive components. The peel also contains antioxidants, though few people eat pomegranate peels. These antioxidants include tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanin.

Fiber  Half a cup of pomegranate seeds contains 3.48 g of fiber. Fruit fiber can help promote the proper working of a person’s digestive system and maintain good gastrointestinal health. In addition to promoting good gut health, eating adequate amounts of fiber and whole fruits can help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes and assist in long-term weight management.

Low Calorie  With 83 calories per 100g, pomegranate seeds can add flavor to dishes with few additional calories or be a low calorie snack option themselves. Pomegranate seeds, which are the edible insides of the pomegranate, are little ruby red bursts of sweet and tart deliciousness that pack a serious punch of health benefits. Brimming with beneficial antioxidants and polyphenols, studies show that pomegranate seeds could help reduce inflammation, slow cancer cell growth, fight infections and boost brain function. Plus, they’re delicious, nutritious and easy to enjoy in a number of different recipes.

Anti-Inflammatory  Chronic inflammation is one of the leading drivers of many serious diseases, including heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and obesity.

Pomegranates have potent anti-inflammatory properties, largely mediated by the antioxidant properties of punicalagins. Studies have shown that they can reduce inflammatory activity in the digestive tract, as well as in breast cancer and colon cancer cells. A 12-week study in people with diabetes found that 250 ml of pomegranate juice per day lowered inflammatory markers CRP and interleukin-6 by 32% and 30%, respectively.

Libido/Aphrodisiac  In many cultures, pomegranates have been associated with fertility and abundance because of their many seeds. In recent years, the fruit has been studied for its libido-boosting effects as well.

A study by Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh found that consumption of pure pomegranate juice increased salivary testosterone levels in participants by an average of 24 percent, which can lead to heightened mood and increased sexual desire.

Pomegranate juice has also been shown to help increase blood flow and erectile response in animal models. Although more research is needed in humans, it may also offer a similar set of benefits for those affected by sexual dysfunction as well. 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. In a study of 53 men with erectile dysfunction, pomegranate appeared to have some benefit, but it was not statistically significant.

Athletic Performance  Pomegranates are rich in dietary nitrates, which have been shown to improve exercise performance. A study in 19 athletes running on a treadmill showed that one gram of pomegranate extract taken 30 minutes before exercise significantly enhanced blood flow, delayed the onset of fatigue, and increased exercise efficiency. More studies are needed, but it seems that pomegranates may be beneficial for physical performance. To improve exercise performance, you can eat pomegranates 30 minutes beforehand.

Arthritis, Joint Pain  Arthritis is a common condition characterized by the inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that can worsen with age. Pomegranates are a great source of polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant that acts as anti-inflammatory agent in the body and may help relieve symptoms of arthritis.

In fact, animal models demonstrate that pomegranate seed extract may reduce the onset and incidence of collagen-induced arthritis. Studies conducted with animal subjects also show that the severity of arthritis and joint inflammation can be significantly reduced with consumption of pomegranate extract as well.

Arthritis is a common problem in Western countries. There are many different types, but most involve some form of inflammation in the joints. Given that pomegranates have anti-inflammatory effects, they can help treat arthritis.

Laboratory studies have shown that pomegranate can block enzymes that are known to damage joints in people with osteoarthritis.

Cancer  When it comes to cancer, more and more research shows that pomegranate seeds may act as a potent cancer-fighting food. For instance, multiple in vitro studies have found that pomegranate extracts can effectively inhibit the growth and spread of breast cancer cells. Additionally, pomegranate seed oil contains punicic acid, an omega-5 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid that has been shown to block breast cancer cell proliferation.

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women. Pomegranate extract has been shown to inhibit the reproduction of breast cancer cells and may even kill some of them. However, the evidence is currently limited to laboratory studies. More research is needed before any claims can be made.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer for men in the U.S.. Laboratory studies have shown that pomegranate can slow cancer cell reproduction and induce apoptosis, or cell death, in cancer cells. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a blood marker for prostate cancer. Men whose PSA levels double in a short period are at an increased risk of death from prostate cancer. A study found that drinking 237 ml of pomegranate juice per day increased the PSA doubling time from 15 months to 54 months or in other words reduced the increase or advance of this marker.

In another study of male subjects with recurrent prostate cancer and rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, researchers found that taking pomegranate juice significantly slowed the rate at which PSA was rising. Other in vitro studies have found that certain compounds in pomegranate juice show powerful antitumorigenic effects and are able to slow the growth of prostate cancer cells in the laboratory.

Blood Pressure  The juice of pomegranate seeds contains several different types of antioxidants and polyphenols that can promote heart health by lowering blood pressure levels.

A 2013 study reported that consumption of pomegranate juice could decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 7 percent and 6 percent, respectively, in those with high blood pressure. Another study published in Phytotherapy Research also concluded that pomegranate juice could be beneficial for those with high blood pressure, as it was able to lower blood pressure levels after just two weeks of daily intake.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major driver of heart attacks and strokes. In 1 study, people with hypertension experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure after consuming 150 ml of pomegranate juice daily for two weeks. Other studies have found similar effects, especially for systolic blood pressure, which is the higher number in a blood pressure reading.

