The pomegranate: a tree with history

The pomegranate tree, scientifically known as Punica granatum, is an Iranian tree whose fruit is the pomegranate. It is a small hardwood tree with a twisted trunk, greyish in colour, with bright green leaves and large red flowers. Between May and July, pomegranate trees are in full bloom, emitting a mild, sweet aroma.

Its fruit is the pomegranate, known as the fruit of beauty. It has numerous sweet-tasting segments with a hint of sourness. Because of the large amount of seeds it contains, the pomegranate is known as a symbol of fertility.

The pomegranate tree in ancient times

Throughout history, the pomegranate has been a highly admired and prized fruit:

• In Greek culture, the pomegranate was a symbol of life, regeneration and marriage. As well as being the subject of numerous myths, the Greeks associated the pomegranate with the goddess Aphrodite because it was an aphrodisiac fruit which was considered to be a gift offered by the goddess to her worshippers.
• According to the Zoroastrians, the followers of Zarathustra’s philosophy, the pomegranate made warriors invincible.
• For the Egyptians, this food was used in medicine and to obtain red dye.
• In the Middle Ages the pomegranate was associated with fertility.
• In the Al-Andalus culture it was used in art and architecture.
• In Eastern culture it is a symbol of fertility and abundance.
• In India it is used as a cure for infertility.
• For Christianity it is a symbol of resurrection and eternal life.
• For Islam it is one of the fruits of paradise, a symbol of fertility.
• For Jews it is a symbol of beauty and fertility.
• For Buddhists, the pomegranate protects against bad omens.

Healthy properties of the pomegranate

Throughout history, both the pomegranate tree and the pomegranate have been prized and mythologised for their health benefits, as they have numerous beneficial properties.

• We can benefit from the bark of the pomegranate tree; the bark of the root and stem is very rich in tannins, alkaloids and calcium oxalate. It has anthelmintic properties to combat parasites, especially useful for expelling tapeworms.

Also, the peel of the pomegranate is especially rich in tannins, making it an astringent, which is excellent for controlling diarrhoea. It also has healing and antiseptic properties so it is used to treat gingivitis and gum sores. It is also used to treat dermatitis and pruritus, as it helps to soothe itching.

• Pomegranate blossom has astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• The pomegranate is low in calories and has a low glycaemic index, which is why it is widely used in weight loss diets.

It is high in fibre and, conversely, in tannins with astringent properties, so eating too much of it can cause constipation.

It also contains large amounts of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc, vitamins A, C, E and folic acid, making it an excellent nutrient.

It is a diuretic fruit; it helps to flush out fluids and it is recommended for hypertension and high uric acid levels.

Its powerful antioxidant properties make it beneficial for the skin, which is why it is so widely used in cosmetics, as it helps to combat oxidative stress in cells and therefore ageing.

• Pomegranate juice contains fibre (although less than the pomegranate) and a high concentration of vitamin C (an antioxidant), which helps to keep tissues healthy and young.
• Pomegranate oil is extracted by pressing pomegranate seeds, which are oestrogenic, i.e. they help to treat menstrual disorders and pain.

This oil is very rich in fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate nerve and musculoskeletal pain.

It also nourishes and regenerates the skin (when applied topically), strengthening it and reducing irritation, dermatitis and itching.

• Pomegranate extract is rich in punicalagins, polyphenolic compounds with powerful antioxidant and anti-ageing properties:
  • It helps to treat damage caused by oxidative stress, promoting cell regeneration.
  • It protects you from the sun’s rays.
  • It prevents hyperpigmentation and the appearance of blemishes.
  • It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which tighten the skin and prevent wrinkles.
  • It increases hair density and thickness, strengthening it and preventing hair loss.
  • It also prevents functional and prostate disorders and is useful for treating erectile dysfunction.