Pomegranates are often thought of as an exotic fruit, depicted in myths and art as a symbol of fertility. Although legend may exaggerate its effects, it does have many health benefits, including being a rich source of antioxidants. With the many nutrients found in its seeds, pomegranates can be a good addition to your diet.
Pomegranates
According to the Pomegranate Council, the fruit originally grew in Asia but has since spread throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East. More recently, California has become a major producer of pomegranates. On the outside, pomegranates look kind of like a ruby-colored apple with a spiky crown. On the inside, the fruit is filled with seeds called arils, the only edible part of the fruit. Each pomegranate has about 840 vitamin-packed arils, which are sweet and tart.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are an important part of your body's immune system. One of your body's natural processes is oxidation, which produces harmful "free radicals." Free radicals damage your body's cells, contributing to the development of diseases like cancer, heart diseases and Alzheimer's disease. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, antioxidants counter the harmful effects of free radicals. Antioxidants can be found in a variety of food, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts.
Connection
The antioxidants found in pomegranates have become the source of scientific study. While more research is needed, preliminary results indicate that the antioxidants in pomegranates may help fight cancer, heart disease, osteoarthritis and high cholesterol. For example, in one study, men who were diagnosed with prostate cancer and drank pomegranate juice daily had their cancer indicators increase much more slowly than men who did not drink any pomegranate juice. Pomegranates are a key source of antioxidants that can help keep you healthy. Vitamin C is the antioxidant that is primarily found in pomegranates, with a total of 28.8 mg in each fruit -- about a third of a typical daily recommended intake.
Location
You can get the health benefits of pomegranate antioxidants by eating the seeds, or arils, directly. However, if you cannot eat seeds or would like to vary your intake, you can get the same benefits by drinking pomegranate juice or taking pomegranate extract in a dietary supplement. While pomegranates are just one fruit that you should be consuming as a part of your balanced diet, they are one of the richest sources of disease-fighting antioxidants.
References
- Pomegranates.org: Pomegranate Particulars
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Antioxidant Supplements for Health: An Introduction; March 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Pomegranate; Steven D. Ehrlich; December 2009
- USDA National Nutrient Database; Pomegranates, Raw -- 1 Pomegranate (4-inch Diameter)
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