by Lorelei Cohen

Created on: September 15, 2008   Last Updated: July 10, 2011

What really sets pomegranate juice to the forefront of nutritional charts is its rich levels of antioxidants. Pomegranate juice contains approximately three times the amount of antioxidants that red wine or green tea contain. There are a number of amazing health benefits in the antioxidants within pomegranate juice. A single glass of pomegranate juice also contains about forty percent of our daily vitamin C needs, and in addition to this, it is rich in vitamin A, E, and folic acid. Pomegranates and the juice derived from them are being classed as the latest miracle food on store shelves and for good reason.

In today's health conscious world the use of antioxidants to help prevent cancer, heart disease, arthritis and other age related illnesses is becoming the norm. Antioxidants have risen to the forefront in our fight to combat these illnesses. A diet high in them can help prevent cancer or help to slow down it's harmful effects and reduce cardiovascular illness, stroke, and symptoms of arthritis. Antioxidants combine with the free radicals within our body to render them harmless and it is this simple step that slows down cell damage and subsequent symptoms of aging and the age related illnesses that accompany growing old.

Well, it is becoming apparent that an old fruit is making a new appearance on the list of foods that contain some of the highest antioxidant values. It is that reddish, hard skinned fruit that we refer to as a pomegranate and its juice is loaded with antioxidants. Studies are showing some very positive results as to the health benefits that drinking a glass of pomegranate juice each day can provide.

It is currently being ranked alongside blueberries and green tea for the nutritional health benefits that it can provide. Although its high antioxidant values are important for overall general health, pomegranate juices's main claim to fame seems to be in its amazing heart health benefits. It has been shown to reduce the amount of LDL that is retained within the body while it increases the amount of HDL. It can also slow down the oxidation of harmful cholesterol. It acts as a blood thinner so allows for easier blood flow through the heart.

In addition studies are showing that drinking pomegranate juice daily can reduce thickening of the arteries. So future studies will be looking very closely into it's possible usage in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Drinking pomegranate juice may also be important in the fight against lung cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer and prostrate cancer. Although studies are still being conducted there is very positive evidence that the antioxidants within pomegranate juice are effective in destroying the progression of these specific cancers.

Always consult with your family doctor before beginning any alternative therapy or consuming any herb or food in larger than normal servings for extended periods of time.

Health warnings: Studies show that pomegranate juice may interact with some prescription medications. It may also cause low blood pressure when combined with certain blood pressure medications and because of its blood thinning properties it should not be used in conjunction with blood thinning medications such as ASA.

Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pomegranate-juice/A N01227
http://www.healthcentral.com/peoplespharmacy/408/612 02.html
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/513938/
http://nutrition.about.com/od/askyournutritionist/f/ pomegranate3.htm
http://www.healthfreedom.info/pomegranates_for_cance r_and_heart%20disease.htm

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