Pomegranate in The Holy Quran

Pomegranate has incredible health benefits for your body. It has medicinal properties in treating and preventing a number of different diseases. The benefits of pomegranate begin from the peel and seeds where pomegranate seeds can be used and added to many dishes and salads or used as a light juice or concentrate.

Pomegranate is one of the blessed fruits mentioned in the Holy Quran, one of the most famous autumn fruits with a unique taste that has long been famous since ancient times. Pomegranate seeds can also be used to make pomegranate oil, which has various health benefits internally and externally.

Pomegranate was mentioned three times in the holy Quran and it’s one of the fruits of paradise “Therein will be fruits and date-palms and pomegranates”. (Quran Ar-Rahman: 68). In addition to the Quran, Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) says:

“Eat pomegranate with the skin, for it strengthens the stomach”.

Here are some of the major health benefits of pomegranate.

· Fights cancer

Studies have shown that pomegranate seeds have anti-cancerous and anti-tumor effects. Pomegranate extract and oil can stop the spread of breast cancer cells and triggers the death of these cells; this’s because pomegranate oil contains a polyunsaturated fatty acid called “Punicic acid”, which stops the spread of breast cancer cells. Studies have also shown that pomegranate juice extract stops the spread of prostate cancer cells and encourages the death of these cells.

· Improves heart health

Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants that improve heart health. A study has shown that pomegranate juice is great for hypertension (high blood pressure) patients. Daily consumption for two weeks lowered the patient’s blood pressure naturally by 12% and 30% decrease in atherosclerosis plaques (blocked arteries). Consuming 800mg of pomegranate seed oil daily for four weeks is effective in reducing the LDL “bad cholesterol” and triglycerides as a study has shown.

· Better digestion

Pomegranate juice reduces inflammations of the digestive system and improves digestion. It’s recommended for people with Irritable Bowel Diseases (IBD) like ulcerative colitis and chron’s disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and other digestive disorders.

· Relieves arthritis and joint pain

Since pomegranate is high in flavonols (antioxidants), it’s been shown to decrease the development of collagen-induced arthritis. Studies have also shown that pomegranate seed extract significantly decreased the severity of arthritis and joint inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Another study has shown that drinking pomegranate juice for six weeks decreased the breakdown of cartilage enzymes in osteoarthritis patients.

· Better memory

Pomegranate juice and extract are rich in polyphenols (antioxidants), which improve memory and cognitive function. A study reported an improvement in verbal and visual memory after consuming one cup of pomegranate juice every day. Pomegranate improves brain activity and memory function, which also makes it a natural treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

· Fights infections

Pomegranate contains anti-bacterial and anti-viral compounds that fight off infections. These compounds are Vitamin C, antioxidants, and Vitamin E, which boost the immune system and prevent illnesses. A study has shown that pomegranate activates probiotic bacteria (good gut bacteria), which improves their effect to fight off infections.

· Better exercise performance

Pomegranate juice contains the compound “nitrates”, which can enhance exercise performance and reduces muscle soreness, fatigue, and oxidative stress. A study showed that consuming 1g of pomegranate extract 30 minutes before exercise significantly improved blood flow, exercise performance, and decreased fatigue.

· Manages diabetes

Due to the anti-inflammatory properties and the antioxidants in pomegranate, it can be used as a remedy for type 2 diabetes patients. A 12-week study has shown that consuming one cup of pomegranate every day was effective in reducing “RCP”, which is an inflammatory marker by 32%.

Now that you’ve learned all about the different and surprising health benefits of pomegranate, try to include it in your diet in its different forms (juice, seeds, extract, peel, or oil). The holy Quran has mentioned the incredible benefits of pomegranate in three verses, indicating the importance of this paradise fruit in treating and preventing diseases. The holy Quran has mentioned many different foods and their health benefits, and amazingly today scientists are providing evidence to prove that these foods are extraordinarily healthy and therapeutic.

Sources:

Axe, J. (2019). Pomegranate Seeds: 7 Incredible Benefits - Dr. Axe.

Axe, J. (2019). Pomegranate Juice: The Healthiest Juice on the Planet? - Dr. Axe.

Healthline. (2019). 12 Health Benefits of Pomegranate.

Natalie Butler, L. (2019). 15 health benefits of pomegranate juice.

Darabinia, M. (2016). Medicinal properties of pomegranate in Quran and Islamic Traditions (Hadith). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND CULTURAL STUDIES ISSN 2356-5926.

Farhangi, H. (2014). Medicinal Fruits in Holy Quran. International Journal of Pediatrics, 2.

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