Pomegranate
Health benefits & Medicinal benefits
Antioxidants
Pomegranate contains higher
levels of antioxidants than most other fruit. It also has three times more
antioxidants than red wine and green tea. The antioxidants in pomegranate can
help remove free radicals, protect cells from damage, and reduce inflammation.
Vitamin C
The juice of a single pomegranate has more than 40 percent of once's daily
requirement of vitamin C.
Cancer prevention
Pomegranate recently made a splash when researchers found that it may help stop
the growth of prostate cancer cells. Despite multiple studies on the effects of
pomegranate on prostate cancer, results are still preliminary.
While there haven't been long-term studies with humans that prove that
pomegranate prevents cancer or reduces the risk, adding it to your diet
certainly can't hurt. There have been encouraging results in studies so far,
and bigger studies are now being done.
Alzheimer's disease protection
The antioxidants in Pomegranate and its high concentration are believed to
stall the progress of Alzheimer disease and protect memory.
Boost Digestion
Pomegranate can reduce inflammation in the gut and improve digestion. It may be
beneficial for people with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and other
inflammatory bowel diseases.
While there are conflicting beliefs and research on whether pomegranate helps
or worsens diarrhea, most doctors recommend avoiding it until you are feeling
better and your symptoms have subsided.
Anti-inflammatory
Pomegranate is a powerful anti-inflammatory because of its high concentration
of antioxidants. It can help reduce inflammation throughout the body and
prevent oxidative stress and damage.
Reduce Arthritis
Flavonols in pomegranate may help block the inflammation that contributes to
osteoarthritis and cartilage damage. Pomegranate is currently being
studied for its potential effects on osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and
other types of arthritis and joint inflammation.
Heart disease
Pomegranate juice is in the
running as the most heart-healthy juice. It appears to protect the heart and
arteries.
Studies have shown that the juice improves blood flow and keeps the arteries
from becoming stiff and thick. It may also slow the growth of plaque and
buildup of cholesterol in the arteries. But pomegranate may react negatively
with blood pressure and cholesterol medications like statins.
Be sure to talk with your doctor before indulging in the juice or taking a
pomegranate extract supplement.
Control Blood pressure
Drinking pomegranate juice daily may also help lower systolic blood pressure. A
comprehensive review of randomized controlled trials stated that it would be
beneficial for heart health to include pomegranate juice daily.
Act as Antiviral
Between the vitamin C and other immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin E,
pomegranate can prevent illness and fight off infection. Pomegranates have also
been shown to be antibacterial and antiviral in lab tests. They are being
studied for their effects on common infections and viruses.
Vitamin-rich
In addition to vitamin C and vitamin E, pomegranate is a good source of folate,
potassium, and vitamin K.
Boost Memory
Drinking 8 ounces of pomegranate juice daily may improve learning and memory,
according to a recent study.
Stabilize Sexual performance and
fertility
Pomegranate's concentration of antioxidants and ability to impact oxidative
stress make it a potential fertility aid. Oxidative stress has been shown to
cause sperm dysfunction and decrease fertility in women.
The juice has also been shown to help reduce oxidative stress in the placenta.
But researchers don't yet know the exact benefits this may provide. Drinking
pomegranate juice can also increase testosterone levels in men and women, one
of the main hormones behind sex drive.
Control Diabetes
Pomegranate was traditionally used as a remedy for diabetes in the Middle East
and India. While much is still unknown about the effects of pomegranate on
diabetes, it may help decrease insulin resistance and lower blood sugar.
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