Pomegranate is especially revered in some countries. There is even a legend in Azerbaijan that after a soldier was seriously wounded, he was given pomegranate juice instead of blood, and he managed to survive. Indeed, pomegranate juice has a beneficial effect on the process of hematopoiesis and has an excellent composition that allows you to maintain health and even get rid of some diseases.
| Calories per 100 g, (kcal): | 64 |
| Protein per 100 g, (g): | 0.3 |
| Fat per 100 g, (g): | 0 |
| Carbohydrates per 100 g, (g): | 14.5 |
| Glycemic index: | 35 |
Drinking pomegranate juice during pregnancy and breastfeeding
The main benefit of the drink is the presence of folic acid, which promotes the proper development of the fetus and prevents the risk of premature birth.
It also helps eliminate swelling and is a natural immunomodulator.
But there are a number of contraindications. If a woman suffers from constipation or has stomach problems, it is better to stop drinking the drink.
Drinking juice during lactation is permissible in small quantities after the birth of the baby. You can start with a couple of sips. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the baby’s condition. The juice must be drunk diluted.
Benefits of pomegranate juice for the body
Pomegranate juice has pronounced healing properties and is actively used for medicinal purposes, as:
- increases immunity;
- normalizes the level of hemoglobin in the blood, therefore it is indicated for people suffering from anemia;
- Helps quickly restore strength to a weakened body;
- thanks to its mild diuretic effect, it helps get rid of edema and hypertension;
- has a low glycemic index and does not cause sudden surges in blood glucose, therefore useful for people suffering from type 2 diabetes;
- has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system due to the potassium contained in its composition;
- promotes the removal of radionuclides from the body;
- lowers the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood;
- normalizes the functioning of the circulatory system;
- has antioxidant properties, therefore effectively fights free radicals, slows down the natural aging process, improves the condition of the skin, hair and nails;
- is an excellent prevention of the formation and development of malignant tumors;
- improves the functioning of the digestive system, increases appetite, helps get rid of diarrhea and certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that are inflammatory in nature;
- is an excellent prevention of seasonal viral diseases;
- normalizes metabolic processes occurring in the body,
- helps fight bad mood, irritability, apathy, and nervous tension.
Is pomegranate juice okay for children?
Alas, there is no agreement among pediatricians on this issue. There is also no information regarding the age at which juice can be introduced into a child’s diet. As they say, everything is left to the parents. The decision to introduce a drink into the diet at an age when the baby has not yet reached 1 year is recommended to be made together with the attending physician.
The drink is useful for rickets and low hemoglobin. In any case, you should start feeding your baby with a small amount, literally a teaspoon every 2-3 days, gradually increasing the dose to 50-70 ml.
Interesting facts about pomegranate juice
The benefits of pomegranate juice for women, men and children are undeniable. This product is truly unique. And this uniqueness is confirmed by interesting facts:
- 30 ml of pomegranate juice contains 3 times more antioxidants than 30 ml of red wine or green tea.
- In India, pomegranate juice is regularly drunk to improve performance.
- Improves the body's resistance to radiation.
- Ripe pomegranate juice quenches thirst better than water.
- One glass of pomegranate drink contains 40% of the daily requirement of ascorbic acid.
- In coffee shops in Turkey, pomegranate juice is sold as a powerful aphrodisiac.
- Pomegranate juice is a good natural coloring agent. According to legend, Cleopatra painted her lips with fresh pomegranate juice.
The benefits and harms of pomegranate juice are closely interrelated. It should be remembered that the wrong approach to preparing a drink or purchasing a low-quality product can negatively affect your health. And before you include healthy pomegranate juice in your diet, you need to make sure that there are no contraindications to its use. Only then can you get the maximum benefit from it.
How to take for medicinal purposes
Most often, pomegranate juice is recommended for use for anemia. Treatment in this case is carried out in courses. Every 2 months there is a break of 30 days. There should be 4 courses throughout the year. You need to drink half a glass daily before each meal 30 minutes. But there is no need to abandon the main course of treatment; juice can only act as an additional remedy.
