Pomegranate Benefits

Recently been reading a lot about the many health benefits of Pomegranate and thought I would share them here with you. I became partly interested in pomegranate because it is known to improve circulation, plays a role in controlling blood sugar and has even been known to unclog existing clogged arteries along with mega doses of vitamin C, (the amino acids -L-lysine, L-proline), CoQ10 and vitamin E etc.

Let's take a look:

http://www.drfuhrman.com/library/article19.aspx


If you're not familiar with the pomegranate, it is a red fruit with a tough outer layer; only the juice and the seeds inside are edible. Pomegranate juice is available year round, but you can purchase fresh pomegranates in most grocery stores from September through January. When refrigerated in a plastic bag, pomegranates keep for up to 2 months. Try tossing the seeds on a salad for a brilliantly colorful, crunchy, and nutritious addition.

Seeding a pomegranate may seem like a lot of work for just a piece of fruit but think again, getting at those seeds may be well worth it. The pomegranate is a nutrient dense food source rich in phytochemical compounds. Pomegranates contain high levels of flaunts and polyphenols, potent antioxidants offering protection against heart disease and cancer. A glass of pomegranate juice has more antioxidants than red wine, green tea, blueberries, and cranberries.1

Amazing Clinical Results
This fantastic little fruit recently made its way back into the news after some spectacular clinical results. Here's what you need to know:

A compound found only in pomegranates called punicalagin is shown to benefit the heart and blood vessels. Punicalagin is the major component responsible for pomegranate's antioxidant and health benefits. It not only lowers cholesterol, but also lowers blood pressure and increases the speed at which heart blockages (atherosclerosis) melt away.

Recent medical research studied heart patients with severe carotid artery blockages. They were given an ounce of pomegranate juice each day for a year. Not only did study participants' blood pressure lower by over 12 percent, but there was a 30 percent reduction in atherosclerotic plaque. Just as astounding, participants who did not take the pomegranate juice saw their atherosclerotic plaque increase by 9 percent.2

In other studies, potent antioxidant compounds found in pomegranates have shown to reduce platelet aggregation and naturally lower blood pressure, factors that prevent both heart attacks and strokes.3

Not only are pomegranates good for your heart and blood vessels but they have been shown to inhibit breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, leukemia and to prevent vascular changes that promote tumor growth in lab animals.4 Several in vitro studies have shown this remarkable anti-cancer effect. Additional studies and clinical trials currently taking place are hopeful to reveal this fascinating effect on humans.

Also of note, pomegranate juice contains phytochemical compounds that stimulate serotonin and estrogen receptors, improving symptoms of depression and increasing bone mass in lab animals

Health Benefits of the Pomegranate

• Most powerful anti-oxidant of all fruits
• Potent anti-cancer and immune supporting effects
• Inhibits abnormal platelet aggregation that could cause heart attacks, strokes and embolic disease
• Lowers cholesterol and other cardiac risk factors
• Lowers blood pressure
• Shown to promote reversal of atherosclerotic plaque in human studies
• May have benefits to relieve or protect against depression and osteoporosis

Many studies show that the pomegranate is one of the most powerful, nutrient dense foods for overall good health. These clinical findings clearly show a correlation between pomegranate compounds and their positive effect on both human and animal cardiovascular, nervous, and skeletal health. This is one fruit that you can't afford to exclude from your diet!

(My Input):

There is no denying the benefits of eating pomegranates and drinking the juice or taking supplements. The controversy comes in on which is the BEST way to get a daily dose of pomegranate for the most benefits. I can't decide so I am currently taking a pomegranate supplement from GNC stores (see item below) and also drinking small doses of the actual pomegranate juice. Being a type 2 diabetic, I am not recommending drinking large volumes of pomegranate juice every day as the sugar content is pretty high. That doesn't mean you can't drink a couple of ounces of pure pomegranate juice a couple of times every day. Just don't go drinking a quart of it every day and one also has to be aware of INTERACTIONS WITH CERTAIN DRUGS taken for type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, statins etc. DO YOUR HOME WORK FIRST.

Here is a LINK that provides more details on drug interactions. If in doubt check with your doctor FIRST.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/364046-does-pomegranate-juice-interfere-with-prescription-drugs/

I am currently taking this pomegranate supplement from GNC: (They normally sell for around $12 bottle and the 2nd one is usually 50% off)

Features Each capsule contains 250 mg pomegranate fruit extract standardized to provide 40% ellagic acid 100 mg. Ellagic acid is a polyphenol antioxidant found in numerous fruits and vegetables This active ingredient is considered by science to be the key ingredient responsible for the herb's health benefits. Each extract delivers a quantified and measurable level of the targeted active ingredient in every serving. Vegetarian capsules Benefits The pomegranate provides a substantial amount of potassium, is high in fiber, and contains vitamin C and niacin. Ellagic acid has antiviral and antibacterial properties which aids in protecting ourselves against infections and diseases. It also helps to promote wound healing and normality of cells.

God Bless,

Dan

“The individual who says it is not possible should move out of the way of those doing it.” 
― Tricia Cunningham

“No one wakes up in the morning and says, 'I want to gain 150 pounds and I will start right now!” 
― Tricia Cunningham,