The Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice
The pomegranate has been part of human history since biblical times and is mentioned in Exodus, as well as in ancient Babylonian texts. The pomegranateis actually a berry, and each fruit contains between 200 and 1400 seeds. The pulp that covers the seeds is what we generally eat and drink, and it is veryhealthy!
Nutritional Value of Pomegranate:
Pomegranates are rich in ellagic acid, an antioxidant, and punicic acid, an Omega 5 polyunsaturated fatty acid that is beneficial for cell regeneration. The juice is a great source of vitamins A, C and E, as well as minerals like calcium, phosphorous, potassium and more.
Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice:
Used for its medicinal benefits throughout the Middle East and Far East for thousands of years. It contains many nutrients like quercetin, which helpsprotect the body from diabetes, cancer and heart diseases.
1. Heart Benefits:
Pomegranate juice helps to keep your heart healthy by assisting arterialelasticity and reducing blood-vessel inflammation. It also reduces atherosclerosis – a leading cause in heart diseases. The juice also helps lower the risk of arterial blockage, reduce LDL levels and increase HDL levels.
2. Maintains Blood Sugar Levels:
Despite containing fructose, pomegranate juice doesn't elevate sugar levels in the blood. Research showed that diabetics who drank pomegranate juice for 2 weeks did not experience an increase in blood sugar levels.
3. Maintains Blood Pressure:
Pomegranate juice reduces lesions and inflammation in blood vessels, reducing high blood pressure. It also works as a natural aspirin, thinning the blood, thus improving blood flow in the body.
4. Protection from Cancer:
The antioxidants in the juice eliminate free radicals, inhibiting cancerous cell growth. Pomegranate juice is believed to induce apoptosis – a state where cancer cells destroy themselves. It's considered highly beneficial in preventing prostate cancer, as well as block the hormone believed to be one of the main causes for breast cancer – aromatase.
5. Soothes the Stomach:
Pomegranate juice has been used to treat diarrhea and dysentery since ancient times. It increases the production of enzymes that assist in digestion. Add a teaspoon of honey to a glass of pomegranate juice to treat indigestion.
6. Boosts Immunity:
The antioxidants in the juice stimulate white blood cells, boosting their efficiency. The juice has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, helping to reduce mouth bacteria that causes cavities and staph infections.
7. Prevents Anemia:
Anemia is caused when your body is low on red blood cells. The high levels of iron in the juice helps the body produce more red blood cells. It is also considered a great remedy for red and sore eyes – simply put a few drops of the juice in your eyes.
8. Improves Digestion:
When it comes to the digestive system, pomegranates work wonders in aiding the stomach and liver. It also helps soothe urinary tract infections and ease the flow of urine. Rich in dietary fiber, it helps regulate bowel movements.
9. Helps in Cartilage Regeneration:
Pomegranate juice is known to inhibit the enzymes that cause damage to cartilage, reducing future damage to the region. Unsweetened juice can relieve arthritis, and bone inflammation. A regular intake of juice is believed to curb the onset of Alzheimer's and other neurological issues, as well as dissolve kidney stones and even help erectile dysfunction.
10. Anti-Aging Benefits:
A diet rich in pomegranate juice helps slowing down agei
ng by reducing wrinkles and fine lines caused by exposure to the sun. It also helps to sustain the regeneration of the skin, preventing hyperpigmentation and dark spots
11. Suited for All Skin Types:
The juice works wonders on dry skin, effectively penetrating the skin and moisturizing it. Punicic acid, an Omega 5 fatty acid in the juice, keeps the skin hydrated by locking in the moisture. The juice also helps reduce the production of sebum, preventing outbreaks of zits.
12. Helps to Heal Scars:
Pomegranate juice improves cell regeneration of the skin and can hasten the healing of wounds. The seeds themselves are also full of skin-beneficial nutrients, protecting against sunburns and healing sun-damage.
13. Improves the Texture of Skin:
A glass of pomegranate juice will give you fair and glowing skin. It will also prevent wrinkles by increasing the body's production of collagen, which provides support and strength to the skin.
14. Good for Prenatal Care:
Pomegranate juice contains many vitamins and mineral, as well as folic acid, all of which are essential in a prenatal diet. The anti-inflammatory properties help improve blood flow for both the mother and the fetus. The potassium in the juice prevents muscle cramps associated with pregnancy and is even believed to prevent premature childbirth.
15. Pomegranate Face Mask for Glowing Skin:
Mix 1tsp of powdered green papaya, 1tsp grape seed oil, and 1tsp grape seed extract with 2tsp of pomegranate juice, then apply to the face. Leave it on for an hour, then wash in warm water.
16. Prevents Skin Cancer:
The anthocyanins and tannins in pomegranate are powerful friends in the fight against skin tumors. Apply it directly to the skin and let the ellagic acid do what it does best – inhibit the growth of cancerous cells.
17. Prevents Hair Fall:
Pomegranate juice strengthens the hair follicles, preventing hair loss and giving you rich, healthy hair.
Precautions:
- If you're taking blood pressure medication, the pomegranate's natural pressure-lowering abilities may result in dangerously low blood pressure.
- Do not consume pomegranate juice if you have the flu, a cough or constipation, or if you're suffering from a phlegmatic condition.
- Similarly to grapefruits, pomegranates can interfere with some types of medication, especially statins (cholesterol medicine), antidepressants, AIDS medication and narcotic pain relief medication.
Pomegranate nutritional facts:
Now that you know all of this about pomegranate juice, it's not too late to add it to your daily diet.
( hari krishnamurthy K. HARIHARAN)"
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