For prevention, juice can be consumed 2-3 times a week, following the recommendations described above.
Benefits of pomegranate juice for men
The product helps prevent the occurrence and development of prostate cancer. If a representative of the stronger sex drinks 200–250 ml of pomegranate juice every day, this will help slow down the growth of a malignant prostate tumor.
The product increases sexual desire in men, and in combination with regular physical activity and diet, pomegranate juice has a beneficial effect on potency.
Pomegranate juice is also useful for those men who have to work in hazardous working conditions, as it removes radionuclides from the body and has pronounced antioxidant properties.
Pomegranate juice harm and contraindications
Despite the undeniable benefits of drinking pomegranate juice and the seeds themselves, in some cases you will have to stop using it.
First of all, an absolute contraindication is an ulcer of the duodenal cyst or stomach. It contains many acids, which will further irritate the mucous membrane. The same applies to people diagnosed with gastritis or high acidity. You should not drink juice if you have pancreatitis.
Allergic reactions to pomegranate juice are extremely rare. However, individuals who do not tolerate red or other brightly colored foods well should introduce juice into their diet with great caution.
The harm of pomegranate juice and its dangerous properties
Despite the benefits of pomegranate juice for the body, there are contraindications to its use:
- allergy or individual non-acceptance of pomegranate fruits by the body;
- gastritis;
- peptic ulcer;
- recovery period after surgery performed in the abdominal cavity;
- increased stomach acidity;
- hypersensitivity of tooth enamel;
- tendency to constipation;
- haemorrhoids;
- intestinal obstruction;
- pancreatitis.
In case of diabetes and kidney pathology, pomegranate drink may also be prohibited, since it cannot be combined with certain medications.
How to make pomegranate juice
The most benefits can only be obtained from a freshly squeezed drink. Stores most often sell a reconstituted drink. This product has a minimum content of vitamins. In addition, industrially produced juices contain a lot of preservatives and flavorings, so the benefits of such a drink can be safely questioned.
When preparing a drink at home, you should understand that from 100% fruit you will get only 60% juice. The easiest way to extract juice from fruit is to use a juicer. Even a citrus juicer will work and you won’t even need to peel the fruit.
If there is no special device, then the peeled fruit is placed in gauze and the liquid is squeezed out manually. If you grind the grains and squeeze again, you will get more juice.
In the Caucasus there is another way. Fresh fruit is softened with the palm of your hand, by rolling it on the table, but without damaging the peel. Then make a small hole and squeeze out the juice.
Chemical composition of pomegranate juice
Our ancestors called pomegranate juice the “elixir of health” and the “king of vitamins.” And there is nothing strange or surprising in this, because this product contains a lot of substances useful for the human body.
Pomegranate juice is a low-calorie product. 100 g of juice contains only 56 – 60 calories.
Nutritional value of pomegranate juice (per 100 g of product):
- carbohydrates – 14.2 g;
- proteins – 0.3 g;
- fats – 0.1 g;
- water – 83 g;
- fiber (dietary fiber) – 0.2 g;
- organic acids – 2.4 g;
- ash – 0.3 g.
Pomegranate juice contains the following vitamins: vitamin A (RE, 3 mcg), beta-carotene (0.02 mg), vitamin B1 (thiamine, 0.04 mg), vitamin B2 (riboflavin, 0.01 mg), vitamin C (ascorbic acid, 4 mg), vitamin E (alpha tocopherol, 0.3 mg), vitamin PP (nicotinic acid, 0.4 mg), niacin (0.3 mg).
Pomegranate juice contains the following macro- and microelements: potassium (102 mg), phosphorus (8 mg), calcium (12 mg), sodium (4 mg), magnesium (5 mg), iron (1 mg). It contains mono- and disaccharides (sugars, 14.2 g), organic acids (oxalic, citric, malic), phytoncides, pectin compounds, tannin, nitrogenous substances .
