Why is a Pomegranate Healthy for You?

Pomegranates have become wildly popular with people looking to improve their health. The jewel-toned fruit is a main component of the Greek mythological story about Hades and Persephone. It is also mentioned numerous times throughout the Old Testament. Some theologians believe the pomegranate, rather than the apple, was the fruit of the "Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil" from which Eve partook. Besides boasting such a colorful background, this ruby red fruit offers numerous health benefits.

Types

• While most Americans are familiar with the deep red variety of pomegranates called "Wonderful," there are actually dozens of different types. Pomegranates range in color from an autumnal yellowish-orange to a deep reddish purple. Healthcare experts and professionals have long touted red, blue and purple foods for their rich antioxidant content, and pomegranates are no different. Their high levels of these vitamins make them a delicious tool in the fight against many types of cancer.

Benefits

• A study was performed by Loma Linda University on mice that were predisposed to a rodent version of Alzheimer's-like symptoms. Over a six-month period, half of the mice drank water while the other half drank pomegranate juice. The half that consumed pomegranate juice had fifty-percent less plaque in the area of the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease. They also swam more quickly and learned to navigate mazes faster than their water-drinking counterparts did.

Effects

• Similar to the reduction of unhealthy plaque build up on the brain, pomegranates prevent dental plaque from increasing. On a related note, the fruit is known to ward off and even reduce plaque build up in the arteries. This helps improve blood flow, making it an effective weapon in the battle against heart attacks, heart disease and strokes.

Considerations

• While you can currently purchase bottled pomegranate juice at most grocery stores, many people enjoy eating the glistening kernels straight from the fruit. If you have never eaten one, don't be intimidated. Start by slicing off the flower-like crown. Score the thick skin into several segments. Soak the fruit in a bowl of water for about ten minutes, and then break up the fruit into the bowl of water. The skin will float and the seeds will sink. Discard the rinds and empty the bowl into a colander.

Warning

• Speak to your family doctor before introducing pomegranates into your diet on a regular basis. The highly concentrated levels of antioxidants in pomegranates can actually interfere with certain medications. For instance, they can impede the function of many cholesterol-lowering medications. Eating too many pomegranates can hamper the effects of blood pressure medications, causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure.