Do you know what happens to your body, when you consume pomegranate fruit or juice regularly? That’s exactly what you’re going to discover, in today’s video. Make sure you watch till the end, as most people are not aware of these health benefits of pomegranate, that are proven by science.
As always, this video is educational, and does not constitute medical advice; we are not doctors.
Number 11. Reduce Inflammation.
Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to a variety of severe disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Pomegranates pack powerful antioxidants called punicalagins, that help remove free radicals, protect cells from damage, and reduce inflammation. It has been shown to have 3 times more antioxidant activity than green tea or wine.
A 12-week trial involving 50 patients with type 2 diabetes, showed that drinking 1.1 cups (250 ml) of pomegranate juice daily reduced the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by 32% and 30%, respectively. (4)
Number 10. Improve Heart Health.
Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality around the globe. The major fatty acid in pomegranates, punicic acid, may help ward off numerous stages of the heart disease process. A 2004 study, published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, took 10 patients with atherosclerosis, and measured their carotid arteries, before and after one year of supplementing their diet with pomegranate juice. The results showed that pomegranate juice consumption reduced the plaque clogging their carotid arteries by more than 30%, after 1 year. Additional “side-effects” included decreased LDL oxidation, and blood pressure.
In a four-week study, taking 800 mg of pomegranate seed oil daily, considerably reduced triglycerides, and decreased the triglyceride-HDL ratio in 51 individuals with high triglyceride levels. Pomegranate juice has also been proven to inhibit LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation, which is one of the major steps on the road to cardiovascular diseases, in both human and animal studies. (13)
Number 9. Enhance Memory.
Eating pomegranates regularly has also been shown to aid in preventing Alzheimer’s disease, and retaining overall cognitive health. (7) Another study involving 28 older adults who have memory issues, found that drinking 8 ounces (237 ml) of pomegranate juice per day enhanced markers of both visual and verbal memory. (6) In one trial, taking 2 grams of pomegranate extract daily, protected the memory in patients following heart surgery. (5)
Number 8. Combat Bacteria and Infections.
Pomegranates contain the compounds, punicalagins and punicic acid, that aid in combating dangerous micro-organisms. (8) Several studies have found that pomegranates fight the yeast Candida albicans, and various types of bacteria. (9, 10)
The anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties of pomegranates have been shown to protect your mouth from inflammation and infections, including denture stomatitis, periodontitis, and gingivitis! (11, 12)
Number 7. Ease the Symptoms of Arthritis.
There are many distinct forms of arthritis, but the majority of them include joint inflammation. Pomegranate plant compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, thus they may help in the treatment of arthritis. Laboratory studies revealed that pomegranate extract can inhibit enzymes that harm joints in osteoarthritis patients. (17, 18)
Number 6. Keep Blood Pressure at Bay.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the primary causes of stroke and heart attack. Researchers found that people with hypertension who consumed 5 ounces (150 ml) of pomegranate juice daily for two weeks had a substantial drop in blood pressure. (21) Other research has revealed comparable results, particularly for systolic blood pressure (the greater number in a blood pressure reading). (22, 23)
Number 5. Lower Prostate Cancer Risk.
Prostate cancer is one of the most frequent cancers in males. Pomegranate extract has been shown in lab experiments to decrease cancer cell reproduction and even trigger apoptosis, or cell death, in cancer cells. (24, 25)
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a prostate cancer blood marker. Prostate cancer is more likely to negatively affect men whose PSA levels double in a brief span of time. In a human study, consuming 8 ounces (237 ml) of pomegranate juice every day, extended the time it took for PSA to double from 15 months to 54 months – a significant increase. A follow-up study found similar improvements using a type of pomegranate extract called POMx. (26)
Number 4. Prevent Breast Cancer.
One of the most common cancers in women is breast cancer. Pomegranate extract has been shown to stop breast cancer cells from reproducing and even destroy some of them. (27, 28) This is due to flavonoids and antioxidants found in pomegranates, including punicalagins, ellagitannin, and ellagic acid.
Number 3. Treat Erectile Dysfunction.
The antioxidants in pomegranate juice may raise the endothelial nitric oxide levels, which affect erectile dysfunction linked to atherosclerosis. (31) One study found that drinking pomegranate juice can help enhance erectile response and blood flow – although larger and longer studies are needed.(30)
Number 2. Boost Exercise Efficiency.
Pomegranate packs dietary nitrates, which are converted to nitric oxide, and may potentially boost your exercise efficiency. In a treadmill trial of 19 athletes, 1 gram of pomegranate extract 30 minutes before training dramatically increased blood flow, postponing exhaustion, and boosting exercise performance. (32)
Another 2016 study involving nine elite weightlifters, found that consuming pomegranate juice 60 minutes before training, resulted in faster recovery and delayed muscle soreness. (33)
Number 1. Strengthen Immune System.
Pomegranates are overflowing with vitamin C and vitamin E, which act as antioxidants lowering the risk of infection and disease. Consuming one pomegranate fruit provides the body with around 28 mg or 50 percent of the daily recommended vitamin C intake. Eating pomegranate has been found to lessen the length and intensity of cold symptoms.
As you can see, pomegranates are chock full of powerful health benefits. Eating pomegranates on a regular basis will do wonders for your health. One cup of pomegranate provides a substantial amount of your daily required mineral intake, including calcium, potassium, iron, selenium, manganese, copper, zinc, and phosphorus. It’s also an excellent source of folate, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin K, vitamin E, and vitamin C. If you’re not eating pomegranates yet, why not start today?
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