There are numerous juices on the market that claim to have antioxidant properties and numerous health benefits. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of scientific research to back up these claims. One juice that actually does have a high antioxidant content, but is often overlooked, is pomegranate juice. Take a look at the medical studies conducted using pure pomegranate juice, and you will want to find a way to add it to your daily dietary routine. When you do choose pomegranate juice, make sure it is 100 percent pure, with no added sugars, as the sugars can take away from the antioxidant effects.
Regulates Diabetes
Pomegranate juice contains some very important antioxidants known as oleanolic, ursolic and gallic acid. These acids are reported in the June 2007 edition of the "Journal of Medicinal Food" as being largely responsible for the anti-diabetic effect of pomegranate juice. Not only do these acids help regulate blood sugar and protect the consumer from diabetes, they help protect the diabetes sufferer from developing the problems that arise from diabetes, such as nerve damage and neuropathy.
Promotes Heart Health
Everyone wants a healthy heart, and consuming pure pomegranate juice may help you reach that goal. A report written by A. Basu, from the Department of Nutritional Sciences at Oklahoma State University, published in the January 2009 issue of "Nutrition Reviews," states that pomegranate juice's high antioxidant content benefits the heart by lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation and preventing the hardening of the arteries. The report goes on to recommend including pomegranate juice in a heart healthy diet.
Prevents Cancer
Some of the greatest news to come from pomegranate juice research is its ability to help prevent cancer. The November 2009 issue of "Nutrition and Cancer" published a review lead by V.M. Adhami and the Department of Dermatology at the University of Wisconsin. The review, which focuses on scientific studies of pomegranate juice, reports that the antioxidant properties of pomegranate juice stops the growth of colon, lung, breast and lung cancer cells, and animal studies that involved consuming pomegranate juice showed that along with those types of cancer cells, it also inhibits the growth of skin and prostate cancer cells. The antioxidant compounds in pomegranate juice, that appear to have the anticancer effect, are tannins and flavonoids.
Digestive Tract Benefits
The antioxidant tannins in pomegranate juice also have a protective effect on the digestive system by stopping the growth of bad bacteria in the intestinal tract. The September 23, 2009 issue of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" reports that not only does pomegranate juice inhibit the growth of bad bacteria, it encourages the growth of good bacteria within the digestive system. But that is not where the benefits to the digestive system end. A study led by S. Lai from Chongqing Medical University in China finds that the tannins in pomegranate juice have anti-ulcer benefits as well. Published in the May 2009 issue of "Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi," a Chinese medical journal, researchers report that the tannins stimulate the secretion of mucous from the stomach wall, which protects it from free-radical damage which can cause ulcers.
References
- PubMed: Abstract: Journal of Medicinal Food: Punica granatum: heuristic treatment for diabetes mellitus
- PubMed: Abstract: Nutrition Reviews: Pomegranate juice: a heart-healthy fruit juice.
- PubMed: Abstract: Nutrition and Cancer: Cancer chemoprevention by pomegranate: laboratory and clinical evidence.
- PubMed: Abstract: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry: The effect of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) byproducts and ellagitannins on the growth of human gut bacteria.
- PubMed: Abstract: Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi: Effect of pomegranate tannins on gastric damages
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