Last Updated: 19 September 2022
Figure 1. The Pomegranate fruit.
The Pomegranate plant or Punica granatum is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub in the family Lythraceae. Pomegranates are widely cultivated throughout the Middle East and Caucasus region, north and tropical Africa, Iran, Armenia, the Indian subcontinent, Central Asia, the drier parts of Southeast Asia, and the Mediterranean Basin.
Pomegranate fruits are typically in season in the Northern Hemisphere from October to February and in the Southern Hemisphere from March to May. Pomegranates are used in baking, cooking, juice blends, meal garnishes, smoothies, and alcoholic beverages, such as cocktails and wine.
Pomegranate is a nutritious food source, particularly for its dietary fiber content which is wholly contained in its edible seeds. Per 100g of Pomegranate provides:
Pomegranate is used as a dietary supplement for its polyphenolic compounds (i.e. Polyphenols). Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants (i.e. ellagitannins) and anti-inflammatory compounds (e.g. punicalagins), which may help prevent various chronic diseases in the human body such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Pomegranate is also promoted to help with kidney stones, brain health (e.g. Alzheimer's), digestive health, rheumatoid arthritis, blood pressure, endurance and sports performance, diabetes, and wound healing. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence presently to conclusively support the efficacy of Pomegranate in these applications.
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* Please be advised: always seek medical consultation if you require medical help or attention. The contents of this Codex are for educational purposes and are not intended to offer personal medical advice.
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