Californian scientists have proven that pomegranate juice is much more effective than blueberry, grape, orange juice, green tea and high-quality red wine in fighting oxidative processes that negatively affect the condition of our body.
Beneficial properties of juice
The benefits of pomegranate juice have been noticed a very long time ago.
Regular consumption of this drink has multiple positive effects on the body:
- Improves blood circulation, strengthening the walls of blood vessels.
- Removes waste, toxins, free radicals.
- Prevents the development of cancer.
- Strengthens the body, restores weakened immunity.
- Helps fight colds and infectious diseases.
What are the benefits of pomegranate juice for women?
- This drink is often called “natural hormone”. It is especially useful for women suffering from menstrual irregularities and disorders during menopause.
- The substances contained in the juice reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis and vision pathologies.
- Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice is considered a good prevention of breast cancer.
- The juice is also useful for cosmetic purposes. It is suitable for caring for oily hair. Pomegranate also has whitening properties, and therefore its juice can be used in the fight against freckles and age spots. Pomegranate-based lotions and masks dry out acne, eliminate inflammation and give the skin a matte tint.
Benefits for men
Representatives of the stronger sex should not ignore pomegranate juice either. This healing drink serves as a prevention of impotence and is involved in the fight against sexual problems that have already occurred.
Due to its ability to improve blood quality, the juice strengthens the walls of blood vessels. Blood circulates better through them, which is important for a full erection. In order to prevent problems with potency, it is recommended to drink a glass of pomegranate juice or eat half a ripe fruit every day.
In addition, pomegranate is considered a recognized aphrodisiac that increases libido.
Can pregnant women drink pomegranate juice?
The product is not only possible, but also necessary for a woman in an interesting position to drink, because it will saturate her body with the vitamins, minerals and other beneficial substances necessary for the normal intrauterine development of the baby. There is no point in refusing pomegranate juice during pregnancy, thanks to which you can get rid of edema, increase hemoglobin levels and strengthen the immune system. And the taste of the product will help you forget about toxicosis, which many expectant mothers know firsthand.
But do not forget that pregnant women can drink pomegranate juice only in diluted form. Experts advise mixing pomegranate juice with boiled water or juice of carrots, apples, and beets in a ratio of 1:1 or 1:3.
Pregnant women can introduce pomegranate juice into their diet only if they do not have constipation or problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
Benefits of pomegranate juice for women
Pomegranate juice is beneficial for the female body, as it is an excellent prevention of the formation and development of breast cancer. The product normalizes hormonal levels and the menstrual cycle, has a beneficial effect on ovarian function, and alleviates PMS symptoms. Therefore, experts recommend that the fair sex drink 150–200 ml of pomegranate juice per day.
Thanks to vitamin E, which is contained in pomegranate juice, the product slows down the natural aging process, smoothes out fine wrinkles and folds, restores the skin to its former beauty and youth, and has a beneficial effect on the condition of hair and nails.
Pomegranate juice improves mood, helps cope with depression, irritation, and nervous tension. It has a positive effect on sexual desire and helps get rid of certain problems in the intimate sphere. The product slightly thickens the blood, so it is recommended for women suffering from prolonged uterine bleeding.
How to cook it yourself
Pomegranate juice is not only good for your health. Every person who loves these fruits characterizes the taste of the drink as absolutely ideal. You can enrich its taste with mint or lemon.
Juicing is very simple. It is enough to give the pomegranate pulp in a juicer.
If you don't have a juicer, grind the pulp until it becomes almost homogeneous. Then strain the mixture through a sieve (using a spoon) and squeeze out the juice. The remaining pulp can be used as a smoothie component.
Contraindications for taking pomegranate juice
Hyperacid gastritis and ulcers are aggravated when taking pomegranate, so the product must be mixed with carrot juice and drunk exclusively on a full stomach. In case of exacerbations of pancreatitis, exclude it altogether.
