by METurner

Created on: February 12, 2009   Last Updated: February 16, 2009

The Healthy Effects of Pomegranate

Growing up in the 60's, I had no idea that eating pomegranates were a healthy snack. My family often picked off the tree and ate them throughout the day. It was no big deal; we ate watermelon, blackberries, peaches, plums and a list of other great fruits. Of all to the fruits, the pomegranate was sort of interesting to eat. We loved to pick each seed one by one and savor the sweet and tart flavor. We had a race with the birds and most of the time we won the race. Those poor birds didn't have a chance with the pomegranates.

For those who are not sure what a pomegranate is, it is a bright reddish-purple sort of round fruit with red juicy and crunchy little seed sacks. Pomegranates can be quite a challenge to open. As kids, we basically just ripped them opened. Once the fruit is opened, you can only eat the little red seeds. Don't eat the white part of the fruit. I can remember my mouth watering before I started to take a bite. That sweet and tart flavor is very pleasant. It is a very likable fruit.

Now, it is the year 2009 and pomegranates are a very popular fruit which if beneficial in maintaining a healthy life. As I mentioned earlier, I didn't know how beneficial this funny looking fruit really was and still is. As a matter of fact, you can buy it in stores in the form of a juice. Although expensive, it is well worth it if you want to maintain a healthy system.

For starters, pomegranates are excellent for the cardiovascular system. Researcher has reported that people who drink 100% Pomegranate Juice experience about a 17% improvement in blood flow.

Another great benefit of the pomegranate is it boosts prostate health. For those men taking those drugs for erectile dysfunctions, you may want to consider the pomegranate. It's really a super antioxidant. Pomegranates have more nutrients and fiber than juice. The fiber in the pomegranate makes it a bit filling.

One of the major benefits of pomegranates is its ability to actually affect the molecular cell structure. This fruit has up to seven times more antioxidants than green tea. By the way, antioxidants help reduce and repair cell damage. It is high in vitamins such as vitamin C, E, and A. In addition to being high in vitamins, pomegranates are high in potassium and calcium and iron.

Potassium regulates your blood pressure. The average diet is deficient in calcium. Calcium supports healthy bones and teeth. It is essential that we have iron. Iron is responsible for transporting oxygen to the cells and it is also important for muscle protein. This fruit is full of vitamin C and this is what we need in order to absorb iron effectively. Vitamin A helps your eyes. As you can see, the list of benefits of the pomegranate is a long list.
With all that is happening in the world, staying healthy is one issue at the top of the list. A pomegranate a day will surely help you have a better day.

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