Pomegranate is known for more than 2000 years and is mentioned in Greek and Egyptian mythologies. The pomegranate shrub/tree [Punica granatum] is native to north India and West Asia.
Now Pomegranate tree is cultivated in almost all parts of the world, except the cold regions.
To get good production of pomegranates, the plants must be planted with sufficient space in-between and should get good sunlight.
Periodically dead branches and twigs must be removed to promote growth.
pomegranate plant starts bearing fruits in the second year.

Pomegranate fruit is covered by a thick skin. The best way of Cutting open the pomegranate is to cut in a bowl of water. The seed casings[ arils ] sink to the bottom when separated from the internal membranes and peel, which float on the water.
The whole seed can be consumed raw and taste sour or sweet depending upon the variety and maturity. Pomegranate syrup and juice are prepared and consumed directly.
Pomegranate are widely used in culinary, in the preparation of various dishes all over the world.
High medicinal and nutritional values are attributed to pomegranate and its derivatives.

Nutrients
Pomegranate juice is rich in vitamins like vitamin C and B5 and minerals like potassium. Antioxidant polyphenols like tannins are abundant in pomegranate juice. Pomegranate also contains phytochemicals like beta-carotene and polyphenols like catechins.
Pomegranate seeds are rich in dietary fibre.

Heart ailments
Regular intake of pomegranate juice is believed to improve our blood circulation and also the circulation to the heart muscles.
Pomegranate juice is found to help in the reduction of bad cholesterol. Macrophage activity is stimulated by the pomegranate juice. Macrophages clear up the debris and foam cell deposit in the blood vessels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis.
Further pomegranate juice reduces the systolic blood pressure by interfering with the enzymes responsible for increasing the systolic blood pressure.

Cancer
The antioxidants, flavenoids and polyphenols neutralise the free radicals primarily responsible for cancer cell growth.
Pomegranate juice is shown to inhibit synthesis of estrogens and to help in the control of breast cancer cells.
Pomegranate juice inhibits the cancer of lung and prostate glands.

Pomegranate juice has anti bacterial activity against dental plaque and also inhibit viral infections.
As a mild astringent, Pomegranate juice is used to treat diarrhoea and other intestinal ailments to some extent.
Pomegranate can also aid in relief of osteoarthritis by slowing down the cartilage deterioration due to the presence of the antioxidants.
The bark of the root of pomegranate tree is used to treat and get rid of intestinal parasites.