Besides being a good source of vitamin C, calcium and potassium, pomegranate fruit contains potent antioxidants called polyphenols, which are responsible for most of its health benefits. Research indicates incorporating pomegranate into your daily diet can have positive effects in boosting overall health by reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
Fights Lung Cancer
In a 2007 study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Hasan Mukhtar and colleagues investigated the effects of pomegranate juice on lung cancer patients. Researchers discovered pomegranate juice was effective for slowing the growth of lung cancer cells in patients. Scientists stated the results are due to pomegranate's high levels of antioxidants, which produce an anti-inflammatory effect that helps fight cancer.
Slows Cartilage Deterioration
Pomegranate might be beneficial in slowing cartilage deterioration in osteoarthritis, a disease that leads to joint destruction, according to findings reported in 2005 in the "Journal of Nutrition." Dr. Tariq M. Haqqi and a team of researchers found pomegranate fruit suppresses the overproduction of enzymes that contribute to cartilage loss in osteoarthritis. Although the results are promising, further research is needed.
Lessens Breast Cancer Risk
In a 2009 study conducted by Shiuan Chen, Ph.D., and colleagues that was published in the journal "Prevention Research," researchers studied the impact of pomegranate extract on breast cancer risk. They observed pomegranate extract contains a metabolite of the antioxidant ellagic acid, which blocks aromatase, an enzyme that plays a key role in developing breast cancer.
Anti-Inflammatory
Zafar Rasheed led a team of researchers that examined the effects of pomegranate extract on inflammation, according to research published in 2009 in the "Journal of Inflammation." Scientists found pomegranate extract reduces inflammation by inhibiting the manufacturing of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These results may have positive effects on heart disease, since inflammation is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
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