POMEGRANATE

 POMEGRANATE          [PUNICA GRANATUM ]              

Tam: Maadhulai Tel: Danimma   Mal:Maathulam    Kanna:Dhaalimbe     Hind: Anaar

Pomegranates are quite popular for their ‘pearl like ‘seeds in pink-red glossy vests, holding the juice of the fruit. Though widely popular, the general preference for reddish glossy pearls is a point in commercial prospect of these fruits; so, sellers split the fruit open and keep them in display to catch buyer attention. Several fruits have whitish pink pearls –not so appealing by looks. But, looks apart , either has the same value as health supplement /medicinal value.

In fact, if you recall the packing of seeds in a fruit, a number of whitish thin leathery partitions ramify through the partitions and these are not consumed by users.

In Armenia, the fruit symbolizes wealth, marriage prosperity, like wise Chinese consider the fruit as a symbol of fertility. Literature reveals that several civilisations have had similar but varying degrees of symbolism to these fruits.

Fresh pomegranates [100 grams] is said to provide  83 k cal. Energy, 18.7gm Carbohydrates, 13.67 gm Sugar , Dietary fibre-4 gm , Protein 1.67 gm and Fat 1.17gm and Water 78 gm

The most abundant phytochemical in Pomegranate is Polyphenol containing hydrolyzable Tannin called ELLIGATANNIN –a mixture of acids-Ellagic and Gallic ,blended with carbohydrates[Punicalagin]

Anthocyanin, delphinidin and related substances confer the pink color to the fruit juice. The tiny seeds of pomegranate have oil which is amixture of Punic acid [65%],Palmitic acid [5%] steric acid [2%] Linoleic acid [7%] and oleic acid [6%]

The juice of pomegranate is said to promote vascular flow in aging adults and is widely believed to be a ‘health toner’. The fruit enjoys patronage from young and old alike .