The Benefits of Pomegranate Juice and Pomegranate Nutrition
Health Benefits
Recently, the health benefits of pomegranate juice have become well known. The juice concentrate contains four times the antioxidants level of regular pomegranate juice.
Pomegranates nutrition contains more health benefits than blueberries and strawberries. One glass of this juice contains vitamin A and E, folic acid, and vitamin C. It also contains more antioxidants per ounce than green tea or red wines. The juice contains the antioxidant Punicalagin which is known to protect cardiovascular function, as well as precise cellular duplication. This juice also contains polyphenolic compounds, tannins, and anthocyanins. Ellagic and Gallic acid can also be found. These qualities are what produce the many health benefits.
In addition to the benefits above, it has also been shown to prevent and slow Alzheimer’s disease. Mice were shown to perform tasks better mentally. The mice also produced less amyloid plaque.
While consumed during pregnancy it has been showed to protect neonatal brains against damage as a result of an injury.
Deterioration of cartilage can be prevented by consuming pomegranate juice, however more studies are needed.
Cancer Benefits
Studies were conducted in Israel that produced positive results in breast cancer cells when treated with pomegranate juice consumption. The ingredients in the juice destroys the cancerous cells and prevents new cancerous cells from producing. When the cancerous cells are attacked, the healthy cells remain untouched.
The health benefits of juice from the fruit may reduce the risk of the development of lung cancer.
Fifty men suffering from prostate cancer were studied while drinking an 8 ounce glass of pomegranate juice. The results concluded the PSA levels remained stable as a result of juice. These results meant the treatment using chemotherapy and hormone therapy were no longer needed. A study in mice showed pomegranate juice slowed the growth of prostate cancer.
The juice has been proven effective in the prevention of skin cancer.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Pomegranate juice can help prevent heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. For heart disease prevention, proper exercise and diet will be needed along with the juice.
The deterioration of prior plaque build up and the promotion of good blood flow is also an arterial benefit of the juice.
Benefits also include raising “good” cholesterol levels and lowering “bad” cholesterol levels.
Other Health Benefits
Other benefits of pomegranate juice include the decrease of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL). It is also beneficial in regulating platelet motion. Normal vascular contraction can be maintained. The motion of antiotension converting enzyme (ACE) is reduced as another benefit. Pomegranate juice is also beneficial to maintaining normal cell function, promoting proper replication. The juice can also promote dental health by preventing the build up of plaque on the teeth.
The benefits of pomegranate juice is undeniable, however more study is needed to conclude the extent of these benefits and the possibility of others. More pomegranate benefits can be viewed at benefits of pomegranate juice.
References:
“Eat This! 11 Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice” October 19, 2007 Healthdiaries.com