Pomegranate became famous in the United States over the last few years. Once opened, they reveal beautiful gem-like arils, both pleasing to the eye and the body filled with beneficial antioxidants and bursting with a tangy, sweet flavor. The antioxidant levels in pomegranate juice are higher than those in other natural juices, green tea and even red wine. Pomegranates can be enjoyed fresh or as juice. The skin, although highly nutritious, is bitter.
Vitamins and Minerals
Pomegranates boast numerous vitamins and minerals. One pomegranate has 234 calories and provides 48 percent of the daily value of vitamin C, 58 percent of vitamin K, 27 percent folate and 13 percent thiamine. As for minerals, one pomegranate possesses 10 percent of the daily value of phosphorus, 19 percent potassium, 22 percent copper and 17 percent manganese. High in fiber, one pomegranate offers 45 percent of the daily value.
Pomegranates and Cardiovascular Health
Pomegranates improve cardiovascular health. They reduce serum LDL levels, or bad cholesterol, in healthy and in diabetic patients. A study published in 2008 in the "Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry" confirmed the findings of previous studies that whole pomegranate fruit and pomegranate juice demonstrate the ability to prevent and reverse atherosclerosis, or the build-up of plaque on artery walls.
Pomegranate and Cancer Prevention
Cancer prevention tops the list of pomegranates' benefits. The antioxidants and other compounds in pomegranates inhibit initial formation of cancer cells, activate the enzymes that identify and fix damaged DNA, induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death in damaged cells, and impair multiplication of cancerous cells. Pomegranate juice and the fresh fruit have positive effects on numerous types of cancers especially prostate, breast and colon cancers.
Inflammation
Long-term inflammation can cause multiple chronic diseases like rheumatic arthritis, asthma and cardiovascular disease. Pomegranates possess chemicals that reduce inflammation, preventing and relieving symptoms of some of these diseases.
Other Health Benefits
Pomegranates are showing promising results is other fields, too. New animal studies report that compounds in pomegranates may help to control blood glucose levels in diabetics. Pomegranates may also improve skin health and oral health in addition to possessing antimicrobial, antiviral and antidiarrheal properties.
References
- "Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research": Pomegranate Juice Flavoniods Inhibit Low-Density Lipoprotein Oxidation and Cardiovascular Diseases: Studies in Atherosclerotic Mice and in Humans; M. Aviram et al.; Feb. 2002
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Pomegranate, Raw, California
- 'Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry": Pomegranate Phenolics from the Peels, Arils, and Flowers Are Antiatherogenic: Studies in Vivo in Atherosclerotic Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice and in Vitro Cultured Macrophages and Lipoproteins; Michael Aviram et al.; March 2008
- "Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety": Pomegranate and its Many Functional Components as Related to Human Health: Review; M Viuda-Martos; J Fernandez-Lopez; J Perez-Alvarez; Sept. 2010
Member Comments