The power of pomegranates
Pomegranates originate in Iran. Their existence dates back to 4000 years ago when pomegranate was considered a luxurious souvenir of Iran. The pomegranate was known as the fruit from Paradise and therefore planted around many worship locations.
Fun fact, Iran has over 740 kinds of pomegranate.
Pomegranates (Punica granatum L.) have a long history of antibacterial use. Egyptians used pomegranates to treat many different infections. It was utilized as a traditional remedy for thousands of years under the Ayurvedic medicine, with extracts from the rind of the fruit and bark of the tree being effective against diarrhea and dysentery.
Pomegranates have been known for hundreds of years for their multiple health benefits. The recent surge in multidrug-resistant bacteria and the possibility of widespread global virus pandemics necessitate the need for additional preventative and therapeutic options to conventional drugs. Research indicates that pomegranates and their extracts may serve as natural alternatives due to their potency against a wide range of bacterial and viral pathogens.
Nearly every part of the pomegranate plant has been tested for antimicrobial activities, including the fruit juice, peel, arils, flowers, and bark. Many studies have utilized pomegranate peel with success. There are various phytochemical compounds in pomegranate that have demonstrated antimicrobial activity. Most of the studies have found that ellagic acid and larger hydrolyzable tannins, such as punicalagin, have the highest activities.
Over the years, there have been many small studies undertaken in different areas of the world on the beneficial effects of pomegranates on several highly pathogenic and drug-resistant strains of bacteria and viruses.
Dr. Jason Hawrelak, an Australian naturopath, herbalist, probiotic researcher, and educator, made an analysis of many of those studies (Pai et al, 2011)(Egharevba et al, 2010)(Ponce-Macotela et al, 1994)(Al- Mathal & Alsalem, 2012)(Ismail et al, 2012)(El-Sherbini et al, 2010)(Bakkiyaraj et al, 2013).
The conclusion was that pomegranate husk as the following benefits:
Antibacterial against E. coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Vibrio spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica.
Anti-Biofilm Activity against S. aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, E. coli, Candida albicans.
Antiprotozoal against Giardia spp., Blastocystis spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium parvum, Trichomonas vaginalis.
Anthelmintic, widely used in Ayurveda and TCM with great results against intestinal parasites.
Antifungal against Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. guilliermondii, C. utilis, C. parapsilosis, C. lusitaniae, C. glabrata, C. rugosa.
And have no negative impact on Lactobacilli or Bifidobacteria.
As you can see, pomegranates are really good for gut health. Besides that, they are loaded with nutrients like fiber, protein, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, and potassium.
Since we are in season, we encourage you to eat as many fresh pomegranates as you can. We know it can be a challenge to harvest those seeds, but it can also be a fun activity with kids.
In good health,
Ioana