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Pomegranate is considered as the ‘Nature’s Power Fruit’. Pomegranate juice has refreshing health and medicinal properties and is being used since the ancient times. Pomegranate is full of nutrients and regarded as symbol of health and wellness. Pomegranate is one of the few fruits whose entire body parts like fruits, leaf, seeds, bark, stem and root.

Pomegranate fights cancer

In a recent study, it has been confirmed that pomegranate juice helps to destroy breast cancer cells. Regular taking of Pomegranate juice also lower the risk of prostate cancer. Pomegranate is rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, which act against free radicals and prevent from cancer causing free-radicals. It not only prevents from breast cancer and prostate cancer but also colon cancer and leukemia. Studies in mice show that pomegranate juice is beneficial in case of lung cancer too. Elagic acid in pomegranate is also a self destroying agent for cancer cells.

Pomegranate juice for heart disease

Natural pomegranates are full of anti-oxidants. These antioxidants prevent hardening of arteries. Pomegranate seeds checks sticking of blood platelets thus discourage formation of blood clots. In a new research, it has also been confirmed that taking pomegranate juice increases the level of oxygen in the heart. Pomegranate is described as miracle fruit and show many health and medicinal benefits due to the presence of flavonoids and polyhenols; these photo-chemicals help to reduce the risk of for coronary and heart disease, heart attack and strokes. Punicalagins, a chemical compounds found in pomegranates, is beneficial for heart and blood vessels. Pomegranate also makes blood thinner thus ensure proper blood circulation.

Pomegranate seeds  for skin cancer

The fibrous components of pomegranate come from seeds. The fresh seeds are delicious and acidic in nature. Pomegranate seeds are used with salads to enrich its taste and nutrients value. As far as beneficial aspects are concerned, both the juice and seeds are equally beneficial. A recent study has also concluded that pomegranate seeds stimulated the production of collagen that strengthens the skin. Some studies has shown when the extract of seeds are applied over skin, reduces the chances of skin cancer. It is one of the finest healing products that help to heal wound and manage infections.

For some people, these seeds may also cause diverticuli of the bowel which may lead to pain.

Diarrhea treatment by pomegranate

Pomegranate is a very useful fruit in treating of diarrhea and dysentery. The astringent property of its peel is very helpful in diseases like diarrhea, bleeding and dysentery. Pomegranate peel is also used in case of intestinal inflammation, piles and hemorrhoids.

Ingredients Use to Cure Diarrhea

• Pomegranate Peel: 1/2 cup
• Cumin Seeds: 1 tsp
• Buttermilk: 1/2 cup

First of all, the peel of pomegranate should be soaked in water for about 30-40 minutes. Now, mix all the ingredients and grind them well. Salt may also be added for taste. One can take 1/4 cup of this mix twice or thrice a day to get relief from Diarrhea and Dysentery.

Pomegranate Juice for arthritis treatment

For arthritis treatment and management, pomegranate can be taken as an important arthritis diet.  Studies have also shown that pomegranate juice helps to prevent the onset of cartilage deterioration thereby keep osteoarthritis at bay. Therefore, it is recommended that regular drinking of one glass of pomegranate juice or eating of one piece daily, greatly helps in cartilage protection.

Pomegranate treats alzheimer ’s disease

Pomegranate can play an important role in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. It enhances the body’s immune system thus acts against diseases like Alzheimer. In a recent study, pomegranate juice has been given to mice, it is reported that the mice experienced less amyloid plaque accumulation and performed brain function better. The presence of vitamin B, riboflavin, thiamine and niacin in pomegranate juice also slow down the degeneration of brain cells.

Pomegranate juice as pregnancy diet

During Pregnancy, the expectant mother requires more energy on daily basis. It is better to furnish these extra calories from pomegranate juice as this juice is pleasant, delicious and the juiciest along with adequate calories.  Pomegranate juice also contains many nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, iron, folic acid, folate and protein that are needed during pregnancy.  These nutrients also help for healthy development of babies.  A study published in “American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism” show that drinking of juice helps to reduce the risk of placenta injury. The high level of antioxidants also prevents placenta from free radicals. The phyto-chemical in pomegranate helps to lower blood pressure. The immunity is increased by vitamin C present in the juice.

Nutritional values of pomegranate (100 grams)

Nutritionally, pomegranate is one of the important fruits that are endowed with no fat, low sugar, satisfactorily calorie, fibre, vitamin and other minerals. In 100 grams of pomegranate, the nutritional facts are: Fat (0.3 gram), Fibre (0.6 gm), Sugar (16.57 gm), Carbohydrate (17.17 gm),  Energy (70 K cal), Niacin (0.3mg), Riboflavin (0.063 mg), Thiamine (0.03 mg), Protein (0.95 gm), Iron (0.3 mg), Calcium (3 mg), vitamin C (6.1 mg), Folate (6mg), Vitamin B6 (0.105 mg), Vitamin B5 (0.596 mg), Zinc (0.12 mg), Potassium (259 mg), Phosphorous (8 mg) and Magnesium (3 mg).

Dental care through pomegranate juice

If you are drinking pomegranate juice, it means you are protecting your teeth naturally from decaying. Pomegranate juice has anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects thus prevent from dental plaque. Bad breath (halitosis) can be prevented when powdered pomegranate peel is taken with water twice a day. Gum related diseases such as gum swollen; bleeding of gun are reduced after massaging gum from peel powered of pomegranate. Dental caries can also be prevented when peel pomegranate powdered is applied as toothpaste along with grinded black pepper.

