The pomegranate, scientifically known as Punica granatum, is native to the Middle East including Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and Northern India. The seeds, juices and oils of the pomegranate are the components of the fruit that contains the majority of the vitamins and minerals. According to Ayushveda, the oils of the pomegranate fruit contain many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can promote several health benefits.
Immunity
The consumption of pomegranate oil has been proven beneficial to the immune system. According to a study conducted by the Department of Biochemistry at Miyazaki University in Japan, pomegranate seed oil can improve the function of B-cells. B-cells are a specific type of white blood cells that produce specific antibodies against specific antigens. By increasing function of B-cells, the entire function of the immune system is boosted.
Cancer Prevention
Scientific research suggests pomegranate oil to have properties that offer preventative effects against some forms of cancer. A study conducted by the Department of Surgical Oncology at the University of Illinois at Chicago revealed that the introduction of pomegranate seed oil offered enhanced preventative properties against breast cancer. The research performed at the University of Illinois compared the cancer protective properties of both pomegranate juice and pomegranate fruit extract, or seed oil The results showed that treatment with pomegranate juice reduced the number of lesions by 42 percent and that treatment with pomegranate seed oil reduced the number of lesions by 87 percent. The results of this research study is very encouraging for cancer protective effects of pomegranate seed oil.
Diabetes
Scientific research studies also suggest pomegranate seed oil to be beneficial against diabetes and to promote weight loss. A study conducted at the Laboratory of Integrated Physiology at the University of Houston suggests that introduction of pomegranate seed oil improves insulin sensitivity. The increased insulin sensitivity is due to the presence of linoleic acid in pomegranate seed oil. Increased insulin sensitivity offers preventative effect against the development of type 2 diabetes.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is another medical condition in which pomegranate seed oil contains benefits. According to Cardiovascular Research, a study conducted by the Department of General Pathology at the University of Naples suggested that pomegranate seed oil and pomegranate juice offers beneficial properties to reduce blockages in the coronary arteries, thus improving blood flow through the coronary vessels. This benefit is due to the high antioxidant content provided by pomegranate seed oil.
Skin Care
Pomegranate seed oil is also beneficial for improving the appearance of your skin. A study conducted by the Department of Pathology at the University of Michigan Medical School suggests that the introduction of pomegranate seed oil promotes regeneration of the dermis and the epidermis of your skin. The regeneration of these layers of your skin will dramatically improve the appearance of your skin.
References
- Pubmed.gov: Dietary effect of pomegranate seed oil on immune function and lipid metabolism in mice
- PubMed.gov: Breast cancer chemopreventive properties of pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit extracts in a mouse mammary organ culture
- PubMed.gov: Pomegranate seed oil consumption during a period of high-fat feeding reduces weight gain and reduces type 2 diabetes risk in CD-1 mice
- Cardiovascular Research: Effects of a Pomegranate Fruit Extract rich in punicalagin on oxidation-sensitive genes and eNOS activity at sites of perturbed shear stress and atherogenesis
- Ayushveda: Benefits of Pomegranate
- PubMed.gov: Pomegranate as a cosmeceutical source: pomegranate fractions promote proliferation and procollagen synthesis and inhibit matrix metalloproteinase-1 production in human skin cells.



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