Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate fruit has become extremely popular worldwide for its delicious taste and health benefits. Originally, the fruit was grown in Asia and the Middle East region. However, now it is also grown in Africa and the United States. Also called 'Granada' or the 'Chinese apple', pomegranate is best cultivated in the hot climate and once grown, its trees can live for many years. The pomegranate fruit is spherical in shape with numerous small seeds inside that look like ruby-colored pearls. This citrus-flavored fruit is very juicy and can be used to prepare variety of food recipes and drinks/cocktails. But, pomegranate is best consumed in its original form or as juice. Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants and can be used to treat various health problems such as diarrhea, piles, constipation, intestinal worms, anemia, cough, etc. Here is an elaborate list of the ailments that a glass of pomegranate juice can help prevent or cure.

Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate juice is primarily known for its antioxidant properties. It contains more flavonoids and polyphenols than grapes. Pomegranate juice is a rich source of vitamins like vitamin A, C, E and vitamin B (thiamin, riboflavin and niacin) as well as calcium, iron and phosphorus. It also consists of phytochemicals like beta-carotene. The combination of vitamins and minerals makes pomegranate juice an effective synergy to prevent and treat a number of health problems.

• Did you know? Your glass of pomegranate juice contains more antioxidants that red wine or anything else for that matter (yes, even acai berry).The most important benefit of pomegranate juice is its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants control the harmful effects of free radicals in the body. Pomegranate juice contains very high amount of polyphenols like hydrolyzable tannins, which can also eliminate free radicals from the body.
• Pomegranate juice can be used as a blood thinner (increases blood supply to the heart). It also reduces plaque build-up in the arteries (intima-media thickness or IMT) and minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis. It lowers the levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and increases HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). Thus, pomegranate juice reduces the likelihood of cardiovascular problems and improves heart health.
• Due to its antioxidant nature, pomegranate juice is helpful in fighting certain types of cancer such as breast cancer and skin cancer. It is also effective in slowing the growth of prostate cancer.
• Pomegranate juice acts as an enzyme inhibitor and prevents cartilage damage. It controls degeneration of cartilage and can be used to treat osteoarthritis.
• You can use pomegranate juice to improve the digestive health, by enhancing secretion of the enzymes. Its anti-bacterial properties makes it one of the best home remedies for nausea, hemorrhoids, dysentery, diarrhea and intestinal parasites. It can also be used to treat piles. Pomegranate acts as a laxative and can be used to relieve constipation.
• If your child has lost appetite and doesn't eat well, add a glass of pomegranate juice to his day as it is known to be an appetite-stimulant.
• Pomegranate juice is the best remedy to relieve anemia. Due to its high iron content, it helps increase the hemoglobin levels in the blood.
• Because of its high content of vitamin C, pomegranate juice acts as an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. It can be used to treat cough, sore throat as well as wheezing due to asthma.
• It helps improve blood flow in the body which also contributes to a more youthful appearance in later years. This is useful in case you are looking for a natural way to prevent blood clots.
• If you have a high systolic blood pressure, pomegranate juice is strongly recommended to be included in your routine diet.

Pomegranate is truly a super food that strengthens the immune system. Daily consumption of a glassful is a great way to achieve health and wellness. Please note that, due to its anti-coagulant properties and other enzymes found in it, pomegranate juice may not sit well with certain medications. Do consult your doctor for advice if you are already on medication. It is also advised that you do not overdo the consumption of the juice as it may have serious (laxative) side-effects.