The pomegranate tree is a small deciduous tree that is native to Iran, India and oher dry regions of southeast Asia. The fruit of the pomegranate tree is a pink to red color and approximately the size of a grapefruit. The edible pomegranate fruit can be eaten raw, cooked or made into a juice. According to Women's Health Questions.com, the consumption of pomegranate juice provides the body with three times the amount of antioxidants as green tea or red wine. Antioxidants are substances that rid the body of free radicals, which cause cell damage in the body. Due to the high antioxidant content of pomegranate juice, consumption of this product can be extremely beneficial in maintaining proper health.
Prostate Health
According to Renal and Urology News, consumption of pomegranate juice may slow the progression of prostate cancer in men who continue to have rising prostate-specific antigen levels post radical prostatectomy. A Phase 2 clinical trial performed at the University of California at Los Angeles revealed an increase of prostate specific antigen doubling times in the study group that was administered pomegranate juice. In addition, the study showed a decline in prostate specific antigen levels in the study group that was administered pomegranate juice. The study reveals positive effects of pomegranate juice on patients already diagnosed with cancer. Further research is being perfomed to examine the prostate cancer preventative qualities of pomegranate juice.
Cardiac Health
According to the Department of Nutritional Science at Oklahoma State University, pomegranate juice contains a high level of antioxidants called polyphenols. The presence of polyphenols in pomegranate juice has been proved to have anti-inflammatory properties and reduce high blood pressure, which is beneficial to patients with heart disease. The consumption of pomegranate juice was proved to be effective at reducing atherosclerotic lesions associated with coronary artery disease.
Cancer Prevention
According to a study led by Hasan Muktar at the University of Wisconsin Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, consumption of pomegranate juice could reduce the growth and spread of lung cancer cells and may even prevent lung cancer from occurring. The study states the key to the cancer prevention is the anti-inflammatory properties of the high concentration of antioxidants in pomegranate juice. Consumption of pomegranate juice has also decreased inflammatory cell proteins present in colon and prostate cancers.
Alzheimer's Disease Prevention
According to researchers at Loma Linda University, the consumption of pomegranate juice may have preventative effects against Alzheimer's's disease. The researchers believe Alzheimer's's disease is caused by a buildup of plaque called beta amyloid deposits. Beta amyloid deposits are plaque that are precipitated by oxidation associated with brain cell death. The study, which was performed on mice, revealed the group supplemented with pomegranate juice had 50 percent fewer beta amyloid deposits than the group not supplemented with pomegranate juice.
References
- Department of Psychology Loma Linda University: Pomegranate juice decreases amyloid load and improves behavior in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
- Science Daily: Pomegranate Juice May Help Fight Lung Cancer
- Women's Health Questions: Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice
- Renal and Urology News: Pomegranate Juice May Help Prostate Cancer Patients
- Natural News: Pomegranate juice shown to halt Alzheimer's disease progression
- Department of Nutritional Sciences Oklahoma State University: Pomegranate juice: a heart-healthy fruit juice
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