Monday 15 April 2019

pomegranate

Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva  is also known as the Bijapuraphalasakta, the one fond of the many-seeded pomegranate fruit.

Divine fruit , because it follows the Fibonaccis series and the Golden mean. Modern science has NOT yet woken up to the benefits of pomegranate , which is written in our Sanskrit texts in 5000 BC.

Ayurveda used pomegranate to prevent as well as cure. Pomegranate spread from India outwards.  In 7000 BC Emperor Vikramaditya ruled from Jerusalem to Urals to Vietnam.

Since this fruit requires dry soil, the main source of pomegranate in ancient times used to be Afghanistan, which was part of India.  Pomegranates are drought-tolerant. In wet  areas, they can be prone to root decay from fungal diseases. They are tolerant to cold temperatures as low as -13 deg C.

Queen Gandhari of Mahabharata 4000 BC, was born in Kandahar, which is today an Islamic bastion.

The flowers, leaves, bark, peel and the seeds of pomegranate are all edible and have potent medicinal qualities. 

The Vedas of 5000 BC , considers pomegranate is as a symbol of fertility and prosperity.  Pomegranate along with coconut is an auspicious item in Indian Hindu weddings.
Pomegranate is the most powerful anti-oxidant of all fruits which  protects against damaging free radicals.

In Kerala, we still prefer to use the rind of this fruit to cure us of diarrhea, dysentery and intestinal parasites, over modern western medicine.  The peels or rind of pomegranate are astringent and bitter in taste.  Matalam peels or pomegranate peels left to dry in the sun, are a common sight in any Kerala home.

Pomegranate gives good Calcium, Magnesium , Potassium , Zinc , Vitamic C , Phosphorus and dietary fibre.
The health benefits of phosphorous include healthy bone formation, improved digestion, regulated excretion, protein formation, hormonal balance, improved energy extraction, cellular repair, optimized chemical reactions, and proper nutrient utilization.
benefits of consuming pomegranate as per 6000 year old Ayurveda :---

Pomegranate juice is anti-bacterial and anti-microbial , to fight viruses and bacteria .

Boosts the immunity system and has the highest potential among fruits to inhibit the transmission of HIV.  Its high content of anti- oxidants stimulate the white blood cells to neutralize toxins in the body .

Lowers  bad cholesterol (LDL) and raises good cholesterol (HDL) levels.

Lowers  high blood pressure.

Prevents formation of plaque in the arteries.

Prevents heart attacks .  It  keeps the blood from coagulating and forming blood clots. It even acts as a blood thinner allowing for an unrestricted flow of blood through the body.

Prevents prostate cancer.

Prevents kidney problems. It is good for people who are on modern dialysis.

Prevents hormone dependent breast cancer in women by blocking certain enzymes.

Corrective effect on erectile dysfunction due to its powerful anti-oxidant properties. It is a  natural aphrodisiac and improves sperm count and semen quality. ( AAHA pomegranate kidhar hai? Leke aao !)

Strengthens  hair follicles and thus prevents hair fall, and also gives hair a lustrous appearance.

Helps in the regeneration of cells in the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin and thus  hastens the process of healing of wounds.

Pomegranate juice application on oily skin prevents the outbreak of pimples and controls the production of sebum.  It slows down the process of ageing by reducing wrinkles on the face caused by constant exposure to sun.  It regenerates the skin cells and prevent hyper pigmentation.

Pomegranate juice aids in the smooth functioning of the stomach, heart and liver. It is a good appetizer and can control thirst.

It prevents anemia caused by the deficiency of red blood cells in the body as it contains a good amount of iron. Pomegranate seed extract supplies iron to blood and thus, help to decrease the anemic symptoms including fatigue  and hear loss.

Soothes the stomach, and has  a vital role in the secretion of enzymes which aids proper digestion.
Prevents breast cancer in women.

Diabetics can have this juice as it does not elevate the blood sugar level as other fruit juices do.
Reduces dental plaque.

Pomegranate seed extract prevents Alzheimer’s disease .

Prevents PMS depression in women .

Pomegranate juice used as eyedrops prevents the development of cataracts.

Decoction made by boiling pomegranate peels are used  for gargling in case of sore throat and tonsillitis.

Roasted and powdered pomegranate skin can be mixed with  lime juice and applied  for soothing pimples, and for removing  black heads.

Good to prevent nausea and vomiting.

The flower juice, rind and tree bark aid in stopping nose and gum bleeds.

Boiling the tree root will help  kill worms and parasites.

Roast the peel  until it is dark brown and brittle. Crush into powder and mix with a little coconut oil apply over the anus to prevent anal itching .

Water boiled with pomegranate leaves strengthens the receding gums.

Mix the powder above with pepper to prevent dental decay.

Prevents morbid obesity.

Pomegranate juice increases memory power .

It is recommended that the pomegranate be consumed with along its seeds. Punicic acid is an omega-5 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid found in pomegranate seed which has cancer preventive actions.