The pomegranate is a healthy fruit that has been used for its medicinal benefits for thousands of years. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, many medical practitioners consider pomegranate a super food that might help prevent or treat heart disease, cancer and osteoarthritis. Always speak with your physician before choosing to use this fruit as an alternative treatment for any medical condition.
Properties
Pomegranate extract is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, polyphenols help protect the cells of the body from damage and may reduce inflammation. In addition, the university states that the rind and juice of the fruit are also rich in antioxidants as they contain ingredients similar to those found in soy called isoflavones. Like the ones found in the pomegranate fruit, isofalvones may help prevent prostate cancer and breast cancer, according to Isoflavones.info.
Efficacy
Scientists have conducted many studies on pomegranates' action on cancer cells. However, they all took place in test tubes and not on humans. The extract made from the rinds, seeds and oil proved to slow the reproduction of cancer cells. Researchers believe that the flavonoids in pomegranates can help block inflammation and improve blood flow, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Nutrition
One pomegranate fruit provides 40 percent of the daily value of vitamin C, 2 percent of iron and 1 percent of protein. One fruit contains 80 calories, with no cholesterol or fats.
A piece contains 5 mg of sodium, 180 mg of potassium, 18 g or carbohydrates and 12 g of sugars. It also contains 5 g of dietary fiber, which equals 20 percent of the daily value.
Uses
Pomegranate is available in the actual fruit and in juice, while the extract is available in capsules, powder and pills. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, scientists have not established a standard dose of this fruit. However, eating pomegranate or drinking its juice is considered safe as part of a healthy diet. Do not drink the juice or use the extract if you have diarrhea or may be pregnant. In addition, pomegranate may decrease the effectiveness of certain drugs, such as blood pressure medications and statins.
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