Pomegranate

1. Pomegranate Wikipedia and other sources Prepared by Dr. A.S. Hashim

2. Pomegranate in earlier times Pomegranate has been mentioned in the Holy Quran several times. Also referred to in Jewish, Christian, Buddhist and other old writings

3. Pomegranate in the Quran (mentioned 3 times). فِيهِمَا فَاكِهَةٌ وَنَخْلٌ وَرُمَّانٌ {55: 68} فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ {55: 69} • In them will be Fruits, dates, and pomegranates: Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny? (Al-Rahman - 68-69).

4. The Jewish Symbolism of Pomegranate in the Bible • Jewish tradition teaches that the pomegranate is a symbol of righteousness because it is said to have 613 seeds, which corresponds with the 613 mitzvot, or commandments, of the Torah. • For this reason and others, it is customary to eat pomegranates on Rosh Hashanah. • Moreover, the pomegranate represents fruitfulness, knowledge, learning, and wisdom. • Exodus 28:33-34 states that images of pomegranates be woven into the hem of the me’il (“robe of ephod”), a robe worn by the Hebrew High Priest.

5. Christian Spiritual Meaning of Pomegranate (Deut. 8:8) • The signification of pomegranates, is the memory-knowledges of good. • There are memory-knowledges of good and memory-knowledges of truth; the former are signified by the pomegranates, and the latter by the flowers, with which the lampstand was encompassed and adorned. • That memory-knowledges of good are signified by pomegranates, is evident from other passages where these are mentioned; as in these passages:-- • A land of wheat and barley, and of the vine, and the fig-tree, and of the pomegranate (Deut. 8:8). • The seed is not yet in the barn, yea, even to the vine, and the fig-tree, and the pomegranate (Hag. 2:19).

6. In Symbol of British Medical Association British Medical Association

7. In Symbol of Royal College of Physicians Royal Collage of physicians

8. In Symbol of Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology Royal Collage of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

9. In Symbol of Royal College of Midwives Royal Collage of Midwives

10. Pomegranate Bark • The rind of the fruit and the bark of the pomegranate tree are used as a traditional remedy against diarrhea, dysentery, and intestinal parasites. • The seeds and juice are considered a tonic for the heart and throat, • and classified as having bitter-astringent taste plus a range of taste from sweet to sour, depending on ripeness. • Thus, pomegranate is considered a healthful counterbalance to a diet high in sweet-fatty components.

11. Origin Persia, up to the Himalayas, and the Mediterranean area.

13. Grown Nowadays • Iran • Iraq • Afghanistan • Pakistan • Bangladesh • India • China • Malaysia • Egypt • Arabia • Southern Europe

14. Introduced in America by the Spanish in 1769

15. Pomegranate tree: Description • A shrub or small tree growing 18 to 30 ft high, • It is extremely long-lived, with some specimens in France surviving for 200 years. • P. Granatum leaves are glossy, narrow oblong, • The flowers are bright red and 3 cm in diameter, with three to seven petals.

17. Description • P. granatum is grown for its fruit crop, and as ornamental trees and shrubs in parks and gardens • Mature specimens can develop sculptural twisted-bark, multiple trunks and a distinctive overall form.

18. The Holy Quran says: وهو الذي أنشأ جنّات معروشات وغير معروشات والنّخل والزّرع مختلفا أكله والزيتون والرمّان متشابها وغير متشابه It is He Who produces 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 loves not the wasters.

19. Pomegranates Seeds • Pomegranate seeds are high in fiber, • with a half cup containing 3.5 grams of fiber. • This is 9 percent of the daily recommended amount of fiber for men and 14 percent of the amount prescribed for women. • Fiber works to help food move through the digestive system, decreasing the risk of bowel problems. • It also helps people feel full, which is important in preventing overeating.

20. Pomegranates Seeds • Potassium, which is important to help keep the heart and muscles functioning properly, is one of the minerals that pomegranate seeds provide. • The seeds also contain iron, which helps circulate oxygen through the body and boosts the immune system. • Trace amounts of calcium, zinc and magnesium are also present in pomegranate seeds.

21. Pomegranates Seeds • Pomegranate seeds are a good source of vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting and bone health. • Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, is also present in pomegranate seeds. • The seeds found in one pomegranate also supply 40 to 50 percent of the daily recommended dose of vitamin C, which is important in boosting the immune system, aiding wound healing and promoting the absorption of iron.

22. In Folk Medicine • The juice of the pomegranate fruit, as well as extracts derived from its bark and roots, have been used in folk medicine for thousands of years, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. • Pomegranate is used in alternative and complementary medicine practices to treat heart problems, flu, erectile dysfunction, cancer, gum disease, diabetes and osteoarthritis, among other conditions, • but there is no scientific evidence to suggest that it has a definitive impact on these or any other medical condition, states Medline Plus.

23. Pomegranate Juice • Although many of the beneficial health claims associated with pomegranates have not been proven, the juice does have some potential for side effects in terms of drug interactions, according to Web MD. • Because some research shows that drinking pomegranate juice daily may lower systolic blood pressure in some people, it's important for individuals taking prescription medications, especially medications that lower blood pressure, to discuss their use of pomegranate with a physician.

24. Some studies • Early studies suggest that the progression of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is slowed by some of the chemicals inherent in pomegranate juice, but it is unknown if drinking pomegranate juice actually promotes this benefit in humans, as reported by Web MD. • A study of patients having ischemic coronary heart disease, in which an insufficient flow of blood reaches the heart, showed that those who consumed 8 ounces of pomegranate juice per day for three months exhibited a significant reduction in ischemia during stress tests as compared to those who did not consume pomegranate juice. • Additional studies from Israel found that pomegranate juice reduces the build-up of arterial plaque associated with low-density lipoproteins, or LDL cholesterol.

25. Other studies • Antioxidants such as those in pomegranates help to repair damage to DNA that can result in cancerous cells, according to Web MD. • Research from UCLA indicates that pomegranate juice seems to diminish cancer cell growth and reduce the occurrence of death from cancer in laboratory studies. • Some doctors recommend the addition of pomegranate juice to the diet to help combat prostate cancer.

26. The used parts of Pomegranate • The flower • The Juice • The seeds • The skin • The pulp • The roots

27. Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) • Energy346 kJ (83 kcal) • Carbohydrates18.7 g • Sugars13.67 g • Dietary fiber4 g • Fat1.17 g • Protein1.67 g • Vitamins:Thiamine (B1) (6%)0.067 mg • Riboflavin (B2)(4%)0.053 mg

28. Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) Continued • Niacin (B3)(2%)0.293 mg • Pantothenic acid (B5)(8%)0.377 mg • Vitamin B6(6%)0.075 mg • Folate (B9)(10%)38 μg • Choline(2%)7.6 mg • Vitamin C(12%)10.2 mg • Vitamin E(4%)0.6 mg • Vitamin K(16%)16.4 μg • Trace metals: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc

29. Stay Healthy Be in Allah’s Care Dr. A.S. Hashim