Bacterial, Fungal Infections  Pomegranate has been used since ancient times to treat several conditions, including parasitic and microbial infections, diarrhea, ulcers, canker sores, hemorrhages, and respiratory complications.

Pomegranates have also been shown to stimulate the beneficial bacteria in the gut, which could enhance their ability to fight bacterial infections, according to research published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

The plant compounds in pomegranates can help fight harmful microorganisms. For example, they have been shown to combat some types of bacteria as well as the yeast Candida albicans. The antibacterial and antifungal effects may also be protective against infections and inflammation in your mouth, such as gingivitis, periodontitis and denture stomatitis.

Heart Health  The juice made from pomegranate seeds contains antioxidants at higher levels than many other fruit juices, which could help block the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries for those at risk of heart disease. Research published in Clinical Nutrition studied the effects of pomegranate juice in people with carotid artery stenosis. This is a narrowing of either of the two key arteries located in the front of the neck through which blood from the heart goes to the brain.

After one year, the juice was effective at lowering blood pressure levels by over 12 percent and reducing atherosclerotic plaque by a whopping 30 percent. Conversely, those who did not drink the juice actually experienced a 9 percent increase in atherosclerotic plaque, suggesting that pomegranates could potentially offer protection against heart disease.

Heart disease is currently the world’s most common cause of premature death. It is a complicated disease driven by many different factors. Punicic acid, the main fatty acid in pomegranates, may help protect against several steps in the heart disease process.
A 4-week study in 51 people with high triglyceride levels showed that 800 mg of pomegranate seed oil per day significantly lowered triglycerides and improved the triglyceride-HDL ratio. Another study looked at the effects of pomegranate juice in people with type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. The study noted significant reductions in LDL cholesterol, as well as other improvements. Pomegranate juice has also been shown in both animal and human studies to protect LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation, one of the key steps in the pathway towards heart disease.

Finally, a research review concluded that pomegranate juice reduces blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.

Memory  There is some evidence that pomegranates can improve memory. One study in surgical patients found that 2 grams of pomegranate extract prevented deficits in memory after surgery. Another study in 28 older adults with memory complaints found that 237 ml of pomegranate juice per day significantly improved markers of verbal and visual memory. Studies in mice also suggest that pomegranates may help fight Alzheimer’s disease.

Studies have reported that polyphenols, which are found abundantly in pomegranate seeds and their juice, could significantly enhance cognitive function. In fact, one study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that pomegranate polyphenols could provide long-lasting protection from memory dysfunction caused by heart surgery.

Another study had elderly individuals with memory problems drink eight ounces of either pomegranate juice or a flavor-matched placebo drink for four weeks. Compared to the control group, those who drank pomegranate juice had significantly improved markers of verbal and visual memory. In addition, an animal model conducted by the Department of Psychology at Loma Linda University noted that incorporating pomegranates into your diet could help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, showcasing the fruit’s ability as a potential Alzheimer’s natural treatment.

Botanical Name: Punica granatum
English: Pomegranate seeds
Ayurvedic: Daadima, Daadimba, Dadimacchada, Lohitapuspa, Dantabija, Raktapushpa, Dantabijaa, Raktakusumaa,
Also, known as: Tubtim, Anar, Anara, Anardana, Anar-Ke-Per, Carthaginian Apple, Dadam, Dadama, Ddima, Dadimba, Dadima-Phalam, Dalima, Dalimb, Dalımba, Dalimbay, Dalimbuhannu, Dalimo, Danimma, Darakte-Naiar, Darimba, Darinko Bokra, Daru, Delima, Delum, Delun, Dhalima, Dila Dae Lok, Dlima, Ende Limau, Gangsalan, Glima Glineu Mekah, Granada, Granaat, Granade, Granado, Granatbaum, Granatum, Grenadier, Grenadillo, Granaatappel, Granatapfel, Gul Armini, Gulnar, Jaman, Jeliman, Kupchaphala, Lelo Kase, Lohitpushpaka, Madalai, Maadalai, Madalam, Madalangkai, Matalam, Mathalanarkom, Melograno, Mkoma Manga, Nar, Pomegranate, Posnar, Qsur Roman, Qsur Rommam, Quishr-Al-Romman, Quishr-Romman, Ranato, Roma, Roman, Romeira, Rommam, Roman Amruj, Romanzeira, Roumammam-Goulnar, Ruman, Rumman, Rumau, Sekiryuu-Karpi, Seog-Ryu, Seokryupi, Shajratur-Rummam, Sham-Al-Rumman, Shih Liu Pi, Shiliupi, Shukadana, Talıma, Thab Thim, Thap Thim, Zakuro-Juhi, Shi liu, Zakuro
Origin: india
Harvested: Wild or cultivated
Parts Used: Fruit seeds

