Pomegranate fruit antioxidants - Pomegranate juice health benefits

Pomegranate is known for more than 2000 years and is mentioned in Greek and Egyptian mythologies. The pomegranate shrub/tree [Punica granatum] is native to north India and West Asia.

Pomegranate tree is cultivated in almost all parts of the world, except the cold regions. To get good production of the fruits, the plants must be planted with sufficient space in-between. Good exposure to sunlight increases the health of the tree and gives the benefits of good production. Periodically, dead branches and twigs must be removed to promote growth and this action gives health benefits to the plant, inducing it to bear fruits in the second year. The fruit is covered with a thick skin. The best way of cutting open the pomegranate is to cut in a bowl of water. The seed casings [arils] sink to the bottom when separated from the internal membranes and peel. The internal membranes and peel float on the water.

The whole seed can be consumed raw and taste sour or sweet depending upon the variety and maturity. Syrup and juice can prepared the fruits and consumed directly. These fruits are widely used in culinary, in the preparation of various dishes all over the world. High medicinal and nutritional values are attributed to pomegranate and its derivatives.

Pomegranate with arils.
Pomegranate with arils exposed

image attribution: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:An_opened_pomegranate.JPG
Author: Anton Croos | License: CC BY-SA 3.0

Health benefits of nutrients and antioxidants

Pomegranate juice is rich in vitamins like vitamin C and B5 and minerals like potassium.
Antioxidant polyphenols with many health benefits like tannins are abundant in the juice. It also contains phytochemicals like beta-carotene and polyphenols like catechins.Pomegranate seeds are rich in dietary fiber.

Heart health benefits

Regular intake of pomegranate juice is believed to improve our blood circulation and also the circulation to the heart muscles. Its juice is found to help in the reduction of bad cholesterol. Macrophage activity is stimulated by the juice. Macrophages clear up the debris and foam cell deposit in the blood vessels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis. Further pomegranate fruit juice reduces the systolic blood pressure by interfering with the enzymes responsible for increasing the systolic blood pressure.

Cancer inhibiting health benefits of the fruits

The free radicals produced in the body during its metabolic processes are primarily responsible for cancer cell growth. The antioxidants, flavenoids and polyphenols neutralize the free radicals and oxidative stress. Pomegranate juice is shown to inhibit synthesis of estrogens and to help in the control of breast cancer cells proliferation. The fruit extract also inhibits the cancer of lung and prostate glands.

antibiotic health benefits

The juice has antibacterial activity against dental plaque and also inhibit viral infections. As a mild astringent, Its juice is used to treat diarrhea and other intestinal ailments to some extent. Pomegranate can also aid in relief of osteoarthritis by slowing down the cartilage deterioration due to the presence of the antioxidants. The bark of the root of pomegranate tree is used to treat and get rid of intestinal parasites.

LIST OF UNIQUE SUPER FOODS
ALOE VERA
HONEY AND ANTIOXIDANTS
ANTIOXIDANTS HEALTH BENEFITS
SPIRULINA ANTIOXIDANTS
GARLIC ANTIOXIDANTS
OLIVE OIL
GREEN TEA ANTIOXIDANTS
SOYBEANS BENEFITS
DATES ANTIOXIDANT BENEFITS

Keywords: pomegranate, fruits, juice, health, benefits, antioxidants


The dynamic nature

Mahmood Syed Faheem

pomegranate fruit on a tree
pomegranate fruit

image attribution: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pomegranate_fruit.jpg
Author: Fir0002/Flagstaffotos | License: CC BY-NC


Find Body Mass Index
Underweight:below 18.5
Normalweight:18.5-24.9
Overweight:25-29.9
Obesity:above 30.0

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Disclaimer:
Not professional advice - The above content is just for informational & educational purpose only
If you need specific medical advice please seek a professional doctor who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.