Rich goodness of ruby red fruit
The Pomegranate fruit has for centuries been known not just for its beauty, flavour, and colour but also for its health benefits. The name “pomegranate” derives from the French term “pommegranate” meaning “seeded apple. In Sri Lanka, the fruit is known as “Delum” in Sinhala and “Mathulai” in Tamil.
The Pomegranate or Punicagranatum L.belongs to the Punicaceae family. It is between a lemon and a grapefruit in size. The seeds of the Pomegranate fruit vary from 200- 1400 and they are deep red. Each seed has a surrounding water-laden pulp. The pomegranate tree grows to about 5-8 metres tall.
Sri Lankans cultivate it in their home gardens as a medicinal plant or a fruit tree. The fresh fruits of Pomegranate are generally eaten raw. This ruby- red fruit is a rich source of soluble and insoluble dietary fibres which aid in digestive and bowel movements. A regular intake of pomegranate is suggested by nutritionists in weight reduction and cholesterol controlling programmes. Regular inclusion of pomegranate in the diet boosts immunity, improves circulation, and offers protection from cancers. Pomegranate juice is a good source of vitamins C and B. The pomegranate fruit is rich in beneficial antioxidants, like polyphenols, tannins and anthocyanins. The antioxidant level in pomegranate juice is higher than in other fruit juices, red wine or green tea.
Recent research has shown that pomegranates can help fight osteoarthritis, as regular consumption of the juice slows down the deterioration of the cartilage. The juice of the fruit also has antiviral and antibacterial effects against dental plaque. Consumption of pomegranate juice has proven to help immensely in cases of prostate cancer or prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes or lymphoma. The Pomegranate has polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that aids in extending the life span and slows the process of aging.
It increases blood flow to the heart, and is extremely beneficial for people with ischaemic heart disease as it contains vitamins and enzymes known for keeping low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol from oxidizing and causing atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. The organic pomegranate seeds act a lot like aspirin, keeping blood platelets from sticking together and forming dangerous blood clots.
The fruit is used in Sri Lankan native treatment .The rind and the bark are used as a traditional remedy against diarrhoea, dysentery and intestinal parasites. The seeds and juice are considered a tonic for the heart and throat. The astringent qualities of the flower, juice, rind and tree bark are considered valuable for a variety of purposes, such as stopping nose bleeds and gum bleeds, toning skin, (after blending with mustard oil) and treating haemorrhoids.