What is Grenada ?

 

The pomegranate (Punica granatum), the family Lythraceae is the edible fruit of the pomegranate. It is probably from Iran and reputed to have therapeutic properties.

The pomegranate is a shrub that likes the heat and fear the intense cold. He acclimatized well all around the Mediterranean, in the same climate zone as the olive.

Originally, the grenadine was fired grenades. Today, the pomegranate is no longer used in the composition of grenadine syrup manufacturer which is a mixture of red fruits.

The name pomegranate, also called pomegranate ("pomegranate" in English), comes from the Latin granatus which means "full of beans.

Description :

It's a big round bay, of variable size, hard rind and tough, red or yellow-tan, which contains in "boxes" demarcated by thick walls, many seed-salmon pink to red ruby .

In each seed, the seed is coated with a juicy flesh transparent refreshing, more or less sweet and acid according to varieties. Only the seeds are the edible part of pomegranate is about half the fruit.

With maturity, the skin darkens the grenade, thins and hardens in the extreme. The bark then constituting an effective protection for the pulp enclosed within walls of many tenuous. At the final stage of maturity, the grenade opens, it breaks early in the event of heavy rain. The best time to pick when the fruit is easily removed.

History

The pomegranate has been cultivated since at least 5000 years in western Asia and North Africa, she grew in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, it is called in Sanskrit where Darimba Rimon, Ruman Arabic, Portuguese Roma.

It is represented on some bas-reliefs of Karnak Temple (Egypt), the Byzantine mosaics at Qasr el-Libia Libya, a tree of life over two guinea fowl and a grenade represented on Assyrian sculptures. Ancient Egyptians prepared a drink with her light taste of raspberry.

The Greeks saw it as a symbol of fertility, she was dedicated to the goddess of the origins and beauty, Aphrodite, and Hera, goddess of marriage, the wife of Zeus, whose remarkable bronze statue holding a grenade in his hand is Museum of Piraeus. It was also one of the attributes of Dionysus. The first pomegranate is believed to have been planted by Aphrodite, and Hades, the god of the underworld. To have eaten six pomegranate seeds, Persephone will spend six to moix for the year with Hades in the Underworld and six months of the year with her mother, Demeter.

Hippocrates recommended the juice of the pomegranate against fever and as a tonic against the disease.

The Romans knew them from the Carthaginians hence its Latin name Punic apple (malum Punicum) and the scientific name of pomegranate Punica granatum attributed to cultivated by Linnaeus.

The Bible makes several references. We see in Exodus 39:24-26 it was used as a decoration on the robes of priests of the Hebrew people. Also, the grenade was used as decorations for the temple of Solomon, which was built by King Solomon in Jerusalem, about the year 950 AD-AV (see 1 Kings 7:18-42 and 2 Chronicles 3:16 to 4 : 13). Finally, there is comparison between the breasts of a woman and the fruit of the pomegranate (see The Song of Songs 4:3, 6:7 and 8:2).

It was introduced in Andalusia during the eighth century by Muslims from Morocco. The city of Granada, founded in the tenth century, owes its name - Granada, Spain, and the town of Elvira, which will be renamed * Granada in the eleventh century by Ibn Zawi Zira, first king of the Berber dynasty-Ziris (1012 -1090). The Prophet Muhammad SAW, thought that the grenade was chasing the envy and hatred.

The origin of the grenade: The ancient Persians also mentioned in the holy books (Torah, Bible and three times in the Holy Quran (2 times the pomegranate fruit Surah 6 verse 99 and verse 141 of the Surah and 1 Once the tree pomegranate Surah 55 verse 68).

