The pomegranate can be traced back to ancient biblical times and is considered an exotic treat. Pomegranates offer a host of health benefits, but it takes a lot of work to cut them open and eat the hundreds of juicy seeds inside. To fully enjoy pomegranate's benefits and consume more health-promoting compounds per serving, drink 100 percent pure pomegranate juice with no added sugars. You will be doing your body good.
Lowers Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney trouble, poor circulation and vision problems. Consuming pomegranate juice may lower your blood pressure and consequently your risk for these chronic health issues, according to a study in the June 2010 issue of "Phytotherapy Research." Researchers tested pomegranate juice consumption on diabetic rats, as diabetes and hypertension are often related. They found that after four weeks of consumption, pomegranate juice not only lowered blood pressure but prevented elevated blood pressure.
Improves Heart Health
The World Health Organization reports that in 2011 heart disease is the number one cause of death worldwide. Consuming pomegranate juice may protect your heart in several ways. Along with lowering your blood pressure, which reduces your risk of heart disease and heart attack, it can help prevent arterial plaque buildup, according to researchers at Oklahoma State University. Their findings, published in the January 2009 issue of "Nutrition Reviews," also show that pomegranate juice decreases the thickness of arterial walls and prevents oxidative damage to cells.
Reduces Cancer Risk
Though cancer has been a leading cause of death for decades, the American Cancer Society reports that as of 2010 cancer deaths have begun to decline. Drinking pomegranate juice may help prevent you from being a cancer statistic. Reporting in the November 2009 issue of "Nutrition and Cancer," researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison state that pomegranate juice is effective against lung, breast, prostate and colon cancer cells. Studies on animals show that the juice is also effective against skin tumors. Researchers conclude that pomegranate's anti-cancer activity is even stronger than that of green tea or red wine.
Reduce Diabetes Risk
If you still need convincing that pomegranate juice is beneficial, the June 2007 issue of "Journal of Medicinal Food" states that it may be an effective treatment for diabetes. The active components in pomegranate juice, namely gallic, oleanolic and ursolic acids, are reportedly responsible for its anti-diabetic properties. If you have been avoiding pomegranate juice because of its high sugar content, rest assured in the knowledge that there are other compounds at work creating a blood sugar-lowering effect.
References
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Effect of Pomegranate Juice on Angiotensin II-induced Hypertension in Diabetic Wistar Rats; M Mohan, et al.; June 2010
- World Health Organization; Cardiovascular Diseases; January 2011
- "Nutrition Reviews"; Pomegranate Juice: A Heart Healthy Fruit Juice; A Basu, et al.; January 2009
- American Cancer Society; Annual Report: US Cancer Death Rates Still Declining; RV Snowden; July 7, 2010
- "Nutrition and Cancer"; Cancer Chemoprevention by Pomegranate: Laboratory and Clinical Evidence; VM Adhami, et al.; November 2009
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Punica Granatum: Heuristic Treatment For Diabetes Mellitus; SR Katz, et al.; June 2007
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