Knowing what your food can do for you and your body is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a healthy diet. 

Let’s explore the nutritional properties of pomegranate and what they can do for your health!

Pomegranates are a sweet and unique fruit native to the Mediterranean. What makes them so unique is the way pomegranates bear their edible flesh. Their namesake is derived from latin roots (pomum meaning “apple” and granatum meaning “seeded”) and these palm sized fruits sport clusters of seeds covered in the flesh of the sweet fruit. Pomegranates have such a delicate and distinctive flavor that they have inspired everything from myths to dishes! They are often harvested in late fall and winter, making them a seasonal treat for the colder months in North America. 

These fruits are not only beautiful and delicious, but they also have a number of health benefits that may be perfect for your diet! 

Nutritional Properties of Pomegranates

Let’s take a look at these 5 health benefits packed into pomegranates!

Image by Priyanka Singh 

Cholesterol-Free

Pomegranates are a cholesterol-free fruit, making them a great heart-healthy snack for everyone!  

Cholesterol is not something that is terribly harmful to your body in most cases. In fact, cholesterol is essential for giving your body the tools it needs to make cell membranes and produce hormones and even Vitamin D! However, for those predisposed to heart disease or those that already suffer, high levels of cholesterol can be detrimental to health, so minimizing intake is incredibly important! In cases like this, pomegranates are a great food to incorporate into your diet! 

Image by Laura Beutner 

High in Fiber

Pomegranates are a fruit high in dietary fiber, which is great for regulating digestive health! In fact, according to the USDA, pomegranates on average have between 6-11 grams of fiber in a single fruit! That’s almost half of the daily recommended value! 

Fiber is a specific type of carbohydrate that passes through the body undigested and helps to regulate sugar levels and how well the digestive tract is functioning. Foods high in fiber are great for making sure your body is absorbing all of the good nutrients in the food you eat while also clearing out any unused or unnecessary materials!  

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Low in Sodium

Pomegranates possess less than 9 mg of sodium on average, making them a fruit with low sodium levels!  

Sodium is considered both an electrolyte and a mineral, but is a necessary nutrient for the body in moderation. Sodium is responsible for retaining water in your body’s cells and even in helping to promote healthy nerve and muscle function! However, if too much sodium finds its way into your body on a regular basis, it can lead to cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. To avoid these complications, it’s a good idea to keep a healthy balance of sodium rich and low-sodium foods, making pomegranate a perfect candidate for the latter category! 

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Gluten-Free

Like all fruits and vegetables, pomegranates are naturally gluten-free! 

Some people may think that the gluten-free diet is just a fad that became especially popular during the 2010s, but in reality, gluten has many reasons to be weary. Gluten is found in many foods containing grains, and most of the food that lines the shelves in countless stores and pantries. Although foods containing gluten are common, oftentimes filling, and enjoyed by many, there is a population of people that struggles to digest gluten properly. Those that struggle with conditions such as Celiac Disease, Irritable Bowel Disease, and other gut-related conditions often experience an immune reaction such as inflammation when gluten is ingested. In order to avoid this, many people limit their gluten intake or avoid it altogether! Pomegranate is a great-tasting choice when opting for a gluten-free snack! 

Image by Sara Cervara 

Low in Saturated Fat

The USDA estimates that pomegranates possess less than 4 grams of total fats, with little to none of that number being saturated fat.  

Saturated fats are fats that are often found in a solid form when at room temperature, like those that come from animal meat and tropical oils like coconut and palm. Higher levels of saturated fats in a diet are linked to a rise in “bad” cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease, so limiting saturated fat intake can be helpful for most people! Pomegranates are a great option for minimizing and managing the levels of saturated fats in your diet! 

Aside from the facts we’ve discussed about pomegranates, there are a number of other benefits associated with this unique fruit! Pomegranates are rich in nutrients such as Vitamin C and healthy carbs, and they promote healthy bone structure, strong cartilage formation, muscle retention, and healthy blood cells! Pomegranates are also a great option to reduce hunger throughout the day since they are rich in satiety-boosting fiber! All in all, pomegranates are pretty much a win at every turn, so why not incorporate more of them into your diet, especially as we head into the winter months when they are at their peak harvest time?

We hope you enjoy this article for 5 Reasons to Eat Pomegranate! If you tried incorporating these things into your regular routine, make sure to let us know! For more recipes, follow us on social media and make sure to check out our weekly blog posts where we share our new favorite recipes and must-know facts about food and living a healthy lifestyle! Check out the other meal options Mealfit provides such as our Weekly Specials, Individual Meals, and other Meals by the Pound.