Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

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The pomegranate is a native fruit of Persia. Its name in Latin means "apple with many seeds".The fruit, which is about the size of an apple, has a thin rind lined with a layer of white membrane which divides the fruit into several cells. Each cell contains numerous seeds encased in a juicy pulp. The outer rind color is pink to deep red when the fruit is mature on the most popular varieties for eating. Pomegranate has been used as curative remedy by several civilizations and has been referred as a sacred symbol by several religions and mythologies. 

1.  Its effectiveness as an anti-oxidant
Pomegranate juice has antioxidants that are super powerful and beneficial to your heart, mind, bones, and overall health. They’re called polyphenols and flavonoids. No other juice or fruit has more of these types of antioxidants than the pomegranate fruit. Researchers have suggested that the antioxidant power of pomegranate is extremely high; pomegranate juice contains nearly three times the antioxidant boost of even green tea. It is also a highly regarded defender against free-radicals in the body.

2.  Preventive and chemical treatment for cancer
It has been shown that pomegranate extract in therapeutic doses caused a natural death of cancer cells (Apoptosis) such as  breast cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer, without affecting healthy cells. Pomegranates are the richest source of a natural substance called ellagic acid.  Its effectiveness has proven in the treatment and prevention of the prostate cancer, where it suppresses the growth of cancer cells, and interferes with the genetic factors of cancer cells, leading to death at the end.

3.  Treatment of heart and blood vessels diseases
In a study released by John Hopkins Medical Center , researchers found that pomegranate juice can reduce the progression of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Diabetes patients who drank pomegranate juice had a reduced risk for arteriosclerosis and a reduced uptake of bad cholesterol.  Consumption of pomegranate juice for 2 weeks by hypertensive subjects significantly decreased systolic blood pressure.

4. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects
Pomegranate has also shown to possess anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.  The barks of the tree and root have been used in traditional medicine to eliminate tapeworms. In addition, ellagic acid also has other benefits; it has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy, anti-cancer properties.

5.  Pomegranate juice prevent Alzheimer's disease and improve the nerves
It is proven that polyphenols (found in pomegranate juice) are neuro-protective.Therefore, diet can affect the risk of  Alzheimer’s disease. American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (2006) said that a daily glass of antioxidant-rich pomegranate juice may halve the build-up of harmful proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease. Pomegranate juice is high in fiber and has substantial amounts of potassium which is important in sending nerve impulses as well as releasing energy from protein, fat, and carbohydrates during metabolism.

6.  Pomegranate juice improve erectile dysfunction
Researchers believe that the potent antioxidant content of pomegranate juice can prevent free radical molecules from disrupting proper circulatory function and help increase blood flow to the penis leads to erections. Drinking 250ml of pomegranate juice a day may help manage erectile dysfunction and impotence. The juice of Pomegranate is the active source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B5, Vitamin E, iron, calcium, potassium, and antioxidant polyphenols, such contents can increase the amount of blood in the body and to regulate the blood flow to the all parts in  the body. It has been determined that taking a regular dose of pomegranate will increase the blood flow around the body, in particular to the penis area. Its powerful antioxidants help to keep the blood vessels functioning optimally. It preserves the nitric oxide in the blood vessels of the penis which keeps the penis tissue relaxed and allows increased blood flow into the region. This increased amount of blood in the penis gives a stronger and much longer lasting erection.

7.  Pomegranate juice improve sperm quality and count
The antioxidants in pomegranates particularly punicalagin play a role in sperm health because sperm are especially susceptible to oxidative damage due to the high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids involved in regulating sperm maturation and spermatogenesis.

8.  Pomegranate juice improve skin and delay ageing
Foods rich in antioxidants may improve skin and delay the effects of ageing, and pomegranates in particular may play a role due to their very high levels of antioxidants. Pomegranate has 20% more antioxidants than orange, apple or cranberry juice.  Pomegranate juice not only captures free radicals, it can also prevent inflammation, which is the main cause of premature aging. The pomegranate may contribute to  the thickening of the epidermis and help with anti-aging.

9.  Pomegranate juice prevent osteoarthritis
A study published in the September 2005 issue of the journal of nutrition suggests that that extracts from pomegranate fruit may slow cartilage  degradation in osteoarthritis.

10. Pomegranate improves fertility
Pomegranates are high in Vitamin C and fiber, and contain the minerals iron, potassium and calcium. Other nutrients include Vitamin A, Vitamin E and folic acid. It is regarded as a symbol of health, fertility and rebirth. Pomegranate has been shown in clinical studies to improve and balance the estrogen and progesterone levels and enhance nurturing energy.

11. Pomegranate boosts immunity
The pomegranate juice is rich in vitamin C which helps to increase immunity powers immensely. The antioxidants in the juice boost immunity, and increase resistance to diseases, specially TB and cancer. Studies have shown that the pomegranate can be used to treat cancers of the lung, prostrate and breast. Pomegranates have a great amount of vitamin C, which increases your immunity against the common infection such as flu, colds, bleeding gums, wounds that won’t heal, just to name a few.