Blueberries and pomegranates are exceedingly healthy fruits. While all fruits are nutritious, dark red, blue and purple fruits -- such as blueberries and pomegranates -- are especially concentrated sources of important nutrients. These good-for-you fruits and their juices can of course be consumed separately, but combining the two juices into one drink is also tasty and nutritious.
Antioxidants Basics
Antioxidants are special organic compounds found in particular plants, like berries and pomegranates. According to Pennsylvania State University, antioxidants are beneficial to your health because they neutralize free radicals -- substances that form as byproducts of cell functioning and from environmental sources such as cigarette smoke and pollution. These free radicals threaten your health by causing damage and disease over time.
Health Benefits
Since free radicals cause cell damage and contribute to serious illnesses like heart disease and cancer, their neutralization is key for good health. By fighting these disease-causing compounds, antioxidants may offer protection from these potentially deadly illnesses, says North Dakota State University. And while antioxidants are available in supplements and topical skin creams, the American Cancer Society emphasizes the disease prevention powers found in vibrant whole foods. Blueberries and pomegranates fit the bill.
Combining Juices
The combination of blueberry and pomegranate juice is especially appealing. A 2010 study in the Journal of Food Science found that, of several different antioxidant-rich fruit juice combinations, the pairing of blueberry and pomegranate juices was liked best among the testers involved. This bodes well for blueberry-pomegranate juice consumption, since if you like the way a healthy drink tastes, you're clearly more likely to consume it and thus reap its health benefits.
Considerations
Fruits and fruit juices, with their high antioxidant content, are nutritious dietary choices; even so, if you're consuming them out of concern for your risk of heart disease or cancer, it may be wise to discuss your concerns with your physician. She can evaluate your overall health and risk for serious diseases, and advise you regarding diet, lifestyle and other changes you can make to lower your risk and improve your health.
References
- Pennsylvania State University; How Do Antioxidants Work?; Solmaz Barazesh; August 2008
- North Dakota State University; What Color Is Your Food?; Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., R.D.; May 2011
- American Cancer Society; The Color of Prevention;
- "Journal of Food Science"; Sensory and Physiochemical Characterization of Juices Made With Pomegranate and Blueberries, Blackberries, or Raspberries; L. Vasquez-Araujo, et al.; September 2010
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