Vedas, a historic Hindu philosophy text thinks of pomegranate as a symbol of fertility and prosperity. In Chinese, pomegranate symbolism; the bright red skin, and tasty seeds are viewed as an indicator of passion, abundance happiness, and fertility.
Pomegranate is also referred to as ‘Nature’s Power Fruit.' The name is derived from the fruit's ability to maintain and enhance the body’s optimal health when consumed correctly.
Pomegranates seeds are not only delicious but versatile. In particular pomegranate seed oil yields benefits to the skin, hair, and general body health. Does this answer it all? No, we understand that there are lots of questions, myths, and misconceptions on pomegranate and this post will answer them all.
Table of Contents
- What is Pomegranate Seed Oil?
- How is Pomegranate Seed Oil Extracted?
- How to Cut and Remove the Seeds
- Benefits of Pomegranate Seed Oil
- Benefits of Pomegranate Seed Oil to the Skin
- Anti-aging Properties
- Fighting Acne and Pimples
- Natural Exfoliator
- Protects the Skin Against Sunburns
- Soothes Dry and Cracked Skin
- For Smooth, Soft and Luscious Pink Lips
- Health Benefits of Pomegranate Seed Oil
- Possible Side Effects of Consuming Pomegranate Seed Oil
- Recommended Ways to add Pomegranate to your Diet
- Common FAQs
What is Pomegranate Seed Oil?
The term pomegranate is delivered from a French name, pomme garnete. Pomme standing for apple and garnete meaning seeds. It is therefore logical to say that pomegranate is a seed apple!
As we all know by now, pomegranate is an edible fruit. Pomegranate is bright red in color when ripe with juicy succulent jewel-like seeds. The seeds are appealing to the eye and never disappoint when put in the mouth.
The pomegranate tree has a unique scientific name, Punica granatum. The tree was natively grown in the Mediterranean (Iran and the Himalayas) and its origin traces back to 4000 B.C.E. Since then the tree with the ‘Fruit of Life’ has now flourished in Africa, Southern Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and some parts of USA.
Punica granatum grows as a shrub with its lancet-shaped leaves making the tree perfectly adapt to warm climates. On average, a pomegranate tree will grow to heights of up to 4 meters. One pomegranate contains 200-400 seeds. It takes close to 80 pomegranates to make a kilogram of pomegranate seeds and 7 kilograms of seeds to make a kilogram of pomegranate seed oil.
In 1600 B.C. pomegranate was painted in tombs and walls of the ancient Egyptians as a symbol of life after death. In ancient Greek, the pomegranate was a mythical symbol of power & dominance and love & fertility.
How is Pomegranate Seed Oil Extracted?
Pomegranate oil is making a name for itself in the modern world for its numerous health and skin benefits however, very few people know the basics of how pomegranate seed oil is extracted. Most people only know the final product in the market and never see the need to know how the oil is made. Well, this won't be the case anymore if you are reading this post.
To begin with, pomegranate oil is extracted from the seeds of the pomegranate fruit. Not just any fruit but ripe pomegranate fruit. Pomegranate fruits have hundreds of seeds that when ripe are covered a filled with a sweet, bright red juice enclosed in a membrane. The number of seeds in each pomegranate differs according to size.
Pomegranate seed oil is extracted through a cold-pressing process. Extraction by this process is necessary to maintain the overall quality of the oil since it preserves the enzymes, vitamins, and nutrients.
Before undergoing the final refinement, the extracted oil is water light with a consistent pale or golden yellow color.
More often than not, well unless you plan on starting a manufacturing company, you will never have to extract the oil yourself. On the brighter side, it never hurts to add a little knowledge and satisfy the ever-demanding curiosity.
How to Cut and Remove the Seeds
Cutting and separating seeds from a pomegranate is not as easy as it sounds. It is quite challenging but with the right skill, you will always find it easy. How do you go about it?
Using a Spoon
- Cut the pomegranate in half around the middle not fully separating them.
- With the seeds facing down hold the fruit in a clean container.
- Using a spoon (you can use the regular metallic spoon but a wooden spoon is highly recommended) hit the back of the pomegranate so that the seeds start to fall off.
- Do this repeatedly until all the seeds have fallen off to the clean bowl
- To separate the seed from the pith covering it, add water.
- The seeds will skin and the pith will float.
- Remove the pith and you will have extracted pomegranate seeds.
Using a Knife?
- Using a sharp paring knife, remove the top bud of the pomegranate often referred to as the flower.
- Make 6 evenly spaced cuts on the skin of the fruit along the ridges from top to bottom.
- Don't do too deep with the cuts to avoid piercing the fruits.
- Peel of the cuts
- Separate the skin free pomegranate along the ridges
- Take each piece and manually remove the seeds using your hands to a clean bowl.
- Alternatively, after peeling the cuts hold the pomegranate with seeds facing down then hit the back with a light object i.es serving spoon.
