Pomegranate
Pomegranates are round, vibrant red fruits that grow on shrubs or large trees, primarily in regions of Asia, Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean, and parts of America. Known scientifically as Punica granatum, they are recognized for their tough skin that encases hundreds of juicy seeds, or arils, which provide a sweet flavor, although the pith can be bitter. These fruits have a rich historical significance and are mentioned in various cultural traditions, including Greek mythology and Jewish customs, where they symbolize fertility and the commandments of the Torah. Pomegranates are celebrated for their health benefits, being rich in antioxidants and vitamins, contributing to heart health, and potentially offering protective effects against serious illnesses like diabetes and cancer. The fruit is also utilized in cosmetics for its anti-aging properties and is featured in culinary dishes, juices, and wines. Traditionally, pomegranates are associated with themes of joy, longevity, and symbolism in weddings across various cultures, particularly in Persian, Turkish, and Chinese traditions. As a so-called superfood, they continue to be the subject of medical research to explore their efficacy in disease prevention and overall wellness.
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Pomegranate
Pomegranates are a round-shaped fruit with a rich red hue. They grow as a shrub with multiple stems or as a large tree across parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean, and areas of America. The skin of a pomegranate is thick and when opened produces hundreds of seeds amid crimson or ruby red juice. The flavor is sweet (although the pithy sac is bitter) and the fruit quality nutritious as well as containing antioxidant properties. Pomegranate seeds sprinkled in salads or in other culinary dishes have become popular. Pomegranate extract is used in cosmetic products to enhance skin. Significant research indicates that pomegranates have strong medicinal qualities.
Overview
The name pomegranate is an amalgamation of pomme, the French word for apple, and garnete, the Middle French word meaning seed. The scientific name for the fruit is Punica granatum. Geographically, pomegranates appear to have originated in Persia (modern-day Iran) and India. Their growth has expanded to other parts of the globe. The fruit is available throughout the year, though it may be seasonal according to location. The history of the pomegranate has also been recorded in 6000 BCE in an ancient Greek settlement, with later depictions on Greek art including references to the goddess of fertility. Greek mythology is resplendent with references to the pomegranate. Buddhism hails the pomegranate as a blessed fruit. Persian, Turkish, and Chinese weddings include ceremonial uses of pomegranates to symbolize joy and children.
The pomegranate (rimon), not an apple, is considered by many scholars to be the fruit eaten from the forbidden tree by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The Jewish New Year is celebrated with significant fruits, especially the pomegranate. The amount of seeds (arils) symbolically correspond to the 613 commandments in the Torah (The Five Books of Moses).
Pomegranates have been given the title of superfood by doctors, cosmeticians, and health funds. The fruit is rich with antioxidants and vitamins and provides cures for numerous ailments. Serious diseases such as heart ailments, diabetes, and cancer have been listed as conditions for which pomegranate consumption is beneficial.
The University of Maryland Medical Center investigates the medicinal uses of the pomegranate, at the same time cautioning to ascertain the interaction with other medicines being taken. Research studies in test tubes utilizing the juice and rind combined with oil have shown the slowing down or reduction of cancer cells. The high level of antioxidants in pomegranates may help cardiovascular function, with some indications of healthier arteries and improved blood flow. One type of antioxidant, flavonol, found in the fruit may facilitate blocking inflammation connected with osteoarthritis. Further studies are being conducted to determine the veracity and efficacy of disease control, including new research related to Alzheimer’s disease and memory retention.
Chinese medicine utilizes pomegranates as an aid to longevity. The cosmetic industry has created products containing pomegranate essence to promote anti-aging and elasticity of the skin via moisturizers, creams, and massage oils.
Pomegranate juice is produced for popular consumption, as well as pomegranate wine. Different varieties of pomegranates, either grown naturally or genetically manipulated, offer sweeter tastes, deeper colors, earlier ripening times, or longer shelf life.
Bibliography
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"Pomegranate: Superfood or Fad?" NHS.uk. NHS/GOV.UK, n.d. Web. 23 April 2016.
"Pomegranate." University of Maryland Medical Center. University of Maryland Medical Center, n.d. Web. 23 April 2016.
Pomegranates. Pomegranate Council, 2011. Web. 23 April. 2016.
Press, Viva Sarah. "Top 10 Great Reasons to Love the Pomegranate." Israel 21C. Israel 21C, 29 Aug. 2013. Web. 23 April 2016.
Tohi, Willow. "History of Pomegranate." Natural News. Natural News, 17 Sept. 2012. Web. 23 April 2016.