Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

The health benefits of pomegranate juice are growing in popularity. What was once a fad is becoming more mainstream as the benefits of pomegranate juice are so promising. Due to its growing acceptance by an increasingly health-conscious public, many research clinical studies have been initiated to validate or disprove the many purported health benefits of pomegranate juice.

First, some basic info on pomegranate juice. The pomegranate is rich in history from being believed to be the fruit in the Garden of Eden that Eve offered to Adam to ancient Egypt mythology where ancient Egyptians were buried with pomegranates for their journey in the after world. Pomegranate goes by the nickname "jewel of winter," has been used by natural medicine practitioners to treat rheumatism, sore throats, and various inflammation issues for literally centuries in the Middle East, Iran, India, and Israel.

It's even mentioned in the Bible and was anciently by Jews in Israel and as far West as Greece and later Rome. It is originally thought to be native to Persia (modern-day Iran) but is now grown in California's San Joaquin valley and elsewhere in the world. The pomegranate fruit is the size of an orange, has a dark reddish rind, with translucent red seeds which are edible. The rind is edible as well. The flavor of the seeds is unique with a very sweet, delightful and fruity flavor.

Info on Pomegranate Juice

What are the specific health benefits of pomegranate juice? It is believed that pomegranate juice is full of antioxidants. Free radicals are oxygen molecules that are missing an electron and are a prime ingredient in aging and many researchers say are a main culprit in degenerative diseases like heart disease as well.

The antioxidant properties in pomegranate juice help eradicate free radicals. According to Professor Michael Aviram, "Pomegranate juice contains the highest antioxidant capacity compared to other juices like red wine and green tea." It also provides a significant amount of potassium as well as vitamins A, C, E, niacin and iron.

It is also high in fiber and is good for the intestinal tract. Other wonderful benefits of pomegranate juice is that it has polyphenols, anthocyanins, and tannins. You may recognize polyphenols as they are also in abundance in Green Tea extract and are antioxidant chemicals that help guard against basic cell damage. Pomegranate juice is also under clinical studies for alleged anti-cancer properties as well.

Guidelines & Precautions

Many studies are underway to validate the believed health benefits of pomegranate juice. One study in Israel has shown that a daily glass of it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. In studies at the Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, pomegranate juice was found to not only reduce or eliminate bad cholesterol (LDL), but it slowed down cholesterol oxidation by almost half.

As antioxidants help protect against oxidative stress due to many environmental stimuli, a research team at London, England's Hammersmith Hospital are starting a study so as to hopefully validate the Haifa study.

Bottom Line:
I believe the info on pomegranate juice is legitimate as passed on by many studies and is a healthy supplement and food. For its antioxidant properties alone, it should be made a part of our diet. You can get pomegranate extract for making juice or pomegranates in most large grocery chains or from health food stores.

Yours in health, hope, and harmony,
Nutritional-Supplement-Bible.com