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Health Benefits of Pomegranate

The pomegranate is a fruit native to subtropical Asia. Over time, the fruit was introduced to the Middle East, the Mediterranean region, and California in North America. Its qualities have been lauded in poems, mythology, art, and even the Bible. In addition to its association with fertility, hope and prosperity, the pomegranate also has a number of tangible health benefits.

  1. Nutrient-Rich Fruit

    • Pomegranates are a rich source of fiber. The arils (individual fruits, often incorrectly referred to as seeds) in the pomegranate contain about 5 grams of fiber per 1/2-cup serving. Pomegranates are also an excellent source of potassium, a nutrient associated with energy production and blood pressure control.

    Antioxidants

    • Pomegranates are rich in three types of antioxidants: tannins, anthocyanins and ellagic acid. Antioxidants help remove free radicals from the body, protect cells from damage and repair damaged cells.

    Heart-Health Benefits

    • Several published scientific studies indicate that consuming pure pomegranate juice helps reduce the risk of heart disease, lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and improves blood flow by preventing blood platelets from clumping together.

    Anti-Cancer Benefits

    • A study sponsored by POM Wonderful juice conducted by researchers at the University of California-Los Angeles indicated that consuming pomegranate juice may have a positive impact on men suffering from recurrent prostate cancer. Those men that daily drank 8 ounces of POM Wonderful juice over a period of two years showed a slower progression of the disease than those men that did not drink pomegranate juice.

    Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

    • Preliminary research conducted by scientists at Case Western Reserve University and published in the Journal of Nutrition indicated that pomegranate extract may help to reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis.

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