Health benefits of Pomegranates- Pomegranates are even mentioned in the bible and many scholars believe it was a pomegranate rather than an apple that tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. They are good added to desserts and salads and are even a delicious accompaniment to meats. Many companies market pomegranate juice for its health properties. The health benefits of pomegranates include cancer prevention, heart disease prevention, healthy brain function and menopause relief. Pomegranates are cultivated throughout India, the Middle East, southern Europe and California. Scientists in Israel were the first to conduct research on the health benefits of pomegranates and pomegranate juice for years and know the west has realized the importance of it.
Pomegranate Nutrition
Pomegranates contain a good dose of vitamin C and vitamin K. They also contain some copper, zinc, manganese and phosphorous. The health benefits of pomegranate juice are even more than the whole fruit because it is more concentrated source of nutrients, especially the antioxidants that give it its deep reddish purple hue and that are responsible for most of the health benefits of pomegranates.
Pomegranates for Cancer Prevention
Pomegranate also contains the anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins (flavonoids), which are substances that have been shown in animal and test tube experiments to reduce tumor angiogenesis. Studies using pomegranate juice have shown some promise in its role in killing breast cancer cells. There is also a link to lung and prostate cancers.
Pomegranates for Heart Disease Prevention
In laboratory animals, pomegranate juice has been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. Pomegranate juice may also help reduce plaque build-up in the arteries, according to studies. Another study showed that drinking pomegranate juice could help lower blood pressure.
Pomegranates for Healthy Brain Function
Studies show that drinking pomegranate juice during pregnancy may positively affect neonatal brain development. There are also studies linking drinking pomegranate juice to possible Alzheimer’s disease prevention.
Pomegranates for Menopause Relief
Pomegranates contain oestrogen like substances, which is why they have been studied for their role in relieving menopausal symptoms, like hot flushes.
Raw Pomegranate Nutrition
Calories- 68
Total Fat – .3 g
Total carbohydrates- 17.2g
protein – 1 g