by Renee Rotto

Created on: March 12, 2011

Pomegranates are not a new fruit but lately pomegranate products are popping up everywhere. There are pure pomegranate juices, shampoos, teas, and facial wipes, to name a few. Even gummy bears have a pomegranate flavor. The pomegranate has have been around for a very long time, but never before has it enjoyed such notoriety. Although it’s health benefits have been known by many societies, it is only recently been dubbed a superfood.

Throughout history pomegranates have been known as a nourishing food and medicine. Paralleling the very idealism of holistic medicine, these ancient societies often utilized the whole plant to discover many new health benefits.. Today as we drink our pomegranate juice, many may not be aware of all health benefits the pomegranate plant has to offer.

Pomegranate fruit

Pomegranate fruits contain polyphernols, an important antioxidant. Today pomegranates are known to fight cancer and heart disease and contain three times as much antioxidant as green tea. Evidence suggests that drinking pomegranate juice can reduce cholesterol and lower blood pressure as well. These luscious red jewels contain vitamins A, C and E. Vitamin A and C helps keep skin healthy. Several products containing pomegranate advertise their beauty enhancing qualities. Pomegranates contain a high level of vitamin C, which is necessary for connective tissue and bone health. Vitamin E reduces the aging of the brain and is thought to prevent or slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Some studies indicate that drinking pomegranate juice can decrease the inflammation associated with arthritis and inhibiting the deterioration of cartilage.

Recent finding show that pomegranates which are rich in punicalagin, can actually inhibit the reproduction and growth of viruses. These viruses cause diseases such as influenza.

Pomegranates for cancer

Studies have reported that the growth of malignant tumors within the lungs is slowed with the consumption of pomegranates. In fact, drinking pomegranate juice may protect the lungs from tumors even forming. Drinking pomegranate juice may also slow down the progression of prostate cancer. According to a report from the American Urological Association, men who drank eight ounces of pomegranate juice a day following radiation or prostate surgery were able to stabilize their PSA levels. Research in Israel found that pomegranate seed oil caused breast cancer cells to self-destruct without damage to normal cells.

Pomegranate

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