Pomegranate is known to have originated in Iran and is popularly known as the ‘fruit of paradise’. Those juicy, ruby red seeds are considered a symbol of prosperity and fertility in many cultures. In fact, it has been speculated that pomegranates and not apples grew in the Garden of Eden.
Besides its unique tarty taste, pomegranates pack more benefits than what you’d imagine. Studies have shown that it helps in promoting heart health by increasing blood flow and lowering blood pressure. The power of pomegranates lies in its antioxidant activity. Pomegranates are a rich source of three types of antioxidants – tannins, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid. These antioxidants are known for their anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-ageing properties.
The fruit also helps in repairing, rejuvenating and replenishing your skin in many ways. From an anti-ageing product to imparting a natural glow, here’s how you can use the fruit for skin nourishment.
Powerful antioxidant: Skin nutrition is essential in tackling one of the biggest causes of aging – free radical damage. Pomegranates are rightly known as superfoods for their high antioxidant content. According to a 2008 study, pomegranate juice has a higher antioxidant content than acai and blueberry juice.
Cellular regeneration: Not only is pomegranate anti-inflammatory and high in essential fatty acids, it has also been shown to stimulate Keratinocyte skin cells which help with cellular regeneration. (More: 6 Healthy Foods You’re Probably Neglecting)
Anti-ageing: Dermis, the outer layer of the skin, is made up of collagen and elastic fibres. Wrinkles arise in the dermis as collagen and elastin degrade. Vitamin C is an integral part of collagen formation enabling proteins to become stronger. Just one pomegranate contains about 48 percent of the daily value of Vitamin C. Need we say more?
Hydration and exfoliation: Pomegranate juice is highly beneficial for the skin. Its small molecular structure helps to penetrate more deeply into the skin to deliver hydration rich in micronutrients and phytochemicals. Pomegranate juice helps in recovering dull, dry skin. It is a great source of Vitamin C which is known to reduce roughness when applied on the skin. The crushed seeds of pomegranate are also perfect for exfoliation. (Recipe: Health Juice)
Natural glow: Pomegranate juice improves digestion and increases blood flow which gives your skin a radiant glow. A glass of pomegranate juice daily can give you great results.
Fights acne: Inflammation plays an important role in developing acne. The antioxidants present in pomegranate neutralize free radicals that damage cells and tissues, causing inflammation in the body. The vitamin C content also helps in regulating the production of sebum, an oily secretion which may cause acne.
Sun-Damage Protection: Did you know that pomegranate can act as a natural sunscreen? The ellagic acid, a polyphenol antioxidant found in large quantities in pomegranates, helps in healing sunburn and is known to reverse sun damage. Scientists have found that the incredible antioxidant activity in pomegranates may reduce the harmful effects of ultra violet radiations and inhibit the growth of skin tumours.
