Pomegranate: The Wonder Fruit

Often touted as the emblem of prosperity, fertility, and rebirth, pomegranate has lived many millenniums across the globe, with its humble beginning in Transcaucasia dating somewhere around 4000 BC. For many initial centuries, pomegranate was rather dull and overlooked fruit; however, recent studies have unfolded some prominent health benefits which now attract significant public attention. Firstly, pomegranate has a miraculous ability to not only protect against atherosclerosis – a medical symptom in which arterial walls become thickened thereby triggering heart attacks and strokes - but also it reverses the thickening process and transforms arteries to a more natural state. Moreover, pomegranate bears the ability of lowering systolic blood pressure in addition to which it can effectively reduce the levels of bad cholesterol and help increase the levels of good cholesterol. An article published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2000 states that a clinical trial of pomegranate juice on healthy adult men and unhealthy mice showed a significant increase of antioxidant levels that resulted in 90% drop in bad cholesterol.

A recent research on the health benefits of pomegranate shows that certain cancers such as prostate cancer and breast cancer can be prevented by taking pomegranate juice regularly. A specific substance in this fruit that has been effective in decreasing the levels of PSA (prostate specific antigen), is a wonderful medication for treating prostate cancer patients. A clinical study shows that 80% of the men having pomegranate juice daily found their PSA level decreased dramatically.

Pomegranate has also a greater impact on men with problems of impotence. The powerful antioxidants found in pomegranate improve blood flow in all areas of the body and thus dramatically lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes and impotence.

10 Health Benefits of Pomegranate

1. Consuming pomegranate juice regularly can help prevent acne and eliminate its root causes by correcting digestive problems and promoting healthy circulation of the blood. Rich in iron and vitamin C, a constituent part of hemoglobin that helps absorb oxygen, it acts as a powerful antioxidant that is known to protect the skin from damaging free radicals.
2. Drinking pomegranate juice is also a good remedy for skin damaged by sun exposure. It helps increase the life of fibroblasts, which are responsible for producing elastin and collagen that keep the skin tone healthy and enhance the skin’s elasticity.
3. Pomegranate is a rich source of various vitamins including vitamins A, C and E as well as folic acid.
4. With quantum composition of antioxidants, pomegranate helps prevent formation of bad cholesterol, which is a primary reason for many fatal diseases like heart disease, heart stroke, and high blood pressure. So, a glass of pomegranate juice daily can certainly guard you against these lifestyle ailments.
5. Taking pomegranate juice can help correct male impotence.
6. Studies show that drinking pomegranate juice daily can prevent dental plaque.
7. A specific research has stated that pregnant mothers who consume pomegranate juice can protect the neonatal brain from damage.
8. In Ayurveda, pomegranate is specifically mentioned for reducing symptoms of diarrhoea.
9. Some studies show that pomegranate can reduce the possibility of developing Alzheimer's disease among older people.
10. Pomegranate juice is great elixir for youthfulness as it prevents cell damage significantly.