The pomegranate tree belongs to the Lythraceae family and reaches a maximum height of 5 meters. The tree has green, leathery leaves, which are usually arranged in pairs of two. During the flowering season (usually in spring and summer), funnel-shaped red flowers with a diameter of about 3 cm form. The odorless flowers can be found individually at the branch ends. The fruit, pomegranates, is reddish-brown, covered by leathery skin, and contains numerous seeds surrounded by ruby red flesh. The seeds makeup only about 3 % of the weight of the fruit and contain up to 20 % oil.
Pomegranate seed oil is obtained by cold pressing the ripe seeds without heat, light, or oxygen to preserve the quality of the oil as well as its nutrients, enzymes, and vitamins. The obtained oil has a rather thin consistency. To produce 1 liter of pomegranate seed oil, more than 200 pounds of fresh pomegranate seeds are required.
This oil has a light yellow to golden yellow color and a nutty aroma. Due to the high content of phytoestrogens and its antioxidative effect, it is excellently suited for the care of stressed, dry, and aging skin. It supports the formation of new cells and increases the elasticity of the skin. Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, it is also used for skin diseases such as neurodermatitis and eczema as well as sunburn. The pomegranate seed oil also reduces wrinkles and tightens the skin and is therefore well suited for the care of mature skin. When used regularly, the skin will become more relaxed and pure.
Tip:
For a skin rejuvenating effect, the oil is mixed with argan, wild rose, and raspberry seed oil. The combination of the oil with evening primrose, almond, and coconut oil has an anti-inflammatory and caring effect.
Several studies have shown that taking pomegranate seed oil has many positive effects on our health. Pomegranate seed oil can increase the HDL – cholesterol (“good” cholesterol), which prevents heart diseases. In addition, pomegranate seed oil is a good source of antioxidants, which is said to lower triglyceride levels and thus reduce the risk of heart disease.
The high content of omega-5 fatty acids (punicic acid) in the oil is said to protect against breast cancer by preventing the growth and spread of cancer cells. Other studies have also shown that the oil helps in the treatment of prostate cancer or even arthrosis and joint problems.
The punicic acid contained in pomegranate seed oil, according to one study, inhibits lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, thus stopping inflammatory processes in the body.
When buying pommegranate seed oil you should make sure that the oil is made exclusively from the seeds of the plant Punica Granatum by cold pressing and does not contain any other additives. Solvents or additives should not be present under any circumstances. The oil can be used internally as a food supplement or externally as a cosmetic. It is also advisable to buy a fresh oil that will keep for at least 12 months.
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