Secrets Revealed: The Powerful Health Benefits of the Pomegranate
One of the oldest known fruits, found in writings and artifacts of many cultures and religions, the pomegranate (punica granatum) is an original native of Persia. This nutrient dense, antioxidant rich fruit has been revered as a symbol of health, fertility and eternal life.
If you're not familiar with the pomegranate, it is a red fruit with a
tough outer layer; only the juice and the seeds inside are edible.
Pomegranate juice is available year round, but you can purchase fresh
pomegranates in most grocery stores from September through January.
When refrigerated in a plastic bag, pomegranates keep for up to 2
months. Try tossing the seeds on a salad for a brilliantly colorful,
crunchy, and nutritious addition.
Seeding a pomegranate may seem like a lot of work for just a piece
of fruit but think again, getting at those seeds may be well worth it.
The pomegranate is a nutrient dense food source rich in phytochemical
compounds. Pomegranates contain high levels of flavonoids and
polyphenols, potent antioxidants offering protection against heart
disease and cancer. A glass of pomegranate juice has more antioxidants
than red wine, green tea, blueberries, and cranberries.
Amazing Clinical Results
This fantastic little fruit recently made its way back into the
news after some spectacular clinical results. Here's what you need to
know:
A compound found only in pomegranates called punicalagin is shown to
benefit the heart and blood vessels. Punicalagin is the major
component responsible for pomegranate's antioxidant and health benefits.
It not only lowers cholesterol, but also lowers blood pressure and
increases the speed at which heart blockages (atherosclerosis) melt
away.
Recent medical research studied heart patients with severe carotid
artery blockages. They were given an ounce of pomegranate juice each day
for a year. Not only did study participants' blood pressure lower by
over 12 percent, but there was a 30 percent reduction in atherosclerotic
plaque. Just as astounding, participants who did not take the
pomegranate juice saw their atherosclerotic plaque increase by 9
percent.
In other studies, potent antioxidant compounds found in pomegranates
have shown to reduce platelet aggregation and naturally lower blood
pressure, factors that prevent both heart attacks and strokes.
Not only are pomegranates good for your heart and blood vessels but
they have been shown to inhibit breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon
cancer, leukemia and to prevent vascular changes that promote tumor
growth in lab animals. Several in vitro studies have shown this remarkable anti-cancer
effect. Additional studies and clinical trials currently taking place
are hopeful to reveal this fascinating effect on humans.
Also of note, pomegranate juice contains phytochemical compounds
that stimulate serotonin and estrogen receptors, improving symptoms of
depression and increasing bone mass in lab animals
Health Benefits of the Pomegranate
- Most powerful anti-oxidant of all fruits
- Potent anti-cancer and immune supporting effects
- Inhibits abnormal platelet aggregation that could cause heart attacks, strokes and embolic disease
- Lowers cholesterol and other cardiac risk factors
- Lowers blood pressure
- Shown to promote reversal of atherosclerotic plaque in human studies
- May have benefits to relieve or protect against depression and osteoporosis
Many studies show that the pomegranate is one of the most powerful,
nutrient dense foods for overall good health. These clinical findings
clearly show a correlation between pomegranate compounds and their
positive effect on both human and animal cardiovascular, nervous, and
skeletal health. This is one fruit that you can't afford to exclude
from your diet!
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