The content of the article
Pomegranate was known in antiquity. Then it was considered a symbol of fertility and abundance, immortality and holiness. He was worshiped in many religions around the world. In folk medicine, it was used mainly to combat parasites. He helped treat ulcers, diarrhea, and fever. It has also been used as a treatment for bleeding, dysentery, acidosis and microbial infections. All parts of the plant were used for treatment - not only the fruit itself, but also flowers, leaves, seeds and even roots.
If we talk about the effect of pomegranate on the process of losing weight, it can be noted that this is one of the most useful products for overweight people. But it is worth noting that pomegranate is not an ordinary fruit. It is not customary to use it in its natural form, for example, as an apple or an orange - on the way home after a workout. But not many people know that pomegranate is considered one of the most low-calorie fruits, and contributes to the loss of extra pounds. Pomegranate contains vitamins such as B, C and K, and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and help the body regulate metabolic processes.
100 grams of pomegranate contains:
- Carbohydrates: 18.7 g;
- Fats: 1.2 g;
- Dietary fiber: 4 g;
- Sugar: 13.7 g;
- Sodium: 3 mg;
- Calcium: 10 mg;
- Potassium: 236 mg;
- Protein: 1.7 g
How Pomegranate Helps in Weight Loss
Pomegranate has strong antitumor, anti-cancer, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are due to the presence of tannins, anthocyanins and a high level of flavonoids and polyphenols. These components play a major role in giving the garnet properties that contribute to weight loss.
Pomegranate Stimulates Fat Reduction and Prevents Insulin Resistance
Studies have shown that mice that are overweight or insulin resistant, after regular feeding with pomegranate, showed a significant decrease in body weight, and a significant decrease in body fat levels was observed. It was also noted that pomegranate leaf extract has a significant effect on the functioning of the body. During the experiment, obese mice were treated with pomegranate extract for 5 weeks. Scientists have come to the conclusion that pomegranate leaf extract is an appetite suppressant.
Pomegranate gives satiety, helps control appetite and prevents overeating
Pomegranate is an excellent source of fiber. One pomegranate fruit will provide up to 45% of the daily requirement. Dietary fiber has a great physiological effect on the saturation of the body. Fibers help prolong the intestinal phase of digestion and absorption. This allows macronutrients to send signals to the body about satiety and thus prevent overeating. This property of dietary fiber is very useful for weight control. Fiber also helps retain water in the body. Therefore, food is absorbed slowly, preventing the consumption of unnecessary calories.
Pomegranate is an excellent source of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber improves satiety, appetite control and, thus, helps to control body weight.
Pomegranate is a low-calorie product
In order to get rid of extra pounds, it is very important to follow a diet low in calories, as this will help to better control body weight. Pomegranate contains 83 calories per 100 g of product. This fruit has virtually no cholesterol and saturated fats.
Studies have proven that pomegranate can be involved in cholesterol breakdown. Fruits, such as pomegranate, are low energy density foods. Energy density is the number of calories in a certain amount of product. Food with a low energy density helps to satisfy hunger without loading the body with calories. Such foods have virtually no effect on weight gain, since the total amount of calories consumed remains low, even if the total amount of food consumed is high. Thus, these products can be consumed in large quantities, without worrying about the fact that you can gain extra pounds.
Pomegranate Prevents Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is an imbalance in the production of reactive oxygen species and the body's ability to withstand harmful effects by neutralizing them. Studies show that oxidative stress can lead to Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, myocardial infarction, ADHD, cancer, and heart failure. It is worth noting that foods high in fat, which are usually consumed by obese people, contribute to the occurrence of oxidative stress. It is also known that the use of pomegranate for one month leads to a significant decrease in blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglycerides and affects the level of tissue lipid peroxidation. That is, we can say that a diet with a high fat content is most often observed in obese people, which is one of the main culprits of oxidative stress. And scientific studies have proven that pomegranates are effective in preventing oxidative stress, and therefore are highly recommended for overweight people.
Nutrients Affecting Body Weight
Pomegranate contains a large amount of nutrients necessary for the body, such as protein, fiber, vitamin C, K, B12 and folate. One pomegranate fruit contains about 5 g of protein and 11 g of fiber. It is well known that proteins and dietary fiber are very useful for people who are trying to lose weight, as they help to accelerate the saturation of the body. Although the protein content in pomegranate is not very high, but it is significantly higher compared to other fruits. It is imperative to consume whole pomegranate seeds, not just juice, to get more benefits and the required amount of fiber.
Pomegranate reduces body fat
Studies have shown that the acids contained in this fruit help reduce the level of fat in the body, as they affect the tissues that accumulate fat. It is also worth noting that pomegranate molasses and juice have antioxidant properties. Xantigen contained in pomegranate seed oil increases weight loss by burning fat. Xantigen is often prescribed as an additive to people who are struggling with obesity.
Garnet gives energy
One of the valuable qualities of pomegranate, which few people know about, is giving energy during training, as well as during the period of active recovery. Pomegranates contain nitrates, which turn into nitrites, and can help maintain blood flow. This fruit also helps the body deliver more oxygen to muscle tissue, improving athletic ability in general and the ability to recover from exercise.
Daily rate
As such, there is no dosage of fruit consumption, but, nevertheless, it is recommended to include pomegranate in the diet in moderation. Pomegranate seeds are considered the most useful. Also, this fruit can be used as an ingredient in pies and sauces or to prepare fruit juices based on it. Since pomegranate has, among other things, healing powers, it can also be used for therapeutic purposes. Typically, extracts from peel, leaves, bark and pulp are used for this. But before use, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Contraindications
Unfortunately, despite its remarkable properties, pomegranate also has contraindications. For example, it can not be used by people who are constantly taking medications - due to the fact that the fruit significantly affects the metabolism. For example, it is widely known that drinks based on these tropical fruits differently inhibit the action of cytochrome P450, which is involved in the detoxification and processing of medications. Among drinks made from ingredients such as papaya, kiwi, mango, passion fruit, pitaya, white grapefruit, orange, carambola and rambutan, the most powerful inhibitory effect on the above substances was demonstrated by pomegranate.
Other contraindications to the use of unprocessed drinks or fruits are increased acidity, gastric ulcer and gastritis.
Pomegranate in the diet
In addition to the above properties of pomegranate, it is worth noting that this fruit has a delicious taste. Therefore, people who want to get rid of extra pounds, but do not want to give up delicious dishes, will be useful to add pomegranate to their diet. For example, fruit can be used like this:
- Pomegranate can be added to breakfast. It is recommended to use this fruit as a supplement to muesli or Greek yogurt.
- At lunch, you can sprinkle soup or salad with pomegranate seeds - thanks to this, the dish will acquire nutritional value. In addition, due to the rich taste, pomegranate seeds can replace salad dressing.
- You can also drink pomegranate juice, the main thing is to remember that you need to choose a savory drink without any additives or chemistry.
- Pomegranate can also be consumed as a snack or during an intermediate meal. Therefore, instead of snacking with chips or sweets, satisfy your hunger with a delicious and at the same time low-calorie fruit.
Pomegranate is one of the most healthy foods. He alone supplies the body with many antioxidants, anthocyanins, tannins, dietary fiber and flavonoids. These components help burn fat, improve satiety, prevent oxidative stress and stimulate weight loss. In addition, pomegranates are low-calorie foods. Thus, they are considered excellent fighters against hunger, as they are able to satisfy it.
Video: the benefits and harms of pomegranate
Submit