The lily of the desert, the aloe vera plant, is a plant with topical and oral value. Both the gel and the juice are beneficial, but come from different parts of the plant and have specific and vastly different uses. Talk to a trusted health care adviser before using aloe vera as an oral or topical medicine.

Aloe vera is a plant that has been used historically in various traditional cultures for its health benefits, as well as its medicinal and skin care properties. However, the benefits of taking aloe vera internally have not been completely validated. Aloe leaves are made up of three layers, the innermost being a gel containing the plant's alleged beneficial properties. Today, the gel inside the aloe vera plant is used in skin care products, and it's also consumed in its raw natural form for its purported health benefits.

Lychee fruits (Litchi chinensis) have grown on tall, tropical, flowering evergreen trees in Southern China since ancient times. These sweet gems are part of the soapberry family, and were first mentioned in Chinese literature around 1060 AD. 

Lychee trees are thought of very highly in China, and many varieties of lychees are named after wealthy and influential Chinese families. Besides their sweet and pleasing flavor, lychees are known for their cooling effect on the body, and various nutritional benefits.

Starting around the 1600s, cultivation of lychees spread from China to Burma and India, and later to the West Indies. They were growing in English and French greenhouses starting sometime around the 1800s, and in the late 1800s, could be found in California, Florida and Hawaii.

Lychee trees can grow to be 100 feet tall, have smooth, gray bark and densely-spaced leaves. The fruits are small and oval shaped, about an inch long, and have a bumpy, leathery pink or red peel.

Inside the inedible peel is the white lychee fruit pulp, which is very sweet and has an aroma somewhat resembling roses. The texture of the fruit is akin to that of a peeled grape. There is a single brown seed inside each lychee fruit.

The seeds are generally inedible, but are ground and used in some medicinal preparations, such as an Indian concoction that uses it for digestive disturbances.

Health benefits

Lychees are rich in numerous antioxidant compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids and proanthocyanidins. One of the polyphenols that they contain is oligonol, which has been found to have antiviral properties, helps to improve circulation, protects the skin from UV rays, and can also be beneficial to weight loss. Another antioxidant compound found in lychee, litchitannin A2, also has antiviral properties.

Likely due to their unique antioxidant composition, lychees have been linked to inhibiting the growth of breast, colorectal and liver cancer cells. The anti-inflammatory properties and free radical-fighting activity of these antioxidants can also help to prevent against cancers, as well as an array of other chronic illnesses. Lychees are very high in vitamin C, another potent antioxidant which supports the immune system and is vital to healthy skin and hair.

These little tropical fruits have significant benefits when it comes to heart health. Two of the minerals found in good amounts in lychee fruit are potassium and copper. Potassium helps to balance out sodium levels in the body, and also regulates blood pressure and heart rate.

Copper is essential to the body’s manufacture of red blood cells. Lychees are also high in fiber, which helps to lower LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol, and maintains optimal digestive function. 

In Chinese medicine, lychees are sometimes used in remedies for abdominal pain, coughs, neuralgia and swollen glands. A tea made from the peels is sometimes prepared to alleviate diarrhea. In India, lychee bark, flowers and roots are all used in a gargle to relieve sore throats.

Note: Although the health benefits of lychees are vast, make sure to eat them in moderation, as they contain a high concentration of natural fructose.

Aloe vera juice benefits seem endless. After all, the Sanskrit name for aloe vera is kumari, which means ‘princess’, attesting to its ability to help you maintain youthful beauty and a healthy glow. Sounds good, right?

Sebastian Pole, co-founder of Pukka Herbs and an expert in herbalism, says: ‘Aloe vera is renowned as a ’heal-all’ that is good for many conditions, both internal and external.

‘It is a great rejuvenator and can help in some of life’s big transitions, from cleansing teenage skin to cooling menopausal hot flushes and soothing dryness.’

Here, Sebastian breaks down the benefits of aloe vera juice:

1. Detoxifying

Aloe vera juice is crammed full of amino acids, vitamins and minerals making it one of nature’s most effective cleansers. ‘It can help strengthen digestion and rid the body of any nasty waste, thus detoxifying the body naturally,’ says Sebastian. ‘Its main property is to be soothing, cooling and moistening which helps to clear inflammatory and irritating heat, such as in menopause, plus inflammatory skin and digestive problems, such as acne, rosacea and IBS.’

2. Supports the immune system

Aloe vera is packed full of immune-boosting polysaccharides which help the immune system to behave properly. ‘Too much inflammation in the body can cause problems within the immune system and can cause conditions like asthma, eczema and Crohn’s disease. Soothing herbs like aloe vera juice can slow the inflammatory cascade and help reorder the immune response to prevent these conditions.’

3. Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar

There is some evidence to suggest aloe vera lowers cholesterol and has a positive effect on blood sugar levels, meaning it can be useful for treating diabetes and obesity.

4. Excellent for digestion

It’s worth trying for anyone who suffers with digestion problems like IBS. Its healing and soothing properties can help with the painful symptoms.

Aloe Vera Juice Benefits

5. An easy way to boost your vitamin and mineral intake

Aloe vera juice is packed with vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and folic acid. It’s also rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium and potassium. Sounds pretty good, right?

6. Hair growth

Full of natural vitamins and enzymes that can directly promote healthy hair.

7. Good for burns, acne and hydrating skin

When used topically aloe vera can soothe inflamed skin and enhance collagen and hyaluronic acid to help rejuvenate skin.