Pomegranate Nutrition
The ABC's of Pomegranate Nutrition
Many people live in areas where pomegranate nutrition has probably never been mentioned. If you don't live in one of the growing areas – California, Arizona, Mexico – it can be pricier than the fruits more commonly shipped across the United States. But whether you've heard of them or not, the health benefits of this delicious juice are tremendous.
Many older research works don't even mention this fruit, as it has only recently been rediscovered. In some areas, it has made headlines for its restorative and medicinal values. But in ancient times, even they knew how healthy the fruit was.
Pomegranates have a high level of punicalagins, which is a strong antioxidant component, responsible for many health benefits. Researchers have recently discovered that the strength of the antioxidant in the pomegranate is two or three times that of green tea and red wine. The antioxidant level is even higher than other fruits known for their high levels – including oranges, cranberries and blueberries. It is believed that their high content of polyphenol accounts for this aspect of pomegranate nutrition.
In addition, they are a great source of the B vitamins (niacin, thiamin and riboflavin), phosphorus, calcium and vitamin C. The combination of these vitamins, along with other minerals, creates an elixir that seems to combat some diseases, and prevent or postpone symptoms of others.
One of the newer studies on pomegranate nutrition has found that drinking the juice is very beneficial to help fight off atherosclerosis, by reducing the oxidation levels of bad LDL cholesterol. It also helps reduce damage to blood vessels, and possibly even helps to reverse this disease's progression. Another recent study has proven that pomegranates help to fight cancer, especially prostate and breast cancer.
For anemia, you can add cinnamon and honey to pomegranate juice. This has been found to be exceptionally helpful for women after excessive blood loss from menstruation.
If you suffer from asthma, you will find that the high vitamin C content of the fruits is an excellent anti-inflammatory, and can relieve wheezing, especially in young children.
If you are experiencing a loss of appetite, drinking pomegranate juice can help relieve your queasiness and bring your appetite back.
You can drink a mixture of this juice and honey to help with morning sickness, if you're pregnant. It can sometimes ease a sour stomach from other sources as well.
If you have a sore throat, the anti-inflammatory agents in this juice can reduce the redness and soreness in your throat.
If you are currently on any medications, be sure to ask your doctor before you start consuming regular amounts of pomegranate juice as part of your health regimen. There have been concerns expressed that the juice may affect how your body metabolizes medications, and it may cause your blood pressure to drop too much if you are on blood pressure medications.