Pomegranate (Anar): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and More! -

Pomegranate is packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, which gives it various health benefits. Let us examine the nutritional value of 100 grams of pomegranate:

Pomegranate is categorised as a superfood because of its high concentration of plant compounds and essential nutrients. Some of the popular pomegranate seeds or anar benefits are listed below:

-Pomegranate Promotes Heart Health

One of the pomegranate benefits for men and women is that it offers better heart health. It is packed with an antioxidant named polyphenol, which prevents the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries, which is a major reason for heart ailments.

Furthermore, it also helps lower blood pressure. Additionally, the plant pigments anthoxanthins and anthocyanins present in pomegranate help support overall heart health. They help increase the good cholesterol level in the body.

-Pomegranates Improves Kidney Health

Another well-known anar juice benefit is that it offers better kidney health. Pomegranate contains dietary phytosterols, which are essential in preventing the formation of kidney stones.

It helps lower the levels of calcium, oxalates and phosphates in the blood, which cause kidney stones. Furthermore, the extract of pomegranate offers protection to kidney tissue from the damage caused by unilateral ureteral obstruction.

-Pomegranates Regulates Blood Sugar Level

Another anar benefit is that it helps regulate blood sugar levels. The fruit is packed with various antioxidants, like polyphenols, punicalagin and anthocyanins, which help control blood sugar levels.

Furthermore, it is high in dietary fibres, which help improve insulin sensitivity by slowing down the absorption of sugars. Additionally, the fruit has a low glycemic index, which makes it a healthy addition for diabetic patients as it does not cause sudden glucose spikes.

-Pomegranates Improves Digestive Health

One more prominent advantage of pomegranate is that it helps improve digestive health. Pomegranate contains prebiotics that help improve overall digestive health by feeding the essential nutrients to good gut bacteria.

Furthermore, it is also high in fibre, which helps improve bowel movement and prevent constipation and other stomach disorders. Regular consumption of pomegranate juice helps lower the chance of colon cancer.

-Pomegranates Benefits for Skin

Pomegranate is packed with antioxidants that help protect skin cells and tissue from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Furthermore, it contains vitamin C, which helps in collagen production.

Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of the pomegranate help reduce the swelling and redness caused by acne. It also contains ellagic acid and polyphenols, which offer protection from sun damage.

Thanks to its versatility, pomegranate can be enjoyed in various forms, from fresh seeds to powder, juice and more. Here are some easy-to-make pomegranate recipes to inspire your culinary journey:**

-Pomegranate Juice

**-Ingredients

• 2 cups of pomegranate seeds

**-How to Prepare

Step 1: In a blender, add the pomegranate seeds and blend them.

Step 2: Add water to maintain consistency.

Step 3: Pour the juice into a glass after straining it and serve it.

-Boondi and Pomegranate Raita

**-Ingredients

• ¾ cup of boondi

• ¾ cup of pomegranate

• 1 ½ cup of curd

• 1 teaspoon of roasted cumin seeds powder

• ½ teaspoon of chilli powder

• Salt (as per requirement)

**-How to Prepare

Step 1: In a bowl, add curd, chilli powder, salt and cumin seeds powder. Mix it well.

Step 2: Next, add the pomegranate and boondi and again mix it well.

Step 3: Refrigerate the prepared raita for 30 minutes and serve it immediately.

-Pomegranate Slush

**-Ingredients

• 4 ½ cups of pomegranate seeds

• 8 tablespoons of powdered sugar

• ½ teaspoon of black salt

• ¾ teaspoon of cumin seeds powder

**-How to Prepare

Step 1: Blend the pomegranate seeds into a blender until it becomes a smooth paste.

Step 2: Strain out the mixture into a bowl.

Step 3: Add the cumin seeds powder, powdered sugar and black salt to the mixture.

Step 4: Pour a mixture into an aluminium container and freeze it for 6 hours.

Step 5: Remove it from the freezer and keep it aside for 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 6: Scrap it out with a fork, pour it into a glass and garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds.

Step 7: Serve immediately.

Pomegranate is a delicious fruit that offers various health benefits. However, excessive consumption of pomegranate juice can cause other health complications. Some of the common pomegranate side effects are listed below:

Pomegranate May Cause Kidney Disorder

The high potassium content in pomegranates can be problematic for those with compromised kidney function, as the kidneys may struggle to filter out excess potassium from the bloodstream.

Pomegranate May Cause Digestive Issues

Another potential pomegranate side effect is digestive issues. The high fibre content can lead to bloating, gas, or even constipation, especially if your digestive system is sensitive. It is important to enjoy pomegranates in moderation to avoid discomfort.

Pomegranate May Cause Allergic Reactions

Pomegranates may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Symptoms can include itching, swelling, difficulty breathing and skin rashes. If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming pomegranates, it is important to seek medical attention and avoid the fruit in the future.

Pomegranate is a superfood packed with essential nutrients. It offers various health advantages such as better heart health, kidney health, digestive health and more. Due to this, the fruit is widely used in various food staples. From refreshing pomegranate juice drinks to appetisers and more, its usage is indefinite.

While buying pomegranates, choose to buy them from trusted vendors and always pick those that are bright red. However, always consume pomegranate in moderation; excessive consumption of it can lead to other health issues such as digestive discomfort, allergic reactions and more.

Pomegranate is a great source of nutrients like antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Adding it to your diet helps provide essential nutrients needed for living a healthy life. However, for a healthy lifestyle, individuals need to have financial planning for unforeseen medical situations.

These medical situations can greatly affect an individual's emotional and physical well-being and drain their financial savings. Considering such a situation, investing in a health insurance plan is a suitable option.

TATA AIG offers various health insurance policies tailored to your and your family's specific needs. From health insurance for senior citizens to critical illness coverage to individual health insurance and more, we have plans for everyone.

Furthermore, our medical insurance policy offers various coverages, such as pre- and post-hospitalisation, daycare procedures, ambulance coverage and more, to enhance medical protection for our policyholders.

Additionally, our claim settlement ratio was 96.70% in the last financial year, which ensures hassle-free claim settlement services. Browse our TATA AIG website for health insurance plans to secure your and your loved ones' health.

How many pomegranates can I eat in a day?

You can safely eat about one medium-sized pomegranate per day, as it provides plenty of nutrients like fibre, antioxidants and vitamins. However, moderation is key, especially if you are sensitive to high fibre or concerned about potential digestive issues.

Are there any pomegranate benefits for the skin?

Yes, pomegranates offer several benefits for the skin. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and E and anti-inflammatory properties, pomegranates help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, promote collagen production and aid in skin repair.

What is the best time to eat pomegranate?

The best time to eat pomegranate is in the early morning or as a morning snack. When it is consumed on an empty stomach it can maximise nutrient absorption, providing a boost of energy, antioxidants and hydration to start your day.

However, avoid eating it late at night, as its high fibre content may affect digestion before bedtime.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on the Health Benefits of Pomegranate (Anar). It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.