Antioxidants are the body's defense system against free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules in the body that, once formed, produce a chain reaction that causes damage on the cellular level. This cellular damage can manifest as signs of aging, cancer, cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases. Eating foods that are a rich source of antioxidants helps protect against the effects of free radicals.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols -- powerful antioxidants found in all plant foods -- contribute to the nutritional benefit of your diet. Although consumption of polyphenols is not a requirement for growth and development, it does contribute to a full and healthy lifespan. You should consume polyphenols in fruits and vegetables in the same range as vitamins C and E, between 200 mg and 2 g daily.
Polyphenols and Inflammation
Pomegranates are high in polyphenols. The most abundant polyphenols in pomegranates are hydrolysable tannins. Studies in peer-reviewed journals have shown the powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of these polyphenols. For example, a study by Z. Rasheed and colleagues, published in the January 2009 issue of the "Journal of Inflammation," found that pomegranate reduces the action of mast cells and basophils, which play a significant role in the inflammatory events such as edema and arthritis. This study suggested consumption of pomegranates may be of use in the prevention of inflammation or in reducing its severity.
Research
A review of published research on the medicinal benefits of pomegranates recently appeared in the "Journal of Medicinal Plants Research." Research suggests pomegranate fruit, pomegranate juice, pomegranate seed and pomegranate seed oil act in prostate, breast, skin, colon, lung, oral and leukemia cancers by inhibiting cancer cell growth, disrupting the growth cycle of cancer cells and preventing cancer cells from getting nutrients.
Pomegranate Juice
You can gain the benefits of pomegranate polyphenols in a number of ways. Pomegranate juice provides the same benefits as the fruit itself. When choosing a juice, look for 100 percent pomegranate juice. Organic juices are preferable, since non-organic juices are made with fruit sprayed with pesticides, which may have harmful effects on your health. You can gain the benefits of pomegranate juice by drinking as little as 2 ounces per day.
References
- "Journal of Medicinal Plants Research"; Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.): A medicinal plant with myriad biological properties - A short review; M.G. Miguel et al.; 2010
- "Little Giant Encyclopedia: Tea Leaf Reading"; Jacky Sach; 2008
- "Journal of Inflammation"; Polyphenol-Rich Pomegranate Fruit extract (POMx) Suppresses PMACI-Induced Expression of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines by Inhibiting the Activation of MAP Kinases and NF-κB in Human KU812 cells; Z. Rasheed et al.; 2009
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