Benefits of Pomegranate Seed Oil
It all had to come down to this; the health benefits of pomegranate seed oil. The pomegranate seed oil has diverse uses and so are its benefits. The benefits cut across different niches with skin and health being the major.
1. Benefits of Pomegranate Seed Oil to the Skin
The skin is the largest organ in our body. Taking care of the skin is done not as a luxury but as a necessity. We all want smooth, healthy, and glowing skin that is free of pimples and wrinkles. Truth be told taking care of the skin, at times is obvious as it sounds,
We judge people by their looks. The skin plays a major role when forming a perception of someone. Choosing the best oil for your skin is the basic first step to getting admirable healthy and glowing skin.
Pomegranate seed oil properties and skin nourishing nutrients make it a top pick skincare product.
what skin types is the oil suitable for?
Pomegranate seed oil is suitable for all skin types (dry, oily, sensitive, and normal) and can be used by people of all ages. The oil is suitable for both oily and dry skin which is a rare property in the cosmetic world. In most instances, you will only get a product that is suitable for a specific skin type.
Pomegranate seed oil deeply hydrates the skin locking moisture making it ideal for people with dry skin.
Most people with oily skin prefer not to apply any oil to their skin. This is in an attempt to reduce the chances of clogging the poles. How is pomegranate seed oil suitable for oily skin?
Pomegranate seed oil rather than sitting on the surface of the skin, penetrates deep reducing any chance of clogging the poles. It is this property that makes it ideal for people with oily skin.
What are the benefits of using pomegranate oil on your skin?
i. Anti-aging Property
‘Forever young, I want to be forever young’.
It is for a fact that none of us wants to get old but aging is invertible. As we age so does the skin. Wrinkles and sagging skin comes naturally as we age. Is there something that we can do to slow down skin aging?
Pomegranate seed oil is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and an excellent moisturizer, properties that make it a viable ingredient in making anti-aging products.
Pomegranate oil is also rich in vitamin A and C active compounds that help fight the effects of free radicals on the skin inhibiting the formation of lines and wrinkles.
The oil also helps increase the lifetime of fibroblasts a compound in the skin that helps in the formation of collagen and elastin. A decrease in collagen makes the skin lose its firmness.
Pomegranate seed oil boosts the levels of collagen in the skin ensuring that it stays firm, energetic, and free of lines & wrinkles.
ii. Fighting Acne and Pimples
No one wants a face full of dents. Pimples make the face look ragged losing its natural beauty and glow. As if that is not annoying enough, most sort out remedies never work!
Hormonal imbalance and clogged poles are the root cause of acne and pimples. Oil extracted from pomegranate seeds is rich in ascorbic acid that helps regulate the amounts of sebum secreted by the body.
What is sebum? This is an oil-like substance produced by sebaceous glands in the skin to keep it moist and form a protective coat. Sebum in the right quantity is essential to the skin but too much of it will clog the poles. Clogged poles will lead to pimples.
The anti-inflammatory property of pomegranate oil helps to reduce the swelling of the pimples. Which at times can be too much and annoying.
The antimicrobial and antiseptic property in the oil helps fight bacteria and fungus that might lead to the development of acne of the skin.
iii. Natural Exfoliator
Our body sheds dead skin most of which fall off even without us knowing. However, some dead skin remains on the skin surface. How is it removed?
Regular exfoliation helps get rid of dead skin cells on the skin surface. Pomegranate seed oil mixed with other ingredients makes an excellent body exfoliator suitable for all skin types.
Gone are the days where beauty used to be a feminine thing. In recent years, men too have embraced beauty and fashion and the results are evident for everyone to see. Men never cared too much about how they look, some even never applied oil on their face. Well, in the 21st century they do.
Exfoliation is both for men and women. Does this dent the masculine nature and perception in men? Only time will tell but we can all appreciate the fact that men who exfoliate their skin regularly are generally more attractive, all credit to their glowing skin.
iv. Protects the Skin Against Sunburns
Sunscreens with pomegranate oil as the major ingredient are found to be 20% more effective. The sun is essential to the skin but too much of it will lead to sunburns especially on low melanin skins.
Pomegranate oil has high amounts of allelic acid an active compound that when applied on the skin helps relieve sunburns, prevents skin cancer, and heals the damaging effects of the sun. In large quantities, the compound has also been found to prevent the development of skin tumors.
v. Soothes Dry and Cracked Skin
One of the simple ways to ensure that your skin stays hydrated is by drinking plenty of water. More often than not the results are not immediate.
If you suffer from dry and cracked skin that is at times irritating, pomegranate oil might be the solution you seek.
