Pomegranates are fast gaining popularity as we begin to understand the health benefits of this juicy fruit. And it’s no wonder considering the incredible anti-aging effects of this ruby red delicacy. Whether you eat it, drink it or treat your skin to it’s oil, pomegranate fruit is claiming its place on your local anti-aging shelf.
The pomegranate (punica granatum), native to ancient Persia, has been valued for centuries as a medicinal plant. Today science has shown this ancient fruit has exceptionally rich applications. Unlike many fruits available, pomegranates have not been hybridized to become sweeter, plumper and seedless. Opening a pomegranate you will find hundreds of tiny juicy seedpods known as arils. These consist of juicy, brilliant-red fruit surrounding tiny, crisp, edible seeds. Thankfully it’s impossible to eat this tasty fruit without chewing on the highly medicinal seeds.
Cosmetic Heaven: Pomegranate Seed Oil
Natural skin care is where pomegranate really comes into its own. The seed oil is dubbed ‘the elixir of youth’ for good reason. Its structure is so fine it absorbs into your skin easily, yet still feels nourishing. Studies have demonstrated that the unlike many oils pomegranate oil can penetrate the skin repairing damaging tissue and encouraging hydration. The best pomegranate seed oils are cold pressed. This process uses little to no heat, which helps to preserve the nourishing enzymes, phytonutrients and vitamins.
Pomegranate oil benefits:
• Mature and aging skin
• Dry and cracked skin
• Irritated and sun burnt skin
• Eczema and psoriasis
• Patients undergoing radiation/chemotherapy
• Skin exposed to extreme weather conditions
Prevents premature aging of skin
The seed’s oil is a rich source of antioxidants, which fights against free radical damage help prevent premature aging and protect against skin cancer. A study concluded that pomegranate seed oil significantly decreased the occurrence of skin cancer in mice exposed to cancer- causing chemicals. Pomegranate seeds were examined for effects on the skin. The seed oil was found to stimulate the creation of keratinocytes, the large cells seen in our skin’s outer layers. The results suggest pomegranate seed oil promotes regeneration of epidermis (surface skin).
Pomegranate seed oil comprises about 80% punicic acid an Omega-5. Punicic acid is the most potent form of the antioxidant conjugated linolenic acid (CLA). The structure of CLA makes the oil an effective delivery system, helping to carry nutrients into the tissue. This in turn supports cellular regeneration. Punicic acid can help strengthen the elasticity of skin; it is thought to aid skin regeneration, thus assisting with improved recovery speeds of minor wounds and burns. It also helps with collagen production to enhance skin firmness.
Anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory properties of the oil calm irritation and redness of the skin. It also heals the wounds and has been shown to reduce inflammation caused by skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and acne.
Benefits of Pomegranate Arils and Juice
Arthritis
Being a source of potent antioxidants, including flavonols, pomegranates have been identified as helpful in reducing the onset of collagen-induced arthritis and relieving symptoms. Studies conducted with animal subjects also show that the severity of arthritis and joint inflammation were significantly reduced with consumption of pomegranate extract.
Cancer
Punicic acid and other extracts have been the focus of numerous studies, which illuminate pomegranates ability to exert antitumor effects on various types of cancer cells.
Breast cancer is a prime focus in pomegranate studies. Multiple studies have shown that punicic acid inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells and even stimulate cancer cell death. Pomegranate extract has been shown to mediate hormone receptors and pathways that play a role in breast cancer. These studies demonstrate that various constituents of pomegranates can inhibit aromatase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes and have antiestrogenic activity.
Prostate cancer growth may be reduced by the consumption of pomegranate juice. Studies have found that certain compounds in pomegranate juice show potent antitumorigenic effects and inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells in men.
Promoting Healthy Male Hormones
In many cultures, pomegranates have been associated with fertility; recent scientific research is now backing the traditional theory. A study by Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh found that men experienced increased saliva levels of testosterone (by 24 percent) after the consumption of pure pomegranate juice. The juice has been found to increase sperm quality and it helps to increase blood flow during erectile response in men.
Improves Heart Health
The colour of pomegranates gives away the fact that it is a powerful heart food. Pomegranate juice could slow the buildup of plaque and reverse atherosclerosis in the arteries. The juice of pomegranate seeds contains different types of antioxidants and bioactive polyphenols that have been reported to promote cardiovascular health, including healthy blood pressure levels, through several mechanisms.