Pomegranate is one of the world's most ancient fruits. It's also touted among the top health foods as its antioxidant, vitamin and mineral content are almost second to none.
Mentioned prominently in Greek mythology and literature, as well as in the Bible, the pomegranate fruit has curiously eluded popularity amongst the masses in the Americas, in the northern areas of Europe and much of Asia.
But that may be changing as hordes of people from all over the world revisit natural sources of maintaining and improving their health amidst the dizzying pace of modern living. In recent years, it seems that pomegranate drinks have caught the attention of a section of the health-conscious mainstream in many parts of the globe.
Possessing a pleasant flavor that is at once both sweet and sour, pomegranate is a health food that is rich in vitamins A, C, E, pantothenic acid, folic acid, potassium and antioxidants like flavonoids and tannins. These nutrients are said to collectively act and help the human body in various ways.
Among the top pomegranate health food benefits are the following:
Pomegranates may help strengthen the immune system and protect against cancer.
Antioxidants in the pomegranate fruit may help fight the free radicals that cause the immune system to break down, leading to the advent of many ailments and diseases. These same free radicals may also cause damage to the DNA and cells that give rise to aberrant accumulations or tumors that in turn may lead to cancer.
Pomegranates may help fight against Alzheimer's Disease and other similar degenerative diseases.
The antioxidant polyphenol content of pomegranate may also help protect against the buildup of beta-amyloid deposits in the body. These are protein substances associated with the oxidative processes that cause cell damage. These harmful substances are linked to the development of this neurologically degenerative disease.
Pomegranates may help protect against cardiovascular diseases.
The antioxidant content of the fruit has also been associated with clearing the arteries of plaque materials, thereby lowering the risk for heart disease and stroke. Consuming pomegranates may also help contribute to lowering the blood pressure and decreasing the levels of LDL or 'bad cholesterol' in the body. It thus helps promote the normal flow of blood.
Pomegranates may help fight osteoarthritis.
The antioxidants have also been found to help block the development of the Interleukin-1b (IL-1b), an enzyme that promotes inflammation in the human cartilages and joints that lead to degradation and damage and ultimately, to osteoarthritis. The fruit antioxidants also seem to contain the damage even after the onset of the disease.
Pomegranates may help promote smooth and youthful skin.
Substances like punicic acid are present in the seeds of the pomegranate fruit. This is a type of omega-5 conjugated fatty acid that has shown to be quite effective in the regeneration of cells. The effect of this is a considerable delay in the process of aging.
It is important to note that at this time, no health claims are have been made on the ability of the pomegranate fruit to cure diseases. However, the saying that "an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure" surely rings true when consuming this fruit.
The nutrients and antioxidant substances in this fruit may be most beneficial as protective agents against some of today's most serious and debilitating diseases.
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