Is pomegranate useful for the heart and blood vessels — 6 facts

Proper diet can reduce the risk of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system. It also helps to improve the condition if the disease could not be avoided.

One of the essential components of such a proper diet is pomegranate.

This fruit with a pleasant taste with sourness due to its unique composition has a positive effect on the condition of the heart muscle and blood vessels and improves the properties of the blood. About the effect of 8 other fruits on the heart you can find out in our separate article.

Chemical composition and nutritional value

Pomegranate consists mainly of carbohydrates — sucrose, fructose and glucose. There are few proteins and fats in it. The composition of this fruit also includes:

  • Fiber;
  • Organic acids;
  • Minerals — potassium, calcium, manganese, sodium, iron, phosphorus;
  • Vitamins — pomegranate is especially rich in B vitamins, vitamin PP and C;
  • Tannins;
  • Antioxidants — in particular, polyphenols.

Despite the fact that this fruit contains a small amount of protein, it contains 15 amino acids , some of them are rare and besides pomegranate are found only in meat. Therefore, it is recommended to include it in the diet of everyone who consumes an insufficient amount of protein food, including vegetarians.

Pomegranate is commonly called a fruit. Some people believe that in fact, like a tomato, it refers to berries. But in fact, in botany, there is a special term for the fruits of the pomegranate tree — pomegranate.

About 60% of the weight of the pomegranate is water, 10% is seeds and 30% is peel. One fruit contains 90 kCal, 50 kCal per 100 g of pomegranate juice.

Is it useful for the cardiovascular system — 6 facts

With regular use of pomegranates, the substances contained in them have a complex effect on the cardiovascular system.

  1. Protect the heart and blood vessels from damage by free radicals. This function is performed by antioxidants, which are rich in pomegranate fruits.
  2. Improve the rhythm the heart works and prevents the development of arrhythmia. This effect is due to the high content of potassium, which is necessary for the heart muscle and blood vessels to function normally.
  3. Strengthen the walls of blood vessels and increase their elasticity. This effect is achieved due to the high concentration of vitamin PP.
  4. Prevent the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
  5. Dilute the blood, as a result, the risk of thrombosis decreases and the supply of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues improves.
  6. Increase hemoglobin levels, they are useful for anemia and reduce the risk of developing this disease. The effect is primarily due to the high content of B vitamins.

Thus, the use of this fruit has a positive effect on the condition of the heart muscle, blood vessels, and blood. It proves effective in the prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system and facilitates the course of already developed diseases.

How to use them?

  • Fresh fruit. Pomegranates are usually consumed fresh. It is in this case that you can get the maximum benefit from eating these fruits.
  • Juice. The inclusion of pomegranate juice in the diet also has a good effect. To cook it, you need to cut the fruit into two parts, pass it through a juicer and dilute with water.
  • Grains. Another option is to put the pomegranate seeds in a blender, pour water over them and grind, and then strain the juice through a sieve or gauze. Pomegranate seeds will be a good addition to a vegetable salad or dessert. They can also be added to meat during cooking to give it an original taste with a slight sourness.
Be careful! In concentrated form, pomegranate juice can strongly irritate the stomach. Be sure to dilute it with water!

5 other positive properties of this fruit

Pomegranates are not limited to a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.

  1. Improved digestion. Thanks to the fiber contained in the composition, they improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and cleanse the intestines of toxins.
  2. Prevention of joint diseases. When these fruits are included in the diet, the development of arthritis slows down. The substances contained in them contribute to the absorption of calcium, which is necessary for joints and prevents deformation of cartilage tissue. They also relieve inflammation and improve limb mobility.
  3. Strengthening the immune system. Pomegranate fruits activate the immune system, helping the body fight off pathogenic viruses and bacteria. It also reduces the risk of impotence. Protecting the body from the negative effects of stress is another useful property of these vegetables.
  4. Reducing the risk of developing cancer. Regular use of pomegranate reduces the risk of developing cancer. It is especially effective in preventing the appearance of breast and prostate tumors. This fruit also slows down the development of lung cancer.

Also check out this infographic:

Now is the time to pay attention to the negative side of this fruit.

Contraindications and possible harm

Pomegranate can bring not only benefits to the body, but also harm. The main contraindications to its use are:

  • Gastritis and stomach ulcer;
  • Increased acidity of gastric juice;
  • Enteritis;
  • Pancreatitis;
  • Constipation, anal fissures, hemorrhoids.

The fruits of the pomegranate tree can cause exacerbations of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract due to the high acid content.

For the same reason, pomegranate juice has a bad effect on tooth enamel . To minimize the harm, it is better to drink it through a straw, and then rinse your mouth.

Hypotensive people need to limit their consumption of this fruit. It contains a large amount of essential oils that can reduce blood pressure.

Also the fruit of the pomegranate tree, like most foods, may cause allergies . If after consumption there are characteristic signs of intolerance to the product, its inclusion in the diet should be abandoned altogether.

5 more important foods that need to be included in the diet

To get the maximum benefit for the cardiovascular system, in addition to pomegranates, you need to add other foods to the diet.

  1. Oatmeal reduces cholesterol levels in the blood, preventing the development of atherosclerosis and promotes weight loss by reducing the load on the heart.
  2. Sea fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the content of harmful fats in the body that provoke the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system, improve the properties of blood and reduce the risk of blood clots.
  3. Apples reduce the likelihood of heart attacks and atherosclerosis, protect the heart muscle and blood vessels, prevent the formation of blood clots.
  4. Tomatoes protect the heart and blood vessels from inflammation, improve the rhythm of the heart muscle, prevent the development of atherosclerosis, dilute blood and increase hemoglobin levels.
  5. Broccoli contains a large amount of antioxidants that protect the heart from free radical damage.
  6. Onion and garlic contribute to the purification of blood vessels.

Pomegranates with regular use are very useful for the body. They should be included in the diet for anyone who suffers from diseases of the cardiovascular system or wants to minimize the risk of their development. These fruits also have a positive effect on the immune system and improve the functioning of the digestive system, prevent the development of arthritis and reduce the risk of cancer. Pomegranates should be included in the diet for everyone who wants to always stay healthy and full of energy.