Pomegranate has gained popularity recently, making an appearance in all the trendy spots, from health store juice blends to specialty cocktail infusions at upscale bars and restaurants. It’s also been touted as a new “superfood,” but it has been used for thousands of years by many cultures. There is truth behind all the hype—pomegranate is indeed a nutritional powerhouse. Laboratory tests reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center show that pomegranate has been proven to possess powerful antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Further, new research has shown that it may even help fight the effects of aging and promote healthy, younger-looking skin.
The Most Potent Antioxidant of all fruits.
According to the Academic Journal of Plant Sciences, pomegranate is the most potent antioxidant of all fruits. A glass of its juice contains more antioxidants than red wine or even green tea! It is commonly consumed as a whole fruit or in juice form but is also available in supplement extracts, jams, and jellies. While many people discard the seeds, they are edible and can be added to salads, yogurt, oatmeal, and desserts.
The strong antioxidant properties and health benefits of pomegranate trace back to its tannins known as punicalagins, (Punicalagins are large molecules (ellagitannins) found in Pomegranates and Pomegranate Juice. They themselves are very potent anti-oxidants, and they can be metabolized into other compounds (ellagic acid, urolithins) that themselves have anti-oxidant capabilities (although lesser) which are large polyphenol compounds.
These compounds are water-soluble, bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body. Further, while punicalagins offer strong antioxidant properties by themselves, the body further breaks them up into smaller polyphenols (Polyphenols are micronutrients that we get through certain plant-based foods). They're packed with antioxidants and potential health benefits. It's thought that polyphenols can improve or help treat digestion issues, weight management difficulties, diabetes, neurodegenerative disease, and cardiovascular diseases that are rapidly absorbed and metabolized, continuing to work again and again.
Exceptional benefits to the whole body
The rich antioxidants found within the phenolic compounds provide exceptional benefits to the whole body, but especially the skin, due to their ability to help protect against free radicals. According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pomegranate extract guards the skin from oxidative damage, while simultaneously increasing the levels of antioxidant molecules within the body. In turn, this helps to increase the body’s natural production of the antioxidant glutathione, which protects cells from free radical damage. This increased microcirculation and cell renewal helps prevent wrinkles and improve the appearance of the skin for a smoother texture. The Journal of Medicinal Plants Research further supports pomegranate’s beneficial free radical protective properties, noting the abundance of high polyphenolic content and antioxidant activities of its peel, flesh, seed, leaf and flower.
Repair free radical damage
Women’s Health detailed the beautifying benefits of pomegranate, citing its ability to promote cell regeneration and collagen production, supporting the skin’s integrity and improving skin elasticity. Pomegranate’s antioxidants further help the skin by working to repair free radical damage caused by environmental factors such as sun damage and air pollution, including hyperpigmentation and age spots. Pomegranate seed oil is especially nourishing for the skin, providing deep hydration.
At just over 200 calories for an entire fruit, pomegranate is a low-calorie addition to the diet that can-do wonders for the skin, as well as provide antioxidant benefits to the entire body. When choosing the whole fruit, most available at the store should already be ripe, and ought to feel heavy with firm skin. When choosing fruits, supplements or extracts, always choose Certified USDA Organic and get the highest quality available for purest potency.
We here at Private Label Skincare Florida add this powerhouse to many of our formulas. For more information on it’s use in formulations, please contact us and we will help you with formulating the best possible personal care products to help you grow your business and help your customers buy the best.