Inside a Pomegranate: Anatomy, Health Benefits, and Sprouting Seeds

Anatomy of the Pomegranate Fruit

The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is an ancient fruit that has long been revered for its flavor, symbolic meaning, and health benefits. This round red fruit approximately the size of an apple has a tough leathery skin that encloses hundreds of edible ruby-colored seeds called arils.

When you cut open a pomegranate, the interior is comprised of many small, juicy seed pods separated by thin white membranes. The arils contain the sweet tasty juice and fiber-rich seed. Surrounding the arils are bitter membrane walls that are not edible.

Pericarp

The pericarp is the thick outer skin or rind of the pomegranate fruit. It ranges in color from yellow to deep red, with some cultivars featuring variegated striped skin. The leathery pericarp protects the delicate arils inside the fruit.

Mesocarp

Inside the pericarp is the mesocarp, which is the bitter, cream-colored, spongy tissue that separates the outer rind from the edible inner arils. The mesocarp is comprised of membrane walls that create compartments keeping the juicy red arils intact inside the pomegranate.

Arils

The arils are the seed pods containing the juicy red edible portion of the pomegranate. They are formed during the fruit’s development when seeds and juice sacs fuse together. The result is ruby red gem-like pods filled with sweet, tart juice surrounding a crunchy seed.

Pomegranate arils provide beneficial plant compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and anthocyanins that give them antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The arils also contain fiber, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, potassium, and other minerals.

Inside a Pomegranate Aril

When you bite into a pomegranate aril, you taste the sweet-tart juice surrounding a crunchy seed. The edible seed is high in fiber that adds texture when eating pomegranates. Inside each tiny white seed lies the possibility to sprout new pomegranate trees.

Pomegranate Seed Structure

The seeds inside pomegranate arils contain three main structures:

• Outer coat - Protects the inner structures
• Starchy endosperm - Food supply for the embryo
• Embryo - The baby plant that can develop into a new tree

The seed coat provides a protective covering for the stored food contained inside. The endosperm tissue converts nutrients into starchy food reserves to feed the embryo. The embryo is made up of basic structures that form the essential parts needed to germinate into a new pomegranate plant.

Sprouting Pomegranate Seeds

You can sprout pomegranate seeds to grow new miniature trees. After eating the arils, reserve some of the plumpest seeds for planting. Here is a simple process:

1. Allow seeds to dry thoroughly for a few days.
2. Gently peel off and discard the outer seed coating.
3. Place peeled seeds between damp paper towels and store in a plastic bag out of direct sunlight.
4. Check seeds daily and keep towels moist.
5. In one to four weeks the embryo root emerges and a stem sprout begins to form.
6. Plant sprouted seeds in pots filled with well-draining potting soil.

With proper care and time, miniature pomegranate trees will grow decorating your home with attractive foliage and bright orange flowers that develop into ornamental fruit.

The Many Health Benefits Found Inside Pomegranates

Cutting open a pomegranate reveals why it has long been a symbol of health and fertility. The vibrant ruby red arils have been used medicinally for thousands of years. Science now confirms potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties from compounds found inside pomegranates offer a variety of evidence-based health benefits.

Antioxidant Power

Pomegranates contain very high levels of antioxidants compared to other fruits and vegetables. These antioxidants include flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, and polyphenols that combat inflammation and protect your body’s cells from damage by free radicals.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation contributes to many diseases including heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. The potent anti-inflammatory activity of compounds found inside pomegranate arils helps lower inflammation in the body.

Fights Cancer

Added protection from pomegranates against damage from oxidative stress and inflammation may help prevent cancer cells from growing. Early research also indicates pomegranate extracts can inhibit angiogenesis, a process tumors use to form new blood vessels which fuels cancer growth.

Boosts Heart Health

Pomegranates promote heart health in a number of ways. The antioxidants help prevent arteries from becoming clogged by fighting LDL cholesterol oxidation. They may also help lower systolic blood pressure. Flavonoids found in pomegranates improve blood flow decreasing plaque in arteries.

Protects from Viruses

Extracts from pomegranate arils have been shown to block viruses from attaching to cells. Compounds inside slow down replication of some flu viruses. Early studies found this may enhance a vaccine’s virus-blocking effects making it more effective.

Wards Off Neurodegenerative Diseases

Oxidative damage plays a major role in memory loss and the onset of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Powerful antioxidants found inside pomegranates protect the brain delaying mental decline by preventing free radical particles from damaging neuron cells.

Taste and Health Packed Inside Every Red Aril

Cutting open a pomegranate reveals why it has long been a symbol of fertility, good health and prosperous future full of promise. The ruby red arils pop when bitten into, releasing a rush of sweet-tart juice. Compounds inside offer a variety of evidence-based health benefits from anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties to protecting your heart, brain, immune system and more. The whole fruit bursts with vibrant life, truly providing natural wellness from the inside out.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.