Is ‘five-a-day’ enough for a growing child?
It’s sad to think that a huge percentage of the earths population has never even tried pomegranate. Being that they are one of the healthiest fruits we know of, this is a tragedy! Their juicy, fresh, sweet, crunchy on-the-outside and fleshy on-the-inside ruby red seeds are jam-packed with compounds which are hugely beneficial for the body.
These edible seeds, called Arils are rich in vitamins, minerals, bioactive plant compounds, fibre and antioxidants. In fact, pomegranate juice is so rich in antioxidants that it is considered to be three times more potent than red wine and green tea!
Dramatically decrease your risk of heart disease
“This fantastic little fruit recently made its way back into the news after some spectacular clinical results. Here’s what you need to know:
A compound found only in pomegranates called punicalagin is shown to benefit the heart and blood vessels. Punicalagin is the major component responsible for pomegranate’s antioxidant and health benefits. It not only lowers cholesterol, but also lowers blood pressure and increases the speed at which heart blockages (atherosclerosis) melt away.”
Help hypertension
If you’re easily stressed, or have high blood pressure, then pomegranate juice would be a great way to start your day. A scientific study found that people suffering from hypertension had lowered blood pressure after consuming 150ml of pomegranate juice, daily, over the course of 2 weeks.
Other studies conducted thereafter, confirmed these findings and found very similar effects, specifically regarding the systolic blood pressure.
Reduce inflammations
Inflammatory diseases are a serious threat to our health, quality of life and life expectancy. The anti-inflammatory properties found in pomegranates have been found to reduce inflamed digestive tracts, breast tissue in cancer cases as well as colon cancer cells. (Study One, Study Two, Study Three)
Due to these remarkable anti-inflammatory properties, it’s also great for arthritis and any other form of painful joint inflammation. Lab studies proved that pomegranate extract can block enzymes known for damaging joints in people with osteoarthritis. (further Study)
Protect against infection
Pomegranate possesses anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Wow! This makes it incredibly useful for fighting against yeast overgrowth issues within our bodies such as gut candida. Couple the anti-microbial properties with the anti-inflammatory effects and you’ve got the perfect remedy for gum disease. Not only does it have antiseptic properties itself, but it’s abundance of immune-boosting minerals and vitamins strengthen our bodies own immune system which then attacks the problem and helps speed up the healing process.
Improve brain health
The phytochemical compounds found in pomegranate have been proven to stimulate serotonin and oestrogen receptors which improve symptoms of depression.
Fight cancer
The National Health Service in the UK published an article on the effects of pomegranates, and had this to say regarding it’s cancer-fighting properties: One small study from 2006 found that drinking a daily 227ml (8oz) glass of pomegranate juice significantly slowed the progress of prostate cancer in men with recurring prostate cancer. This was a well-conducted study, but more are needed to support these findings.
A more recent study from 2013 looked at whether giving men pomegranate extract tablets prior to surgery to remove cancerous tissue from the prostate would reduce the amount of tissue that needed to be removed. The results were not statistically significant, meaning they could have been down to chance.
The research continues
Even though pomegranates have been used for their medicinal purposes for thousands of years, it’s only been recently that science has been able to prove it’s properties. There are more studies currently being conducted in which tests and experiments are trying to prove the other benefits. These include: An increase in bone density, erectile dysfunction, exercise performance and memory among others.
Sources: Authority Nutrition, NHS
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