Why is pomegranate a superfood




















Interestingly, a human study found that drinking 8 ounces ml of pomegranate juice per day increased the PSA doubling time from 15 months to 54 months — a monumental increase A follow-up study found similar improvements using a type of pomegranate extract called POMx Preliminary evidence indicates that pomegranate juice can be useful in men with prostate cancer, potentially inhibiting cancer growth and lowering the risk of death.

Pomegranate extract may inhibit the reproduction of breast cancer cells — even killing some of them 12 , 13 , However, the evidence is currently limited to laboratory studies. More research is needed before any claims can be made. Laboratory studies suggest that pomegranate extract can help fight breast cancer cells, but human studies are needed. In one study, people with hypertension had a significant reduction in blood pressure after consuming 5 ounces ml of pomegranate juice daily for two weeks Other studies have found similar effects, especially for systolic blood pressure, which is the higher number in a blood pressure reading 16 , Regular intake of pomegranate juice has been shown to lower blood pressure levels in as little as two weeks.

Given that the plant compounds in pomegranate have anti-inflammatory effects, it makes sense that they could help treat arthritis. Interestingly, laboratory studies suggest that pomegranate extract can block enzymes that are known to damage joints in people with osteoarthritis 18 , This extract has also been shown to relieve arthritis in mice, but evidence from human-based research is very limited so far 20 , Studies in animals and isolated cells indicate that pomegranate extract may be beneficial against several forms of arthritis, but human research is needed.

Punicic acid, the main fatty acid in pomegranate, may help protect against several steps in the heart disease process. A 4-week study in 51 people with high triglyceride levels showed that mg of pomegranate seed oil per day significantly lowered triglycerides and improved the triglyceride-HDL ratio Another study looked at the effects of pomegranate juice in people with type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. Pomegranate juice has also been shown — in both animal and human studies — to protect LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation, one of the key steps in the pathway towards heart disease 25 , 26 , 27 , Finally, one research analysis concluded that pomegranate juice reduces high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease Several human studies have shown that pomegranate can have benefits against heart disease.

It improves your cholesterol profile and protects LDL cholesterol from oxidative damage. Pomegranate juice has been shown to help increase blood flow and erectile response in rabbits In a study in 53 men with erectile dysfunction, pomegranate appeared to have some benefit — but it was not statistically significant Pomegranate juice has been linked to reduced symptoms of erectile dysfunction, but more research is needed.

The plant compounds in pomegranate can help fight harmful microorganisms For example, they have been shown to combat some types of bacteria as well as the yeast Candida albicans 33 , The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects may also be protective against infections and inflammation in your mouth.

This includes conditions like gingivitis, periodontitis and denture stomatitis 35 , Pomegranate has antibacterial and antiviral properties which may be useful against common gum diseases and yeast infections.

There is some evidence that pomegranate can improve memory. One study in surgical patients found that 2 grams of pomegranate extract prevented deficits in memory after surgery Another study in 28 older adults with memory complaints found that 8 ounces ml of pomegranate juice per day significantly improved markers of verbal and visual memory Some evidence shows that pomegranate may improve memory in older adults and post-surgery.

Pomegranate is rich in dietary nitrates , which have been shown to improve exercise performance. A study in 19 athletes running on a treadmill showed that one gram of pomegranate extract 30 minutes before exercise significantly enhanced blood flow, delaying the onset of fatigue and increasing exercise efficiency More studies are needed, but it seems that pomegranate — like beets — may be beneficial for physical performance. As a rich source of nitrates, pomegranate may improve exercise performance by increasing blood flow.

Pomegranates are one of the healthiest foods on the planet , packed with nutrients and powerful plant compounds. They have wide-ranging benefits and may help reduce your risk of various serious illnesses, including heart disease, cancer, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. If you want to reap the many health benefits pomegranates have to offer, either eat the arils directly or drink pomegranate juice.

The results were not statistically significant, meaning they could have been down to chance. A good-quality study from on patients with carotid artery stenosis narrowed arteries found that a daily 50ml 1.

However, these effects are not clearly understood and the study did not say what the results mean for conditions such as stroke.

A well-conducted trial from on 45 patients with coronary heart disease demonstrated that a daily ml 8. The study did not say what the results mean for conditions such as heart attacks, and with such a small trial the positive results reported could be down to chance. Alison Hornby, a dietitian and BDA spokesperson, says the evidence around the health benefits of pomegranates are inconclusive.

She says: "Research suggests there may be a benefit, but we've not shown it yet. The studies that have found an improvement in existing health conditions were very small and more investigation into the role pomegranate plays in these improvements is needed.

Make sure to avoid brands with added sugar. You could also add pomegranate seeds to cold dishes and salads. It's a healthy and appetising way to increase the nutritional value of your meal. Dried or fresh, figs are tasty, versatile and contain lots of nutrients.

Learn more about their health benefits here. Are you getting your daily dose of vitamin A? Find out which foods are high in vitamin A, why vitamin A is important and the signs of vitamin A defici Superfoods are thought to be great for your health. But what is a superfood, and are the foods you assume to be superfoods as healthy as you think? In turn, this helps to increase the body's natural production of the antioxidant glutathione, which protects cells from free radical damage. This increased microcirculation and cell renewal helps prevent wrinkles and improve the appearance of the skin for a smoother texture.

Pomegranate seed oil is especially nourishing for the skin, providing deep hydration. At just over calories for an entire fruit, pomegranate is a low-calorie addition to the diet that can do wonders for the skin, as well as provide antioxidant benefits to the entire body. When choosing the whole fruit, most available at the store should already be ripe, and ought to feel heavy with firm skin.

When choosing fruits, supplements or extracts, always choose Certified USDA Organic and get the highest quality available for purest potency. This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only.

It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

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