General Information:
Punica granatum, is a deciduous shrub or small tree, erect, about 16-25 feet high, has glossy green narrow leaves and red flowers followed by dark-red fruits with thick skins containing several chambers of many seeds. It has many -branches that grow from the base, branches slender, and branchlets often ending in spines. Leaves are simple, glossy green, opposite, oblong-lanceolate, glabrous, 2-8 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. Flowers: 1-5 at the highest leaf axil of branchlets, 1 terminal, sessile or subsessile. Calyx: 2-3 cm long, red or pale yellow, lobes erectopatent to recurved, petals round or obtuse, red or white. The edible fruit is a berry which is about 5-12 cm in diameter with a rounded hexagonal shape, thick reddish skin and around 600 seeds, each surrounded by a water-laden pulp, aril ranging in color from white to deep red or purple, the aril is the edible part of the fruit. Fruit interior is divided into compartments packed with fleshy, juicy, edible sacs that surround the seeds. The juicy sacs are edible fresh or may be incorporated into jams or jellies. Seeds are numerous, red, pink or yellowish-white, angular, wedge-shaped, about 0.5 cm long, 0.1-0.2 cm wide; taste, sweetish-sour. Fruits are hand-picked when fully ripe. Ripe seeds with their attractive bright red, fleshy, translucent arils and the red juice or concentrate produced from them have a delicious astringent, sweet and sour taste.

The pomegranate can be also divided into several anatomical compartments including seed, juice, peel, leaf, flower, bark, and root with each possessing interesting pharmacological and toxicological activities. Pomegranate comes from the Latin words pomium meaning apple.

Pomegranate has become universally popular in recent years, not only as health drink but also for adding color and flavor to many dishes. There are three kinds of Pomegranates: one very sour, the other two moderately sweet or very sweet. These are eaten as dessert after being cut open, seeded, strewn with sugar and sprinkled with rosewater. The seeds are extracted and dried in the sun for about two weeks to make anardana. The spice called anardana refers to the seeds of sour cultivars of pomegranate that are dried until they become dark purplish-brown and only slightly fleshy.

A wine is extracted from the fruits, and the seeds are used in syrups and conserves. Pomegranate jelly can be made by adding pectin and sugar to the fresh juice.

Pomegranate seeds come from pomegranates (Punica granatum), which are the product of a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub or small tree. The name for the pomegranate fruit is derived from Latin and literally means “seeded apple.” Pomegranates are also sometimes called Chinese apples. While the pomegranate is considered indigenous to Iran and its neighboring countries, cultivation of the pomegranate long ago encircled the Mediterranean and extended through the Arabian Peninsula, Afghanistan and India. Today, it’s commonly cultivated in the warmer parts North and South America.

Pomegranate seeds come from the pomegranate, which is a fruit about the size of a large orange with a smooth, thick skin that ranges in color from brownish yellow to deep red. The inside of the pomegranate contains chambers of hundreds of arils, which are the seed pods inside the fruit that are separated by cream-colored membranes. These arils consist of juicy, brilliant-red fruit surrounding tiny, crisp, edible seeds. A single pomegranate can hold over 600 seeds. These arils or seed pods are what we commonly refer to as “pomegranate seeds,” and they are typically either eaten raw or processed into pomegranate juice. The seeds are also used to make pomegranate seed oil, which has many positive health effects both internally and externally. Like the vibrant red arils, pomegranate white seeds are also available and offer a much sweeter, less tart flavor. You can also eat the creamy white pithy part surrounding the seeds, but it’s quite bitter. Although you can juice pomegranates very easily, be sure to avoid consuming the tough outer skin. The juice of pomegranate seeds is the source of grenadine syrup, which is famous for its use in the classic nonalcoholic beverage known as a Shirley Temple. Grenadine is also used in many other flavorings and liqueurs.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also, we make these ideas and recommendations to make consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.

For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracting is a process to draw out the most prominent beneficial compound(s) and may also concentrate it to unnatural levels of strength. What is not extracted is thrown away, since it is depleted. These solids are ‘leftovers’ of the extraction process and essentially treated as worthless. However, these can be beneficial in ways scientists have not yet recognized or understand. Another aspect to consider (which is not identified) is if the extraction process, which varies from one herb to the next, causes additional drawbacks. Taking the whole herb avoids these detrimental possibilities. Concentration of beneficial compounds can be important in some cases to increase the health effect of the compound and/or be a good alternative to consuming unrealistically large amounts of the herb for the desired benefit. However, this does not apply to many herbs, so concentrating should be done as needed, not applied to all herbs.

Extracting (tea, tinctures, oils, some capsules, powders, tablets, etc.) is very common and often more convenient for the user, which is often their main appealing feature. However, it also can lead to problems, like liver and other issues, that as far as we know by the current state of research don’t occur in the natural herb form.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Much To Use
It is common that 10g of a fresh herb = 1g when dehydrated.
Recommended daily amount: 1 -2 tsp of pomegranate seeds (2-4 g)/use, up to 3 times/day. This can be added to food, drink or to make tea.