For years experts have been researching the powers of pomegranate juice. The beautiful pomegranate fruit contains many phytonutrients and antioxidants that fight off inflammation, disease, and toxins that have found their way into your body. A pomegranate is made up of hundreds of seeds that each contain the meat and juice of the fruit. The seeds are sweet and tart, and their deep red juice contains more antioxidants than green tea or acai berry. Add pomegranate juice to your diet, and you’ll enjoy the following health benefits.
Reduces Inflammation
People who suffer from generic and unspecific symptoms may not realize that they are experiencing chronic inflammation. Today, chronic inflammation affects more people than ever before, and it is behind so many diseases including arthritis, Crohn’s, dermatitis, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and many neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic inflammation is the result of long-term oxidative stress, and there is evidence that the antioxidants in pomegranate fight oxidative stress responses in the body. The anti-inflammatory effects of pomegranate can improve symptoms related to chronic inflammation like joint pain and stiffness, muscle stiffness, fatigue, and headaches. If you think you may be suffering from chronic inflammation, a glass of pomegranate juice per day may just help to alleviate your symptoms.
Fights Cancer
Experts believe that pomegranate juice may prevent the growth of prostate cancer due to their rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory profile. The liquid may interfere with tumor cell proliferation, cell cycle, invasion, and angiogenesis. One study showed significant antitumor effects in human prostate cancer cells in mice. Results showed cancer-chemopreventive and cancer-chemotherapeutic effects against human prostate cancer cells. Pomegranate juice cannot only prevent prostate cancer from developing, but it may also enhance the cancer-blasting effects of chemotherapy in men who already have cancer.
Speeds Recovery
Inflammation is a normal and healthy response following an injury. Oxidative stress and inflammation can occur after an intense workout, or after a serious injury to a muscle—and pomegranate juice can combat that. A study with nine elite weightlifters showed that pomegranate juice could delay oxidative stress after a training session. It was found that pomegranate juice enhanced antioxidant response in the body and sped up recovery when the weightlifters were tested three minutes and 48 hours after pomegranate supplementation before a training session. If you find yourself waiting a long time in between training sessions because of sore muscles, pomegranate juice may help you recover quickly so that you can train more often, and for longer.
Improves Memory
The powerful antioxidants in a pomegranate can improve memory following surgery according to a study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Many patients experience postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) following surgery with general anesthesia. The study showed that pomegranate supplements could improve cognitive functions post-surgery—especially memory. Another study showed improved memory in adults with mild memory complaints. 32 subjects participated in the study, and only the subjects who drank pomegranate juice for four weeks showed improvement in memory testing and fMRI scans. Pomegranate juice can protect you from developing a memory problem—it even proves effective in preventing the development of Alzheimer’s disease due to their potent antioxidant abilities.
Improves sexual function
Erectile dysfunction is a problem experienced most commonly by men who are diabetic, obese, or by men who smoke or drink a lot of alcohol. It also becomes more common as a man ages. Pomegranate juice contains antioxidants which lower oxidative stress and improve diabetic symptoms, treating ED associated with diabetes. Studies show that pomegranate juice acts as a powerful aphrodisiac, curing male impotence, and increasing libido. Pomegranate also contains zinc—a mineral which increases blood flow and improves vein and artery health all over the body.
Protects the Brain
Pomegranate is full of nutrients that protect the brain from oxidative stress and neurodegenerative disorders. Studies show that foods high in antioxidants, like pomegranate, can improve cognition. A 2017 study published in the Journal of BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine showed that pomegranate prevented accumulation of lipid in the brain and reduced oxidative stress.
Lowers blood pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when the force of blood pumping through the arteries in the body is too high. Long-term hypertension can cause serious health problems, including heart disease. Blood pressure can be lowered through a change in diet and lifestyle, such as eating foods low in sodium and exercising. Studies show that pomegranate can significantly reduce blood pressure due to its anti-atherosclerotic and anti-oxidative properties. One such study showed a 36 percent reduction in serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and a 5 percent reduction in systolic blood pressure following a 2-week consumption of pomegranate juice.
Reduces cholesterol
Pomegranate can reduce platelet aggregation—mini blot clots which slow down blood flow—and ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels. High cholesterol causes a buildup of plaque on the artery walls, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. One study showed that uptake of LDL was reduced by 20% following pomegranate juice supplementation. Additionally, atherosclerotic lesions were reduced in size by 44%. The study concluded that pomegranate juice has powerful anti-atherogenic effects because of their potent antioxidative properties.
Protects the Heart
Because pomegranate cleans out the blood, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, it is a powerful cardiovascular protector. High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels for an extended period can lead to heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. Pomegranate also contains magnesium, a mineral which acts as a muscle relaxant and helps to regulate the heartbeat and protect it from muscle stress. Magnesium is one of the nutrients in pomegranate which lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Fights off Infection
Historically, the pomegranate was used to treat many different medical conditions including various infections, ulcers, hemorrhage, and respiratory issues. Pomegranate contains many healthy compounds including tannins, anthocyanins, ellagic acid, flavonoids, anthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids which fight off bacteria and infection and boost immune function. Pomegranate also stimulates probiotic bacteria—which are the good bacteria—improving gut health and fighting off infection in the intestines.
Builds Strong Bones
Pomegranate is a good source of vitamin K which prevents osteoporosis. Pomegranate juice contains compounds that inhibit the enzymes which are responsible for cartilage breakdown. Since pomegranate contains anti-inflammatory agents, it prevents arthritis and bone inflammation as well.
Keeps Skin Looking Young
To keep your skin looking healthy and young, you need to consume foods high in antioxidants that will fight off free radical damage from sun exposure. The compounds in pomegranate encourage regeneration of skin cells, and they prevent hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Pomegranate also improves the life of fibroblasts—the cells which produce elastin and collagen to keep the skin tight and wrinkle-free.
Pomegranate contains compounds which support overall health and improve all systems and functions in the body. For a regular immune system boost with powerful antioxidants, add potent pomegranate juice to your diet!