Health Benefits of Pomegranate Tea

Health Benefits of Pomegranate Tea
Photo Credit pomegranate image by barv from Fotolia.com

Pomegranate has been a food known for its antioxidant and health properties since ancient times. The pomegranate in pure form is a fruit with seeds or arils, which are the actual edible portion of the plant. Through the centuries, this fruit has been consumed either as raw seed, made into a sauce, or the seeds are crushed and blended to make a tea drink. Pomegranate tea is a healthy alternative beverage with benefits of improving heart health, increasing immune system functioning and preserving mental-health balance.

Benefits to the Heart

Pomegranate tea contains high levels of antioxidants that protect the heart and reduce bad cholesterol also known as LDL. According to the Mayo Clinic studies have shown that with daily consumption, pomegranate tea can slow the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries that could lead to heart disease. In addition to benefits of lower cholesterol, studies have also shown lowered blood pressure with daily use compared to people who did not add pomegranate tea to their daily diet. The reason for the heart benefits is the potent fruit in the pomegranate being rich with polyphenols, tannins and anthocyanins, which are the primary protective chemicals needed by the body to fight toxins.

Benefits to the Immune System

Pomegranates are known for having essential vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus. The high content of vitamins offered in addition to the antioxidants provide a daily boost to the immune system. Daily use of pomegranate tea can offer decreased opportunity for virus and infection during prime cold-catching season and can further improve chances of limiting a cold once symptoms are present.

Benefits to Mental Health

Pomegranate is gaining credence for being helpful with improving depression symptoms. Research reported in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology shows promise in lab experiments that could indicate use for pomegranate juices, extracts and teas in women struggling with depression symptoms during menopause.

References

Article reviewed by Eric Lochridge Last updated on: May 3, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments