The secret blessing of eating Pomegranate
By Muhammad Sajad Ali – Uk May 2009
The pomegranate has been mentioned in the Quran in three places:
It is HE Who sends down rain from the skies; with it WE produce vegetation of all kinds: from some WE produce green (crops), out of which WE produce grain, heaped up (at harvest); out of the date palm and its sheaths (or spathes) (come) clusters of dates hanging low and near: and (then there are) gardens of grapes, and olives, and pomegranates, each similar (in kind) yet different (in variety): when they begin to bear fruit, feast your eyes with the fruit and the ripeness thereof. Behold! in these things there are Signs for people who believe. (Al-Aníaam – 99)
It is HE Who produceth gardens, with trellises and without, and dates, and tilth with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in variety): eat of their fruit in their season, but render the dues that are proper on the day that the harvest is gathered. But waste not by excess: for ALLAH loveth not the wasters. (Al-Aníaam – 141)
In them will be Fruits, and dates, and pomegranates: Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? (Ar-Rahman – 68-69).
There are also hadith that mention the fruit:
Anas bin Malik (Radhiyallahu anhu) narrated that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “There is not a pomegranate which does not have a pip from one of the pomegranate of the Garden (of Jannah) in it.” (Abu Nu’aim)
Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “Pomegranate and its rind strengthen digestion(stomach).” (narrated Ali(radhiyallahu anhu), Abu Nuaim, Al-Jozi)
11 Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice
Several recent studies have shown significant potential health benefits from drinking pomegranate juice. Here are eleven:
1.Fights Breast Cancer
Studies in Israel show that pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. It may also prevent breast cancer cells from forming.
2.Lung Cancer Prevention
Studies in mice show that pomegranate juice may inhibit the development of lung cancer.
3.Slows Prostate Cancer
It slowed the growth of prostate cancer in mice.
4. Keeps PSA Levels Stable
In a study of 50 men who had undergone treatment for prostate cancer, 8 ounces of pomegranate juice per day kept PSA levels stable, reducing the need for further treatment such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy.
5. Protects the Neonatal Brain
Studies show that maternal consumption of pomegranate juice may protect the neonatal brain from damage after injury.
6. Prevention of Osteoarthritis
Several studies indicate that pomegranate juice may prevent cartilage deterioration.
7. Protects the Arteries
It prevents plaque from building up in the arteries and may reverse previous plaque buildup.
8. Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention
It may prevent and slow Alzheimer’s disease. In one study, mice bred to develop Alzheimer’s disease were given pomegranate juice. They accumulated significantly less amyloid plaque than control mice and they performed mental tasks better.
9. Lowers Cholesterol
It lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) and raises HDL (good cholesterol).
10. Lowers Blood Pressure
One study showed that drinking 1.7 ounces of pomegranate juice per day lowered systolic blood pressure by as much as 5 percent.
11. Dental Protection
Research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice may be a natural way to prevent dental plaque.
Other Health Benefits – Pomegranate
The Pomegranate has been touted as a superfruit due to its amazing health properties. This is because Pomegranates are rich in Potassium, folic acid, Vitamins (rich in Vitamin C) and Antioxidants called polyphenols (some studies suggest that they contain 3 times more antioxidants than red wine or green tea).
Antioxidants are chemical substances which help in the prevention of cellular damage (said to be a common pathway for cancer, heart problems, aging, and a variety of diseases) and are the main reason for the big obsession.
Much research has been done to show that Pomegranates may be able to reduce blood pressure, LDL cholesterol build up and even slow down prostate cancer.
There are Three references of the Pomegranate in the Qur’an under the name of Rumman (its Qur’anic name).
The references can be found in;
“We bring forth the green blade from, which we bring forth the thick clustered grain; and from the date palm, from the pollen thereof, spring pendant bunches; and (We bring forth) gardens of grapes, and the olive and the pomegranate, alike and unlike.”[Surah vi,Verse 99]
“He it is Who produceth gardens trellised and untrellised, and the date palm, and crops of divers flavor, and the olive and the pomegranate , like and unlike. “Surah vi,Verse 141]
“Wherein is fruit, the date palm and pomegranate .Which is it, of the favors of your Lord, that ye deny?” [Surah LV ,Verse 68]
There are also a number of hadith on the Pomegranate;
“There is not a pomegranate which does not have a pip from one of the pomegranate of the Garden(of Jannah) in it.”[Abu Nu’aim]
“Pomegranate and its rind strengthen digestion (stomach).”
[narrated Ali(radhiyallahu anhu), Abu Nuaim, Al-Jozi]
A pip of Jannah – Benefits of Pomegranate Juice
Some research has also evaluated the antioxidant nature of pomegranate juice and its usefulness in fighting certain forms of cancer.
Pomegranate juice has been tentatively shown to reduce incidence of breast and skin cancer. It has also been tested and shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer in mice.
Another interesting study has evaluated pomegranate juice and osteoarthritis. Pomegranate juice tends to act as an inhibitor on enzymes responsible for damaging cartilage.
These studies applied extract of pomegranate directly onto damaged cartilage. More research would have to examine a cause and effect relationship between oral ingestion of pomegranate juice and reduction in cartilage deterioration.
Courtesy: www.everymuslim.co.za
See also article on:Pomegranate