Pomegranate juice, like any product, if used incorrectly, can be harmful for men: it is not used for increased acidity, heartburn and ulcers; colitis; hypotension. The volume should not exceed 100-150 grams daily. Everything is done in moderation.
After taking even diluted juice, be sure to rinse your mouth with water to avoid destruction of the enamel or chew a piece of ginger.
Pomegranate can cause allergic reactions or have individual intolerance. Not indicated for hemorrhoids and a tendency to constipation.
What are the benefits of pomegranate juice?
A notable value of pomegranate juice is the iron content (up to 7% per 100 grams) in the product. This is not the highest figure. However, pomegranate juice is famous for improving the absorption of iron from other foods. That is why pomegranate juice is recommended to drink in case of anemia as a preventive measure and relief of this condition. However, the benefits of pomegranate juice are not limited to the ability to saturate the human body with iron, increasing hemoglobin in the blood.
This drink:
- stabilizes the functioning of the hematopoietic system;
- increases immunity;
- has a wound-healing, regenerating effect;
- produces a slight disinfecting effect;
- strengthens the heart muscle and blood vessel walls;
- helps stabilize blood pressure;
- cleanses the body of toxins;
- improves memory and brain activity;
- speeds up metabolism;
- tones and improves performance;
- has a preventive effect during menopause and PMS;
- useful (consultation with a doctor is required) during pregnancy and the postpartum period;
- effective for restoring strength after injuries, operations, illness;
- dulls and blocks the development of tumor, including malignant, processes.
It is known that pomegranate juice is actively used in traditional medicine. Using this drink, the following diseases are prevented and treated:
- anemia;
- vascular atherosclerosis;
- hypertension;
- arthritis and arthrosis of the joints;
- some diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- oncological lesions of the prostate in men and breast cancer in women;
- diseases of the liver and pancreas.
It is believed that fresh pomegranate juice increases the effectiveness of sports training. This drink helps the body withstand physical activity and is a reliable prevention of the effects of stress and overwork.
Who benefits from pomegranate juice?
A natural drink made from pomegranate seeds is valuable for its vitamin and mineral composition! It literally saturates the body with life-giving force and resistance to the influence of everyday factors. It is generally accepted that pomegranate juice can be drunk by adults, children and the elderly. However, there are a number of age and other restrictions.
You should not drink juice from fresh ripe pomegranate in the following situations:
- children up to 12 months (further after consultation with a doctor);
- tendency to constipation or intestinal disorder of an infectious (other) nature;
- acute period of peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
- pronounced tendency or actual state of arterial hypertension;
- diabetes mellitus (with caution and taking into account the amount of carbohydrates);
- haemorrhoids;
- individual intolerance to the original product.
For any acute or chronic conditions, you should consult your doctor about the permissibility of consuming pomegranate juice, as well as the permitted amount.
Contraindications
Pomegranate juice is contraindicated in a number of cases, among which it is worth highlighting:
- chronic gastrointestinal diseases, ulcers, increased stomach acidity;
- hemorrhoids, chronic constipation;
- low pressure;
- allergy to pomegranate.
Juice is not recommended for use in the diet of infants under one year of age. For children under 7 years of age, it is diluted with clean water. However, adults who often consume pomegranate nectar should also resort to this measure - due to the presence of acids in the composition, it can negatively affect tooth enamel. After drinking the juice, you should rinse your mouth with water. To reduce the impact of the drink on tooth enamel, it is important to drink it through a straw.
Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice is a delicious and nutritious therapy for multiple body problems.
Squeezed red grains release all their beneficial and healing properties to the liquid. It is worth noting that the above does not apply to packaged drinks sold in stores. They contain useful substances, as a rule, to a minimum, and the presence of various additives and dyes negates the entire healing effect of the drink. (Visited 4 times, 1 visits today)