Imam Ibn Al Qaim Rahimou reported Allah Ibn Abbas narrated Accordance Radii Allaho anhoma The Prophet SAW said: Each of your grenades is fertilized by a grain of pomegranate dune paradise. Eat pomegranates with their flesh because they purify the stomach. It is said at the end that he who eats three pomegranate flowers each year sees himself preserved from conjunctivitis for one year. In short, he lists several benefits of the pomegranate that modern science has confirmed more than 250 research scientists from around the world (see Book scientific account of pomegranate juice fermented in the books category of the shop. In recent years, more than 250 studies Scientists have found that pomegranate juice has potent effects on oxidative stress, cardiovascular disease, cancer and certain states.

The active ingredients are primarily responsible for polyphenols, including an exceptional concentration found in the grenade, and this in a single spectrum favoring molecules rarely found in other plants, such as punicalagine or delphinidin. Pomegranate polyphenols act against cellular aging, the process of chronic inflammation, cardiovascular disease, some states carcinogens. Interest pomegranate juice by the SFA (French Society of Antioxidants), antioxidant activity, anti-microbial action, cicratrisante etbull Action, Action on erectile dysfunction, anti-cancer action and contribution to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Neuroprotective actions. In addition it has an action on the problems of winter cooling and relieves pain in joints and muscles.

The grenade was also popular with travelers, sailors and nomads, protected from drying out because of its thick skin and tough, it could be transported long distances and over long. The juice was refreshing and nourishing much appreciated. We find its traces in ancient documents.

Many people have seen the pomegranate as a symbol of love, fertility and prosperity:

In Java, it is associated with certain rituals accompanying pregnancy.

According to William Shakespeare, the nightingale on a pomegranate warns Juliet that day is soon here and Romeo must go.

In China, the usual practice is to offer a hand grenade to newlyweds as a promise of a numerous progeny.

On the food

The fruit is dissected grain by grain, more easily under water. It is popular with children. The juice is used to make sorbets, drinks, grenadine syrup craft, he entered as an ingredient in cooked dishes.

When purchasing, choose grenades whose bark is dark, deep red to brown. Small grenades are usually dry and inedible. More fruit is heavier, the pulp is juicy. The skin should be smooth and shiny, free of brownings. They say the fruit is ripe when, tapping, it emits a metallic sound.

In the Lebanese cuisine, grenadine syrup, known as Rab er'remane is made from varieties of acid which gives it a sweet flavor and slightly tart.

This syrup is used in many savory dishes to give them a pleasant acidity, such, mtabba, grilled eggplant with sesame sauce, the baba ghannouj, roasted eggplant puree with garlic and lahm b'ajine, pizza with meat.

In the kitchen of Punjab in northern India, the seeds are dried as a spice used in vegetarian dishes, which they bring a sour taste.

Iranian cuisine provided him an important place. Pomegranate juice and pomegranate concentrate are common in Iran. Its focus is used in various dishes and especially the Fessenjan, a delicious dish (with rice) with duck, chopped walnuts and pomegranate concentrate.

In terms of health according to published scientific studies :

A pomegranate provides 40 % RDA of vitamin C. It is also an important source of folic acid and antioxidants (polyphenols). The polyphenols from pomegranate (punicalagines) are hydrolysable tannins.

Many manufacturers of dietary supplements use of pomegranate extract (unsweetened, 0 calories) instead of juice. These extracts are often of ellagic acid from the juice extraction process and not absorbed by the body. Other extracts are described as being 'punicosides', a neologism invented by clever marketing teams but unknown to the scientific world. Only the term punicalagine is a sign of quality.

The skin extract of pomegranate fruit contains powerful antioxidant polyphenols that appear to inhibit the development of atherosclerosis, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and influence on hypertension.

The grenade also reduces systolic blood pressure by inhibiting the enzyme conversion of serum angiotension (ACE).

Research suggests that pomegranate may also be effective against prostate cancer, and osteoarthritis.

The pomegranate is used in traditional medicine: it increases libido in fighting against erectile dysfunction, gargle, it treats persistent cough, it is effective for fever, diarrhea, colic and can also be used as an anthelmintic.

The fibers of the grenade, mostly insoluble, are irritating and so-cons given to people with diverticula.

