Pomegranate

Pomegranate;  Punica granatum
 

Pomegranate tree  can reach a height of 4-8 meters. Its leaves are glossy, narrow oblong, 3–7 cm long & 2 cm broad.  The fruit has a leathery skin & usually deep pink/red in colour. The inside of the fruit has white spongy tissue that creates spaces filled with sacs/tart pulp & seed.The edible fruit is 5–12 cm in diameter with a rounded hexagonal shape. The exact number of seeds in a pomegranate varies from 200-1400 seeds, (contrary to some beliefs that all pomegranates have exactly the same number of seeds). Each seed is ranging in colour from white to deep red. The seeds are embedded in a white, spongy & astringent  pulp.

Health & Medical Benefits:

Pomegranates is one of the fruit mentioned in the Holy Al-Quran, contain a rich supply of potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, sodium & vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, & C). Pomegranate juice is a good source of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), potassium & polyphenols such as tannins and flavenoids. 

1. Pomegranates may support the body's normal defense in the prevention of certain cancers due to high levels of antioxidant called ‘flavenoids’.

2. It may reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attacks & strokes. Due to its antioxidant properties, pomegranate keeps the formation of bad cholesterol.

 3. It may reduce the risks for illnesses such as atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis & diabetes.

4. Pomegranate extract & juice  are thought by some women to help in overcoming the feeling of general malaise during menopause.

It is He who sends down water (rain) from the sky and with it, We bring forth vegetation of all kinds and out of it, We bring forth green stalks from which We bring forth thick clustered grain. And out of the date-palm from the pollen thereof, spring pendant bunches; and (We bring forth) gardens of grapes and the olive and the pomegranate, each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety and taste). Look at their fruits when they begin to bear, and the ripeness thereof. Verily! In these things there are signs for people who believe. [Al-Quran, Al-An’aam :99]