Pomegranates is have been long hailed for its natural healing abilities. Packed with vitamins and nutrients, this ruby red, succulent fruit is good for so much more than just making delicious smoothies.
Antioxidants
Pomegranate seeds are a good source of dietary fiber. And pomegranate juice contains vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and iron. But the health benefits of this amazing fruit don’t stop there! Pomegranate juice also contains fairly high levels of polyphenol antioxidants, including tannins, anthocyanins, and elegiac acid.
These particular polyphenols are known to have powerful health benefits. Research has suggested that the health benefits of pomegranates may:
- reduce the risk of heart disease
- slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease
- contribute to healthy blood pressure
Pomegranates and Skin Cancer Prevention
The tannins found in pomegranate juice are a strong natural antioxidant that is believed to possess anti-tumor abilities. These antioxidants have also been shown to provide protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, making pomegranate fruit extract a good tool in skin cancer prevention.
Overexposure to harmful UV rays can cause damage to our skin cells, increasing the risk of developing skin cancer. The polyphenols found in pomegranate juice can help protect our cells from the oxidative damage commonly caused by overexposure to the sun. As an added bonus, the polyphenols can also help prevent wrinkles and age spots as well.
Ways to Integrate Pomegranate Into Your Skin Care Routine
- Exfoliate with ground pomegranate seeds. Ground pomegranate seeds make a great exfoliator for the skin. The ground seeds will release their abundance of nutrients onto your skin, leaving it beautiful and vibrant.
- Use as an astringent. A mixture of apple cider vinegar and pomegranate juice makes a great astringent and toner for your face. For best results use 2 parts apple cider vinegar to 1 part pomegranate juice.
- Make a hydrating facial mask. A pomegranate facial mask will leave your skin feeling smooth and looking radiant. To make your own at home simply mix the seeds from a ripe pomegranate with 6 tablespoons of natural plain vanilla yogurt in a blender until smooth. Apply to clean skin for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse off with warm water.
Adding pomegranate juice to your daily diet is a great way to beautify your skin from the inside out while contributing to your overall health and well-being.
If homemade skin care products are not your thing, there are also an abundance of commercial skin care products containing pomegranate extract available at a wide number of stores. Be sure to look for them the next time you are browsing the skin care aisle!