by Marina Shemesh

Created on: February 14, 2009   Last Updated: March 17, 2009

Pomegranates are starting to be known as a super health fruit. It can be very beneficial to health. Not only does it prevent cell damage, reduce the risk of heart disease and lower blood pressure but it also attack cancer cells.

It has been found by the United States Department of Agriculture that pomegranates contain high levels of polyphenols, potassium ,vitamin C and folic acid. Polyphenols are chemical compounds found in plants with antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activity.

Another health benefit of pomegranatesis that long term use can lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol. Atherosclerotic lesions that leads to narrow arteries can also be reduced. Research have also shown that the drinking of pomegranate juice reduce arterial plaque. This, together with the lowering of blood pressure can help a person to decrease the risk of developing heart disease or undergoing a stroke.

A group of men with recurrent prostate cancerhave participated in a recent trail where they were given 8 ounces of pomegranate juice to drink every day. All of the men's PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels dropped. More cancer cells died, and fewer new cancer cells were made. It is the flavenoids in pomegranates that attack the free radicals which cause cancer.

Women too enjoy the health benefits of eating pomegranates or drinking the juice of pomegranates. It slows down osteoporosis by preventing cartilage deterioration. Pregnant women should add pomegranates to their diets because the high levels of folic acids protect the fetus from developing brain defects. The cancer fighting properties also help women who have breast cancer.

Pomegranates contain high levels of antioxidants that help the body to fight disease. It also keep skin smooth, healthy and reduce the formation of wrinkles. A whole new range of beauty products that contain pomegranate extract are found these days. Research are still ongoing, but preliminary findings have found that these products can protect the skin against cancer.

The easiest way to incorporate this healthy fruit in your diet is to eat it raw. Pomegranates have a sweet and tangy taste and are packed with fiber. When shopping, choose the heaviest pomegranate you can find, the lighter ones tend to have less juice. The fruit should be shiny with a thin skin that is not cracked. Pomegranates can be kept in the fridge for up to two months.

Pomegranates are only available from September to December, but pomegranate juice can be found throughout the year. A nice jelly can be made from pomegranates and stored for up to one year. Grenadine, pomegranate juice combined with sugar and cooked down to a syrup is used in cocktails, marinades, ice cream and sorbet.

Add pomegranate seeds to different salads. It also make an interesting topping for desserts. You can sprinkle seeds on top of ice cream or a fruit panacotta. Instead of strawberries, use pomegranate seeds to top a cheese cake.

Pomegranates are a delicious fruit, and with all the health benefits it provides, should be eaten often.

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