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The pomegranate fruit is one of the ancients, native to the Middle East, southern Europe and the whole Mediterranean region. It has been known as a delectable fruit for thousands of years, but aside from its delightful flavor it has also been celebrated for its medicinal properties for the same amount of time. All parts of the pomegranate contain something beneficial, from the very bark to the fruit and juice inside. Its bark holds many alkaloid properties, which in the past have been used to sedate and eliminate intestinal parasites in people. The juice contains very high levels of antioxidants such as polyphenols, anthocyanins and tannins – even more so than red wine, green tea, or the juice of most other fruits (about three times as much).
The pomegranate is becoming known for its health benefits in all kinds of areas, especially when it comes to the heart and circulatory system. Listed below are different areas that the fruit and its juice can be beneficial for.
– The Heart: Studies have shown that both the pomegranate itself and its juice can prevent heart disease, or even treat an existing case of it. This is because it naturally diminishes blood clots and thins the blood, and inhibits further damage to the arteries. Because of its blood thinning qualities, It has also been known to lower blood pressure to a healthier level and lower bad cholesterol. Therefore, the pomegranate is a good fruit for preventing future heart attack or stroke.
– Anti-Inflammatory. The extracts of the fruit have proven to block enzymes that cause arthritis. Both its antioxidants and anti-inflammatories have been known to slow or even stop cartilage deterioration, and reduce swelling in arthritis and rheumatism.
– Other Uses. The pomegranate’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties also contribute towards helping many other ailments, along with the range of vitamins (A, E, and just a glass of juice contains 40% of the daily allowance of Vitamin C), folic acid, iron and potassium the fruit also carries. Gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and ulcers are just a couple of those things.
If anything, this fruit and its juice is one of the best even when it comes to just general nutrition.
In the past couple of years, pomegranate juice has become more and more popular and it is sold in pretty much any supermarket. Other products made with pomegranate and its products are more likely to be found in health food stores. Prices are pretty high currently, but this is because its health benefits have only very recently been revealed to the world as a whole. With time, prices should drop, so everyone can afford this nutritive drink. Until then, just an ounce a day is all it takes to consume the fruit’s major benefits. Or you can take it in pill or tea form.