Seeds pink grenade, we extract a drink, "Sambu. It is used in cycles of regeneration and cleansing from which, according to his assistants, would also help to lose excess weight.

For years, the pomegranate is used in various forms in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as colic and diarrhea. Even today, the scientific community shows great interest in this fruit, particularly because of its high content of antioxidant compounds. Thus, several researchers have studied the health effects of consumption of pomegranate juice that is extracted. This sheet covers the properties of edible parts of pomegranate fruit or its seeds and juice.

The active principles and properties of the pomegranate

Several epidemiological and prospective studies have shown that high consumption of fruits and vegetables decreased the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and other chronic diseases. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this protective effect, the presence of antioxidants in fruits and vegetables may play a role.

Antioxidants : Antioxidants are compounds that protect body cells from damage caused by free radicals. These are highly reactive molecules that are involved in the development of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and other diseases associated with aging. Based on the results of a study, the grenade is at the top of the list for its antioxidant content, including a quarantine of fruits analyzed. The main antioxidants found in pomegranate are flavonoids (especially anthocyanins), tannins and ellagic acid. Tannins give a bitter taste in pomegranate juice and white membranes surrounding the seeds, while anthocyanins give it its red color. The pomegranate, the fruit for its juice has a high antioxidant activity, higher than that of green tea and red wine. The tannins are the main compounds responsible for this high activity.

In a clinical study conducted among healthy men, daily consumption of 50 ml (about ¼ cup) pomegranate juice for two weeks showed a significant increase in total antioxidant activity plasma8, thus protecting the LDL-cholesterol ("bad") cholesterol against oxidation. However, as shown by the results of another study, this effect might not be directly attributed to the antioxidants (polyphenols) found in the juice, but some of its by-products formed by the microflora intestinale9. In this study, the volunteers ingested a liter of pomegranate juice daily for five days. The results have enabled to demonstrate that there was a large individual variation in the rate of absorption and metabolism of certain antioxidants in pomegranate juice.

Cardiovascular diseases. In several studies, regular consumption of pomegranate juice has proved beneficial in preventing certain risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Among others, a clinical study showed a decrease in atherosclerotic lesions in patients consuming daily 50 ml (1 / 4 cup) pomegranate juice for one year, compared to a placebo group. Similarly, the daily consumption of 240 ml (about 1 cup) pomegranate juice for three months by people who already suffer from coronary heart disease, improved blood flow in arteries, compared with consumption placebo. In diabetic patients with elevated blood lipids, daily consumption of 40 g (about 40 ml or 3 tablespoons) of pomegranate juice concentrate for eight weeks led to a decrease in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) blood. The study authors suggest that this beneficial effect could be observed only in people with high cholesterol, because the consumption of pomegranate juice had no effect on blood cholesterol levels of subjects santé8. The antioxidant activity of flavonoids from pomegranate juice may also protect blood lipids (eg cholesterol) against oxidation. Moreover, this protection would be higher when it is conferred by the antioxidants in pomegranate juice, compared to other beverages high in phenolic compounds such as blueberry juice or grapes or red wine. The results of these studies and other research conducted in animals indicate that the potential anti-atherogenic and antioxidant properties of pomegranate juice may help reduce the incidence of diseases cardiovasculaires15. Add to that a hypotensive effect observed following consumption of 50 ml (1 / 4 cup) pomegranate juice for two weeks, in patients with hypertension.

Anticarcinogenic. The results of in vitro studies, excerpts or pomegranate juice may retard the progression of certain cancers such as prostate cancer, colon cancer and breast cancer. Despite these promising results, there are still few clinical studies evaluating the effects of the grenade on the prevention or treatment of human cancer. Recently it was shown that daily consumption of 250 ml (1 cup) pomegranate juice (several months) in patients with prostate cancer significantly decreased the growth of cancer cells, in addition to increasing resistance to lipid oxidation. As this study has no control group, the results must be interpreted with caution. The antioxidants in pomegranate juice or his may be partly responsible for the observed effects on cancer, at least in the case of colon cancer. Moreover, the beneficial effect of pomegranate juice on cancer cells appears to be higher than that of antioxidants in isolation, demonstrating a synergistic effect between the different compounds of the grenade.

