Pomegranates reduce fatigue and exert a protective effect which fights against free radicals that cause cancer. Diet and nutrition expert Hilal Acar, who works for the private Konya Farabi Hospital, says that one cup of pomegranate juice a day meets 25 percent of the body’s vitamin C daily requirement. Noting that pomegranates are rich in vitamins C, B1 and B2, as well as potassium, Acar explains: “Pomegranates work to strengthen the immune system as they contain antioxidants and flavonoids. In 100 grams of pomegranate, there are 259 milligrams of potassium, 63 calories, 8 milligrams of vitamin C and 0.003 milligrams of vitamin B2.”According to Acar, pomegranates help make viruses that cause the flu ineffective due to the antioxidants they contain. The effect of pomegranates surpasses those of green tea and oranges; they are in fact three times as effective. This fruit has also proven its preventative effect against infections caused by bacteria. One can simply consume pomegranates for vitamin C and antioxidants as a preventative measure against the flu instead of consuming vitamin capsules to stay healthy this winter. This method will allow one to use this fruit as a protective weapon against the flu.
Acar, who explained that despite the fact that pomegranate is a fruit that is difficult to consume, one needs to keep in mind its health benefits. “In addition to eating pomegranate as a fruit, we can also benefit from its juice. While squeezing its juice, it’s important that we include the beneficial parts located in its arils; this will work to increase its antioxidant effect. Pomegranate can add flavor to our desserts and sauces, and we can also simply use pomegranate vinegar [nar ekşisi] or sauce as a dressing for dessert, which will boost our immune system and give the dessert a delicious flavor.”
