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In Thailand you find them everywhere: pomegranate. This fruit has special properties, namely many health benefits.
Pomegranates in Thailand are a fascinating part of the local fruit culture. Thailand, known for its rich variety of tropical fruits, offers a unique environment for growing pomegranates. Known in Thai as “Tab Tim”, these fruits come in a number of varieties, each with its own unique taste and texture.
In Thailand, pomegranates are especially appreciated for their fresh, sweet and sour taste and are often eaten fresh or used in juices and smoothies. The juicy, ruby red seeds are not only a delight for the taste buds, but are also used in Thai dishes for a pop of color and flavor. For example, they can be added to salads or used as a garnish for various desserts and drinks.
Pomegranate cultivation in Thailand benefits from the tropical climate, allowing farmers to harvest almost all year round. This makes pomegranates relatively readily available in local markets and supermarkets.
In addition, there is also growing attention in Thailand for the health benefits of pomegranates. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, they are often associated with health and wellness in Thai culture. This is in line with the general trend in Thailand whereby people attach more and more importance to healthy food and natural products.
Health benefits
Pomegranate is known for its numerous health benefits, thanks to its richness in nutrients and antioxidants. Here are some important health benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants: Pomegranates contain powerful antioxidants such as punicalagins and anthocyanins, which help protect the body against free radicals and may contribute to the reduction of inflammation.
- Heart health: Studies have shown that pomegranate juice can help lower high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease. It can also help improve cholesterol profile by increasing good HDL cholesterol and decreasing bad LDL cholesterol.
- Cancer prevention: Some research suggests that pomegranate has anti-cancer properties, especially in the case of breast and prostate cancer. This is attributed to its antioxidant effect that helps fight cancer cells.
- Improving memory: There is some evidence that pomegranate may help improve memory, especially in the elderly, and may contribute to the prevention of Alzheimer's.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: The antioxidants in pomegranates can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can be beneficial for people with conditions such as arthritis.
- Digestive health: Pomegranates can also aid digestion and are useful in treating intestinal inflammation and other digestive problems.
- Improving athletic performance: Pomegranate juice can help improve oxygen flow to the muscles, which can improve performance and endurance.
- Skin health: Thanks to its antioxidants, pomegranate can contribute to healthy skin by reducing inflammation and sun damage.
- Antibacterial and antiviral properties: Pomegranates have antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can help fight certain infections.
- Menopausal support: Pomegranate may reduce the severity of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
It is important to remember that although pomegranates are healthy, they should be part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. If you have specific health problems or medication use, it is always advisable to ask a health professional for advice.
The information about the health benefits of pomegranate and related precautions comes from the following sources:
- “Composition and Potential Health Benefits of Pomegranate: A Review” from PubMed, which provides an overview of the chemical structure and potential health benefits of pomegranate, including antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, and antitumor effects.
- “The Health Benefits of Pomegranates” from Cleveland Clinic, which provides information on the antioxidant properties of pomegranates, their potential to inhibit prostate cancer, their role in reducing oxidative stressors, and their effect on cholesterol and heart health .
- “Just how healthy are pomegranates?” from the American Heart Association, which provides an assessment of pomegranates' effect on heart health, blood pressure, cholesterol, and possible drug interactions.
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Good for your heart and for women in menopause!
Did you know that red fruits such as pomegranates, cherries, raspberries and even beetroot are good for your heart? This is due to the anthocyanins, a type of coloring agent in these fruits and vegetables. These substances are very good for your blood vessels and your heart.
There was recently an interesting study on pomegranates in women going through menopause. After menopause, your body produces less estrogen, and that hormone normally protects your blood vessels. That is also one of the reasons why women are more likely to have heart problems after menopause. This research shows that pomegranates can really help. They reduce the unpleasant symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes. They also help lower follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and improve the 'good' cholesterol in your blood. But they have no effect on 'bad' cholesterol, your weight or your body mass index (BMI).
So, if you're looking for a natural way to keep your heart healthy, especially during and after menopause, pomegranate is a great choice!
This information is based on a 2023 scientific study conducted by Moeini, Shirafkan and Gorji.
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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
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It is good to remember that pomegranates also contain quite a bit of fructose (fruit sugar). Too much sugar, including from natural sources, can delay or even prevent weight loss.
The amount of fructose in a pomegranate is approximately 6.7 grams per 100 grams. To put this into perspective, we can look at the fructose content of other common fruits (per 100 grams):
Apple: 5.9 grams
Banana: 4.9 grams
Orange: 2.5 grams
Grape: 8.1 grams
Mango: 4.2 grams
Using the Z-score, a statistical measure that indicates how a value compares to the average of a group, we find that the fructose content in pomegranates is higher than the average of this selection of fruits. The Z-score of pomegranate is 0.73, which means it is slightly higher than the average fructose content in this fruit group.
So yes, pomegranate is relatively high in fructose, but it is not exceptionally high compared to some other fruits such as grapes.