Neurological disorders. Two recent studies in animals suggest that pomegranate juice may have a neuroprotective effect. A first study reveals that drinking pomegranate juice during pregnancy in mice protects the fetal brain damage caused by a potential lack of oxygen at birth. Moreover, the same team of researchers has shown beneficial effects on behavior and neurological signs associated with Alzheimer's disease, following the consumption of pomegranate juice in mice (in quantity equivalent to 500 ml per day (2 cups) in humans). These very preliminary results must be validated in humans, and future studies will clarify the mechanisms of action involved.

More antioxidants in the juice ?

Although pomegranate seeds contain a high amount of antioxidants, the juice contains more. Indeed, in the fruit, the white membranes that surround the seeds contain large amounts of antioxidants. During the juicing, the fruit is pressed in full: the antioxidants present in the membranes and found in the juice. Hence an even more rich in antioxidants.

Most important nutrients

Copper. The pomegranate is a source of copper. As a constituent of many enzymes, copper is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin and collagen (protein used for structure and tissue repair) in the body. Several copper-containing enzymes also contribute to the body's defense against free radicals.

Vitamin C. The pomegranate is a source of vitamin C. The role of vitamin C in the body beyond its antioxidant properties. It also contributes to healthy bones, cartilage, teeth and gums. In addition, it protects against infections, promotes the absorption of iron from plants and accelerates healing.

Pantothenic acid. The pomegranate is a source of pantothenic acid. Also known as vitamin B5, pantothenic acid is part of a coenzyme key for the agency to properly use energy from ingested food. It also participates in several stages of manufacture of steroid hormones, neurotransmitters (messengers in the nerve impulses) and hemoglobin.

Vitamin B6. The pomegranate is a source of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6, also called pyridoxine, is part of coenzymes involved in the metabolism of protein and fatty acids and the production of neurotransmitters (messengers in the nerve impulse). It also works for the manufacture of red blood cells and allows them to carry more oxygen. Pyridoxine is also necessary for the conversion of glycogen into glucose and contributes to the smooth functioning of the immune system. Finally, this vitamin plays a role in the formation of certain components of nerve cells

Grenada (nutritional value per 100g)

Water : 79-80 % nitrogen content: 1.2% matte. hydrocarbon: 16% total ash: g fiber: 3 to 3.5 g energy: 52-60 kcal Protein: 1g Fat: 0.5g Carbohydrates: 13 g simple sugars g Minerals & trace elements potassium: 250 mg Phosphorus: 22 mg Calcium 11 mg Magnesium: 5 mg Sodium: 5 mg Iron: 1 mg Zinc 200 mcg Copper 100 mcg Manganese: 100 mcg Vitamin Vitamin C 20 mg Vitamin B1 30 mg Vitamin B2: B3 20 mg / PP / Niacin: 20 mg Vitamin B5 50 mg Vitamin B6 10 mcg Vitamin B9 Vitamin B12 mg: mg Vitamin A: 30 mg retinol: Vitamin E mg: mg Vitamin K: g saturated fatty acids: g mono-unsaturated: g polyunsaturated g Cholesterol: 0 mg

We are aware that as we age our tissues wear out and appear degenerative patholodies the low vision, blindness in the elderly due to macular degeneration, osteoarthritis, atherosclerosis, cancer .

These diseases are due to the accumulation of oxidative waste such as burning calories, exposure to sun or pollutants, activation of cells due to infections and free radicals. Inevitably unstable molecules corrosive and oxidizing molecules are released and affect our bodies and our cells all the molecules that make up such as proteins, DNA, genes, etc. ...

A chain reaction is triggered during which the structures of organic growing are damaged.

Additional Information : Source : SFA (French Society of Antioxidants).

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