The effect of good agricultural practices (GAP) on phytoestrogenic compounds of pomegranate fruit

Pomegranate or nature’s power fruit is one of the most important fruits of the tropical regions of Iran, which is mostly grown in marginal areas with hot and dry summers and cold winters, usually with relatively salty water and soil. Too much heat causes burns and too much cold causes it to burst and reduces the softness of the skin and the quality of the fruit. Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) is a good guide to have good quality pomegranate harvest. This operation is a set of agricultural methods that lead to the production of a safe and desirable product by maintaining environmental, economic and social stability. On the other hand, pomegranate fruit contains a group of chemicals called phytoestrogens, which are structurally similar to human estrogen and have similar effects. Nowadays, in addition to consuming pomegranate as a fruit, its medicinal properties and its use in the food industry are also of interest to many researchers. For example, pomegranate seed oil is important for providing essential fatty acids and is a natural source of phytoestrogens and strong antioxidants (substances that prevent oxidation). Now, one of the important indicators of pomegranate buyers is the amount of phytoestrogens in it. Because every year, a lot of money is spent on making and buying estrogen supplements, while in many cases, such as strengthening the health of the heart and blood vessels, and issues related to hormonal disorders, this substance can be obtained from natural food sources. Adhering to good agricultural practices such as pay attention to the pre-harvest subjects like soil kind and harvesting characteristics of pomegranates can be produced pomegranates with a good quality, including phytoestrogenic compounds, which this article deals with.