You may have probably already heard of pomegranate. For those familiar with Arabian nights stories, the pomegranate is an oft-mentioned fruit, having many seeds and some magical properties. In real life, pomegranates may very well have certain healing or medicinal properties that can be put to use when it comes to certain ailments and health conditions.
The pomegranate is said to have originated from Persia and has also been cultivated in regions such as Georgia, Armenia and the Mediterranean region. If you have ever seen a pomegranate, you will see that it is comprised of little red arils which encase the pomegranate seeds. These are found in the fruit along with the white membrane. Pomegranate juice is popular in the US and Canada. Before that, they have already been part of Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine as popular drinks. Pomegranates are also seasonal fruits.
One of the benefits of pomegranate juice is that they contain a good amount of Vitamin C. It is said that per 100 ml serving of pomegranate aril juice can provide as much as 16% of an adult’s daily vitamin C requirement. It is also cited as a good source of vitamin B5 (panthotenic acid), potassium, and antioxidant polyphenols. It is said that certain polyphenols in pomegranate may have properties that can serve as antioxidants although this has yet to be proven in the laboratory and in clinical studies.
Other health benefits that drinkers of pomegranate juice can get include reduction of heart disease risk factors, such as LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status and foam cell formation. Pomegranate juice may also have properties that can inhibit viral infections and may also serve to give antibacterial protection or effects against dental plaque.
Some sources also cite that drinking pomegranate juice can help reduce the likelihood of prostate cancer occurring or may prevent or delay the progress of recurring prostate cancer. This is said to be due to the presence of antioxidants in pomegranate juice that are said to anti-carcinogenic and some estrogen-like plant substances known as phytoestrogens. These antioxidants, in addition, are also easily absorbed by the body and are also said to be non-toxic.
One other health benefit of pomegranate juice is said to be that of blocking enzymes which cause osteoarthritis. Along with anti-inflammatory properties, pomegranate juice is also said to possess properties that may help decrease the deterioration of the human cartilage.
If you thing that pomegranate can only be consumed in juice form, then here’s another surprise: pomegranate in snack size bars are also already being marketed and sold. This has been developed, apparently, without the use of any preservatives and have been developed specifically for teens and kids. For those wishing to gain the health benefits of pomegranate, you may go ahead and check out more resources and you may also consult with your physician. Although pomegranate juice is said to be generally safe for consumption, you may want to check if it may have any adverse effect especially if you have other pre-existing conditions or are on medication.