The pomegranate is a native fruit of Persia or Middle East. Its name in Latin means “apple with many seeds.” The fruit, which is about the size of an apple, has a thin rind lined with a layer of white membrane which divides the fruit into several cells.

Each cell contains numerous seeds encased in a juicy pulp. The outer rind color is pink to deep red when the fruit is mature on the most popular varieties for eating. Because of its numerous seeds and its red color, the pomegranate has been linked with fertility since ancient times.

Claims of the pomegranate’s medicinal qualities have been touted for centuries, yet only recently have scientific studies been conducted on the potential health benefits of this peculiar and often unfamiliar fruit.

Nutritive Value of pomegranate

One medium apple-sized pomegranate (3- 3/8″ in diameter, 154 grams in weight) provides about 105 calories. It has 26 grams carbohydrate, is a good source of potassium (399 milligrams), and has some vitamin C (9 milligrams) and fiber (0.9 grams) as well as small amounts of several other vitamins and minerals.

Health benefits of pomegranate

Recent studies, though small, have shown the effects of pomegranate juice consumption as a potent antioxidant reducing heart disease and cancer risk. In fact, cardiovascular benefits were shown when study participants consumed only 2 ounces of pomegranate juice daily. Other studies have shown pomegranate juice helpful in protecting the skin from tumors. Pomegranates contain several polyphenols and anthocyanidins that are powerful free-radical scavengers, even more effective than those found in red wine and green tea.

Using supplements containing pomegranate extract

As one large pomegranate yields only 1/3 to ½ cup of juice, one will need to consume at least 3-4 pomegranates each day to drive maximum health benefits. This will obviously require a lot of time, effort and money. Therefore, many scientists and experts now recommend consuming all-natural, herbal supplements that contain pure Pomegranate extract in addition to other important nutrients and herbs. This is not only convenient for the user but also comes with full health benefits and also saves a lot of money.

Sexual & reproductive value of pomegranate

While pomegranates have much the same phytochemical qualities as cherries, blueberries, cranberries and other red or brightly colored fruit, one of the most wonderful benefits of pomegranate is its significant role in enhancing the male sexual performance, libido and reproductive capacity. Preliminary studies suggest that pomegranate juice may contain almost three times the total antioxidant ability compared with the same quantity of green tea or red wine. It also provides a substantial amount of potassium, is high in fiber, and contains vitamin C and niacin.

It is believed that the potent antioxidant content of pomegranate juice can impede the harmful action of the free radicals in circulatory function. Many researches pointed that pomegranate juice improves blood flow and decreases or even reverses arterial plaque development. By decreasing arterial plaque and enhancing blood vessel dilation, the pomegranate antioxidants favor erection. It should be remembered that about 10 % of the men worldwide and about 20 million just in US alone are affected by impotence.

An authentic research done at the University of Southern California in 2007 on ED (erectile dysfunction or impotence) patients showed that 47 % of the men reported that their erections improved significantly after consuming pomegranate juice.

Another very important study done at the University of California revealed that 53 adult males with libido problems who consumed pomegranate juice for 30 days noticed significant improvements in sexual function. It was found after this month-long study that about 50 % of the subjects found their sexual performances increased after consuming pomegranate juice.

In addition to its anti-oxidant and multi-vitamin properties, pomegranate also acts as a stimulant for the testosterone hormone, which controls the male’s sexual drive. Also, pomegranate is a good natural source of zinc for normal prostate functioning and normal sperm count.

All in all, due to its strong antioxidant properties, vitamin & mineral content and powerful ability to improve blood circulation, pomegranate has numerous health benefits in general and special sex / reproductive health benefits in particular. Since poor blood circulation is a common cause of erectile dysfunction, you may be able to treat this condition by introducing some all-natural herbal supplement containing pomegranate extract into your daily diet.