Pomegranate Health Benefits

Pomegranates (Punica granatum) with its delicious looking red juicy seeds (arils) are one of the most popular fruits around the world. Apart from its lovely, juicy tart flavor, this fruit is also known for its countless health benefits. In fact pomegranates are believed to be one of the earliest fruits that have been cultivated along with grapes, figs, olives, and dates.

Pomegranates were associated with fertility, rebirth, and health since time immemorial through a number of mythological stories. Some of the most potent pomegranate health benefits include boosting the body's natural defense against Alzheimer's disease, various cancers, coronary and heart diseases and arthritis. So what is it that makes pomegranate a wonder fruit?

Pomegranate Fruit Health Benefits

Presence of Antioxidants
Containing three times the antioxidants of red wine or green tea, pomegranates have a considerable abundance of tannins in it. These tannins aid in the reduction of free radicals in the body. Thus the harm caused by free radicals, in terms of speeding up the aging process, damaging the DNA and resulting in the formation of cancers is prevented considerably, by the antioxidants present in the pomegranates. More on pomegranate seeds nutrition.

Protects against Heart Problems
Pomegranates are known to alleviate medical heart problems namely heart attacks, blood pressure and even strokes. Research has shown that having a glass of fresh pomegranate juice per day could improve blood flow to the heart by more than a third. This is because the antioxidants in the fruit helps to clear the arteries and prevent the formation of bad cholesterol in the heart. This has a dramatic impact on atherosclerotic lesions, which narrow the arteries and cause heart failure. More on pomegranate nutrition.

Lowers Bad Cholesterol
The presence of antioxidants in pomegranates helps reduce the oxidation of bad cholesterol and raise the HDL or good cholesterol levels in the body. In addition, pomegranate juice is known to keep blood platelets from clumping together and thus restricts the formation of unwanted blood clots. More on health benefits of pomegranate juice.

Cancer Prevention
The presence of antioxidant flavonoids in pomegranates are effective in neutralizing cancer-causing free radicals. The health benefits of pomegranate juice in retarding the growth of prostate cancer cells has been documented. In fact, research has shown that regular consumption of pomegranates is quite effective in fighting both breast and skin cancer. One of the most potent pomegranate health benefit for men is the protection against prostate cancer. More on pomegranate juice and prostate cancer.

Presence of Nutrients
Pomegranates are believed to be a rich source of vitamin C. It supplies the body with a rich source of folic acid and vitamins A, B5 and E. In addition, pomegranates also contain fiber, potassium, niacin and iron. The iron helps in preventing anemia symptoms that include exhaustion, dizziness, weakness, and hearing loss.

In addition to these, pomegranates have a number other disease-related health benefits. These include:

• Prevention of Alzheimer's disease
• Pomegranate health benefits for skin include soothing skin inflammation and maintaining a clear skin with youthful glow
• Reduces the chances of neonatal brain from damage and injury
• Prevention of dental plaque
• Eradicates intestinal worms in children
• Presence of ascorbic acid prevents respiratory problems
• Cartilage deterioration and osteoarthritis can be prevented

While you can easily consume fresh seeds and juice to enjoy the pomegranate health benefits, you can also enjoy the flavor and taste of pomegranates with a number of products. From the wonderful grenadine syrup to pomegranate juice concentrates, bottled pomegranate juices, frozen pomegranate seeds, dried pomegranate seeds, pomegranate extracts, and pomegranate supplements there are countless choices that can help you avail the health benefits of this "superfruit".