by Morgan Johnson

Created on: February 10, 2009   Last Updated: February 16, 2009

The pomegranate is perhaps the oldest known fruit consumed by humans. Tales of the fruit and its benefits are woven into the mythos of many cultures.

Depending on the culture, the fruit symbolizes birth, death and even eternal life. The Greeks spoke of it in the tale of Persephone who ate a few pomegranate seeds to her detriment. Scholars debate whether it was a pomegranate not an apple that caused the downfall of Man in the Garden of Eden.

However the pomegranate is depicted in stories, there is little doubt that there are many benefits built into the edible fruit.

The fruit bearing shrub has it's origins in the Mesopotamian region of the Middle East generally referred to as Persia. It has spread across the entire globe to every region where favorable growing conditions can be found.

Pomegranate fruits vary in size from 5-12 cm across. The edible parts are the seeds, called arils, grown inside the tough outer shell. A thin white pulp holds the arils in place and can easily be removed. The juicy seeds range in taste from sour to very sweet. The succulent seeds can be eaten raw or squeezed for juice.

The highly nutritious pomegranate naturally produces vitamins, mineral and antioxidants in significant quantities. Studies over the past few years continue to increase the reputation of this fruit as a miraculous source of health and vitality.

Consuming a single serving of arils (about 3 oz) provides the following: 17 gm of carbohydrates, 1 gram of protein. It is a significant source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9. You will also receive the following minerals: potassium, iron, zinc, phosphorus and magnesium.

But what does it specifically do for you? How about preventing your bad cholesterol (LDL) from oxidizing? Yes, that is a good thing, because when LDL degrades it contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, pomegranate juice prevents blood platelets from sticking together very much the way aspirin does.

Studies have also shown antioxidants and polyphenols found in pomegranate juice to have a significant impact on breast cancer formation in women and on prostatitis in men. They also have help to combat erectile dysfunction (ED) but this has only been seen in cases where the juice is consumed over a long period of time.

There are other benefits being investigated everyday. Some studies have shown anti-viral conditioning at the cellular level derived from consuming the fruit or juice. It has even been shown to impact dental health by fighting tooth decay!

Folk wisdom holds that pomegranate juice is an easy remedy for diarrhea. There is little medical support for this claim but I have seen it used effectively overseas in places where medicine isn't as commonly available as it is here in the West.

Eating Pomegranates can benefit almost everyone. However, some of the nutrients can interfere with some medications. Persons taking prescription medications should consult their doctor before adding pomegranates to their diet.

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