The pomegranate seed oil has a small molecular structure that allows the oil to penetrate deep into the skin layers. The omega 5 fatty acid in the oil seals the moisture into the skin. When applied on dry skin it not only hydrates it but also soothes the irritation restoring the skin to its natural glow.
vi. For smooth, sweet, and luscious pink lips
Research has shown that most people will consider ragged, dry, and dark lips as a deal-breaker when choosing their partners. Soft, sweet, and luscious pink lips are irresistible.
Pomegranate oil is used as a key ingredient in making lip care products. The products are worth trying.
Can consuming edible pomegranate oil benefit your skin?
There is a saying that goes, 'what you eat will reflect on your skin sooner than later'. Does consuming pomegranate oil have a direct impact on your skin?
Pomegranate oil is a rich antioxidant that when consumed will have significant health benefits to your body including the skin. However, it might take a while before the results start reflecting on the skin.
For effective and fast results apply the oil directly to your skin.
2. Benefits of Pomegranate Seed Oil to Our Health
Leaving a healthy lifestyle should always be a priority. Pomegranate oil when consumed has significant health benefits to our bodies.
When we are healthy we can carry out our day to day functions smoothly. The following are proven health benefits for consuming pomegranate seed oil.
i. Boosts the Body's Immune
At some point in our lives, we have contracted a disease. Be it a simple cough or fever or something more serious like malaria or typhoid. When we are sick our body gets weak and this affects our day-to-day routine.
A strong immune in the body is essential to fight off diseases. Pomegranate seed oil is rich in vitamin C, omega 5 fatty acids, and potassium. All of which work together to helps the body develop a strong immune system.
ii. Smooth Digestion and Prevents Constipation
As much as we would like to ignore it, constipation is a major problem for most of us.
Pomegranate is rich in fiber. This helps add bulk to the food we consume for smooth bowel movements. Taking pomegranate oil helps cure digestive system complications and prevents constipation.
iii. Treats Erectile Dysfunction
Men are always insecure when it comes to size matters, duration… Erectile dysfunction is a nightmare to every sane man.
There are lots of factors that can lead to erectile dysfunction. The major one being: the impaired flow of blood to body tissues.
Pomegranate oil helps increase the formation of sperms and improves the flow of blood to body tissues including the penis.
iv. Fights Breast Cancer and Prostate Cancer
Prostate and breast cancer are the most common cancer types in men and women. Laboratory tests have proven pomegranate seed oil extracts to slow down the reproduction of breast and prostate cancer cells in both men and women.
Tests on rats suggest pomegranate oil in large quantities has the possibility to induce the death of these cancer cells. However, further tests on humans are needed to verify if the same is true in human beings.
v. Fights Arthrities
Arthritis is a major health issue characterized by joint pains and swelling.
When consumed by arthritis patients, pomegranate seed oil helps relieve pain and reduce joint swelling. Some studies suggest that pomegranate can inhibit the formation of enzymes that damage joints in osteoarthritis patients.
vi. Improves Cognitive Memory
A study in Israel found pomegranate oil when consumed as a supplement to improve cognition in sclerosis patients. This is possible given the fact that non-engineered pomegranate seed oil extracts are rich in polyphenols that when administered to the cerebral have a significant permanent improvement in memory.
Possible Side Effects for Consuming Pomegranate Seed Oil
a. Allergic Reaction
Skin allergy is a possibility though rare. How do you know you are allergic to the oil? If you start having itchy skin, the skin may turn red, and in some cases skin swelling, you are most likely having an allergic reaction.
If you have super sensitive skin it is recommended that you apply oil on your inner arm as a test. If you don’t get any allergic reaction within 48 hours, its safe to apply the oil on your face and the rest of the body
b. Can React on Some Meds
Consuming edible pomegranate oil is considered safe. This however may not be the case for people on prescriptions. The oil might react negatively with some meds and especially low blood pressure prescriptions.
c. Not Suitable for Pregnant Women
Though there is no documented side effect of pomegranate oil on pregnant women should avoid consuming the oil especially on the first tri-semester of their pregnancy
Recommended Ways to Add Pomegranate to your Diet
- Can be added in fruit or green salads
- Raw fresh pomegranate seeds can be added to yogurt or oatmeal
- Eaten as a fruit
- Pomegranate seeds can be eaten with grilled or roasted meat as a salad
- Can be added in juices ad smoothies
It is however recommended that you only cut ripe pomegranates and to only eat the seeds, the pith though not harmful is somewhat bitter.
Common FAQs
- Does pomegranate oil help improve fertility? Yes. Pomegranate oil is rich in vitamins, minerals, and folate all of which aid in fertility and help treat erectile dysfunction in men.
- Is pomegranate oil good for acne? Pomegranate oil is an antimicrobial, a property that helps in fighting bacteria and fungus that may lead to the development of acne.
- Does pomegranate seed oil clog the poles? Pomegranate oil is non-comedogenic and` not likely to clog your poles.
- Who can use pomegranate seed oil? Pomegranate seed oil is suitable for all skin types.