Pomegranate Juice: The Antioxidant Power Punch

September 25, 2014

The pomegranate is not only rich and tasty but is becoming increasingly known for its health benefits. What was once an exotic fruit is now available in virtually every grocery store.

Pomegranates are one of the few fruits whose juice is as beneficial as its fruit or seeds. That’s because the peel, which you can’t eat, contains the most antioxidants, and they are released in abundance when the fruit is squeezed for juicing.

Pomegranate juice contains approximately three times more antioxidants per ounce than red wine or green tea.

It is also shown to have blood thinning properties. It’s like the natural Aspirin, keeping blood platelets from sticking together and forming blood clods. In this way Pomegranate juice is helpful in preventing heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. Pomegranate also helps to reduce plaque in the arteries, and to raise “good” levels of cholesterol while helping lower “bad” cholesterol.

Pomegranate seed oil is often used topically, as a way of improving the elasticity in the skin and to help reduce the signs of aging on the skin, like wrinkles and dark marks.

Antioxidant power
Pomegranate juice is rich in ellagic acid, a polyphenol chemical, a fancy word for antioxidant. Other reagents found in pomegranate juice are riboflavin, citric acid, boric acid, niacin, thiamine, potassium and calcium.

Pomegranate juice benefits

Promotes heart health: Studies show that reducing levels of oxidation, or the breakdown of “bad” cholesterol , will in turn reduce plaque from building up in the arteries. This leads to an increase in blood flow to the heart, therefore lowering the likelihood of heart attack.
Protects against prostate cancer: A number of studies have shown that pomegranate extract slows the growth of the cultured cancer cells and, in some instances, promotes cell death.
Helps address erectile dysfunction: Pomegranate juice has been dubbed the “Natural Viagra” because of its ability to improve blood flow.
Slows down the aging process: Research shows that pomegranate juice may help to slow down the aging process by increasing the elasticity and health of your skin.
Anti-inflammatory benefits: Pomegranate oil contains significant amounts of conjugated fatty acids which give it strong anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason it is often an ingredient in medications designed d to reduce swelling and ease muscular aches.
Antibacterial/antiviral benefits: Studies show that pomegranate juice has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. A Pace University Study found that pomegranate juice is effective in fighting viruses and bacteria. According to their findings, pomegranate juice significantly reduces microbes found in the mouth that commonly cause cavities, staph infections and food poisoning
HIV prevention: Its antimicrobial properties also make Pomegranate oil an inhibitor of HIV transmission. Though this research is in its very earliest stages, studies have shown that of all fruits, pomegranate has the highest potential, when applied topically, to inhibit the transmission of HIV.

Remedies

Breast cancer: Acid found in pomegranate has been linked to the destruction of estrogen fuelled breast cancer cells. A summary of a study in the journal of Cancer Prevention Research shows that pomegranate juice appears to block aromatase, an enzyme that converts androgen to estrogen, a hormone that plays a role in the development of breast cancer.
Diarrhea and dysentery: Pomegranate seeds and pomegranate juice are often used as a treatment for diarrhea. Pomegranates contain astringent properties that are effective against dysentery and other causes of diarrhea. The most potent form of the fruit for this purpose is to take pomegranate seed powder mixed with buttermilk three times a day.
Wrinkles and saggy skin: The anti-oxidant properties of pomegranates help to regenerate the skin cells and reverse signs of aging such as wrinkles and saggy skin. Pomegranate juice can even be applied directly to the affected skin either directly or mixed in to your daily moisturizer.
Cough: Pomegranate helps to reduce cough. The best way to make this remedy is to make a tea out of dried crushed pomegranate flowers.
Piles: pomegranate is an effective remedy for piles. Eating the fruit daily, with a pinch of salt, on an empty stomach will help treat the virus. Also applying a mixture of pomegranate powder and buttermilk directly to the affected area will also
Digestion: Studies show that the pomegranate fruit plays a vital role in secretion of enzymes that help improve digestion. Mix the juice of pomegranate with a tablespoon of honey and drink to cure conditions of indigestion.

Side effects

Low blood pressure: Because pomegranate juice has properties that naturally lower blood pressure, taking it in combination with prescription medications designed to reduce blood pressure, may result in dangerously low blood pressure, known as hypotension.
Allergic symptoms: Pomegranates can cause allergies in some people. People with other plant allergies and asthma tend to be at greater risk of developing allergic reactions to pomegranates. Some allergic reactions include nausea, vomiting, hives, red itchy eyes and difficulty breathing.
Too much sugar: Diabetics who are watching their sugar intake need to be careful if they start adding pomegranate juice to their diets because of the sugar content in the drinks.
Drug interference: Like grapefruits, pomegranate has been known to interfere with some medications, particularly cholesterol medications, known as statins. It has also been known to interfere with antidepressants, AIDS drugs and narcotic pain relievers. Be sure to check with your doctor if you are on medication and intend to begin taking pomegranate juice regularly.