Pomegranate
Fresh fruit commodity for food and processing markets
Pomegranate is supplied as a fresh agricultural commodity used in food processing juice production and retail distribution.
Nutritional Profile
Pomegranates are a nutrient-dense fruit, low in fat and calories. The nutritional information for the arils in one average pomegranate is as follows:
Calories: 234 kcal
Protein: 4.7 grams
Fat: 3.3 grams
Carbohydrates: 52 grams
Fiber: 11.3 grams (about 45% of daily recommended intake according to Metas Adventist Hospital)
Vitamins and Minerals: Excellent source of Vitamin C (32% of DV), Folate (27% of DV), and Vitamin K (36% of DV for women). It also contains good amounts of potassium and magnesium.
Health Benefits
The high concentration of polyphenols, such as punicalagins and anthocyanins, contributes to the fruit’s numerous health benefits.
Rich in Antioxidants: Pomegranate juice has an antioxidant activity three times higher than that of red wine and green tea, which helps protect the body’s cells from free radical damage and reduces inflammation.
Heart Health: Studies suggest that pomegranate consumption may help lower blood pressure, reduce arterial inflammation, decrease “bad” (LDL) cholesterol, and improve blood flow to the heart in patients with heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: The fruit’s compounds have potent anti-inflammatory properties, which may help manage chronic inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
Other Potential Benefits: Research also suggests potential benefits for brain health and memory retention, improved exercise endurance and muscle recovery, support for digestive and urinary health, and possible anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties, although more human research is needed in some of these areas.
