Pomegranate - Old Folks' Panacea

Pomegranate - Old Folks' Panacea 
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a rich source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. More than these, eating the fruit or drinking its juice helps protect children and adults against diseases, which include cancer and Alzheimer's disease (memory loss).

Dr Abe V Rotor

           Dehiscent* fruit of Punica granatum family Lythraceae, locally known as granada

Pomegranate or granada in local parlance mainly for its shape resembling the deadly fragmentation war tool, is a cure-all medicinal plant.  Old folks, including my dad, claim it so, citing a list of illnesses and infirmities it can cure. 

That's why we had pomegranate growing around our old house, its fruiting branches climbing on the upper part of the house.  We kids in our time would pick the ripe fruits right through the window.  Truly ripe fruits crack open exposing the bright pink or red fleshy seeds called arils. 

Today we seldom find pomegranate growing on backyards anymore as if the younger generations have set aside the old folks' claim in favor of modern medicine and other  fruits having similar benefits. 

While this may be the reason, pomegranate has distinct properties which are the subject of researches in cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, high blood pressure and the like. And who would prefer eating a cumbersome fruit in lieu of many popular fruits and their products which are readily available in the market? 

But with the increasing medical cases doctors are looking back into alternative remedies. For example, the fruit contains punicalagins and punicic acid, from which its genus Punica is derived, are responsible for most of the fruit’s health benefits other fruits may not have.  Punicalagins in the pomegranate juice have been found to reduce inflammation, and is effective against cancer and diabetes. 

Lately I found a fruiting pomegranate clinging on a wrought iron fence.  It reminded me of my dad who treasured this plant throughout his life.  It is not only a reminiscence; it is revival.  The owner Mr Simo Ragasa welcomed me to take pictures of the shrub-tree and gave me a seedling of it.  

 

The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub in the family Lythraceae that grows between 5 and 10 m tall. Photos by the author in San Vicente, Ilocos Sur 2019 (Courtesy of My Simo Ragasa and family)

These are health benefits of pomegranate fruit taken fresh or as juice (home made or commercial)   

• The pomegranate fruit contains sugar and hundreds of edible seeds called arils which are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and bio active compounds.
• Pomegranate juice is effective against breast and other forms of cancer.
• When taken regularly pomegranate juice lowers blood pressure and maintains it at a favorable level.
• It is effective in controlling arthritis, against heart disease; it stabilizes cholesterol level.
• For men it is effective against prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction.
• It has antibacterial and antiviral properties which may be useful against common gum diseases and yeast infections.
• It Improves memory in older adults and post-surgery.
• It protects against Alzheimer's disease.
• It improves exercise performance by increasing blood flow.


 

Mr Simo Ragasa (left) welcomed me to take pictures of his pomegranate and gave me a seedling of it. I planted it in the very spot where dad's pomegranate once grew when I was a child. 

* Dehiscent - fruit automatically breaks open to disseminate its seeds, a natural adaptation of many plant species like legumes. 

Reference: 12 Health Benefits of Pomegranate
Written by Joe Leech, MS on August 15, 2018
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