10 Cool Facts You Didn't Know About Pomegranates

Sweet and tart. Tangy and juicy. Delicious. 

That's the pleasure you get when you crack open a fresh pomegranate and suck on the deep red seeds of the luscious fruit. Or when you simply crack open a bottle of pure pomegranate juice and take a satisfying gulp.

Not only are pomegranates tasty, but they're also full of natural health benefits. After all, this fruit's rich ruby-red look comes from polyphenols, the potent antioxidants. Plus, both the fruit and its outer skin are rich in flavonoids (a compound with important health benefits). That's part of the reason pomegranates have recently generated a flurry of excitement in the scientific community.

Here's a look at some of the fascinating benefits of pomegranates discovered by researchers around the world:

1. They're anti-inflammatory.

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University discovered that eating pomegranates reduces the production of chemicals that cause inflammation. In other words, they could provide relief of chronic inflammatory conditions and have anti-aging effects.

2. They're good for the heart.

As we know, pomegranate juice is rich in polyphenols with high-antioxidant potential. Research from Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing notes that it's a heart-healthy fruit that can help reduce blood pressure.

3. They can assist with weight loss.

Chinese researchers found that a polyphenol in pomegranate might help reduce obesity caused by high-fat diets and protect against metabolic disorders.

4. They help protect your skin from damage.

The strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate might help protect skin against sun-induced damage, according to a study from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

5. They could improve sexual health.

Pomegranate juice has been shown to enhance blood flow. And a pilot study found that pure pomegranate juice could have beneficial effects on erectile dysfunction.

6. They protect the liver.

Chinese researchers found that polyphenols and flavonoids, the major antioxidant components harnessed from pomegranates, might protect people from liver damage.

7. They help fight infection.

Pomegranate has been recognized for its antimicrobial effects. For example, the dried powder of pomegranate peel has been shown to strongly inhibit candida and yeast.

8. They could help women in labor.

A study from the University of Liverpool discovered that pomegranate extract has the potential to be used to encourage the uterus to contract during labor, through a rise in calcium, which is necessary for any muscle to contract.

9. They protect against arthritis.

Pomegranate is used as a nutritional therapy in alternative medicine for inflammatory conditions like arthritis. U.S. scientists discovered that pomegranate could help reduce severe arthritis and joint inflammation and help keep your bones strong.

10. They help with brain health.

An international team of researchers led by the University of Huddersfield discovered that a natural polyphenol compound found in pomegranate can inhibit inflammation in specialized brain cells, to help prevent or slow down Alzheimer's development.

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-22647/10-cool-facts-you-didnt-know-about-pomegranates.html

Satsang--Weight Loss For Your Dosha with Manas

Weight Loss Made Easy

In Ayurveda there is an emphasis on determining the cause of your health need, and then offering treatments individually that include diet, daily routine and herbal formulas.

This is a safe, holistic way to lose weight that is better for your body than popular fad diets and quick cleanses.

There are three main doshas: Kapha, Pitta & Vata. Once you know your dosha you can then decide how to combat your weight problems.

Find Out Your Dosha

Vata

Vata types are normally thin and wiry, but can still struggle with weight gain.  Sometimes they can be thin their whole life, but suddenly gain weight because their metabolism has changed. They can be susceptible to stress and forget to eat regularly, which disrupts digestion.

Things you can do to counteract weight gain as a Vata is by reducing mental stress, nourishing the body with light, easily digestible food, eating at regular hours and practicing yoga and meditation.

Do NOT use stimulants or eat raw/cold foods and drinks.

Pitta

Pitta types usually have a strong and efficient digestion system which allows you to eat just about anything.  When this gets off balance even slightly, you can gain weight. It's very important to understand what's happening when you skip meals.  You need a steady supply of nourishment to stay in balance.

DO Drink lots of pure, room-temperature water throughout the day.

Do NOT eat sour, spicy or salty foods.

Delay eating when stressed, angry or frustrated. 

Kapha

Kapha's are comprised of earth and water elements and generally have a slower metabolism. Being skinny as a Kapha is not a healthy goal, as you are usually 5 to 10 pounds overweight no matter how little you eat. In order to actually lose weight you should balance your metabolism, increasing your ability to digest sugars and carbs.  Doing so will make you feel better, look healthier and allow you to lose that excess weight.

DO eat spicy, warm foods, drink honey and hot water.

Do NOT eat frozen or cold foods or iced drinks, fatty, salty, deep friend foods or alcohol.

Herbal Remedy

1 Part each: Triphala Powder, Turmeric Powder & Trikatu Powder
2 parts Raw Honey.

Take half a teaspoon of this paste with a
half cup warm water everyday before lunch.

Lemon Water With Himalayan Salt

Benefits of This Simple Morning Tonic

Routines play a big part in how we live our daily lives. We may like to do a few yoga poses, meditation, or a walk with your dog around the neighborhood in the mornings before getting started with the day. These routines are vital to our health and happiness.

One thing you can try to add to your daily routine is a quick and simple glass of warm lemon water with Himalayan salt. All you need is a small 10-ounce glass of this daily and you can see increased immune function, improved digestion and balance in your body. These benefits come from the Vitamin C in the lemon juice as well as the essential minerals contained in Himalayan salt.

Lemons fight inflammation and can help build and repair bone, tendons and ligaments. This is beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A daily glass of this drink may provide better overall mineral balance and proper food and water absorption allowing nutrients to get where they need to be.

Source: The Nutrition Watch Dog