by Jade Skyye

Created on: November 06, 2009   Last Updated: February 07, 2010

Pros of the Pomegranate

In the race against time, people all over the world want to locate their fountain of youth. The closest solution that is actually healthy for you is the consumption of various fruits and vegetables. Pomegranates have become the popular choice for those seeking to lessen the effects of aging on the body. Pomegranates have been around since the beginning of time, but only in the past decade have their super-fruit qualities begun to emerge. The seeds of the pomegranate hold the secret of youth that so many strive to attain.

Antioxidant and/or antioxidant property(ies) is a term often used in conjunction with pomegranate. Antioxidants lessen the oxidative stress and damage that cause body cells to break down, thus becoming harmful.  Oxidation reactions naturally occur in the body and are necessary for life. These reactions can be damaging, by producing free radicals. Free radicals are the underlying cause of many illnesses, since they allow susceptibility of the body. A human body contains both water-soluble and lipid-soluble antioxidants.

Studies have shown that the benefits of eating pomegranates are widespread and varied. With it's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the pomegranate is a safe and natural approach in preventing and treating a multitude of diseases.  PON-1 (paraoxonase-1), an enzyme produced by the liver (and found in pomegranates), protects cells and, in some cases, reverses the damage.  Cardiovascular health benefits are just the beginning of a growing list of positive outcomes relating to the consumption of the polyphenol-rich fruit. .  Many cancers are included on the list; Prostate, Colon, and Breast Cancers are cited as being prevented effectively by the power of the pomegranate.

Pomegranates are also linked to the prevention of diabetes and to offering some relief to those already suffering from diabetes. For people with metabolic syndrome, pomegranate juice and extracts may improve arterial health by decreasing vascular inflammation. Adding pomegranate to your diet will promote your overall health, in addition to, boosting oral health by fighting gingivitis and periodontitis.

Pomegranates feature antioxidants that are found in both vegetables and fruits and are available as supplements. Foods with antioxidant properties include: apricots, blueberries, blackberries, broccoli, cabbage. cantaloupe, carrots, citrus fruits, collards, green leafy vegetables, green peppers, green tea, fish, kale, nuts, peaches, seeds, strawberries, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, wheat germ, and others, additionally.

Modifying one's diet to include more fruits and vegetables will increase the body's power to resist and treat various ailments and diseases. Antioxidants enable the body to repair some of the damaging free radicals that are encountered every day. Keeping the body in optimal health will ensure a life of longevity.

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