FRUIT
Eating a range of fruits provides the body with nutrients and antioxidants that can boost overall health and reduce the risk of disease. Good choices include oranges, blueberries, apples, avocados, bananas, but there are more to choose from.
Fruits are an excellent source of essential Vitamins and Minerals and they are high in Fiber. Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables can reduce a person’s risk of developing heart disease, cancer, inflammation and diabetes.
Pomegranate is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub in the family Lythraceae, sub family Punicoideae that grows between 5m and 10m tall. It was originally described throughout the Mediterranean region.
They are high in antioxidant and polyphenols, which helps to combat the oxidative stress that can cause disease in the body.
They are low in calories and fat but high in fiber, vitamins and minerals.
You are to eat pomegranates with the seeds to get the fiber benefits.
Pomegranate juice may benefit people with inflammatory conditions, diabetes and other health issues.
It also boosts digestion and memory and helps prevent cancer.
Health benefits of Pomegranate juice
- Antioxidant
Pomegranate is rich I polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidant. The pomegranate antioxidant helps reduce levels of reactive oxygen species [ROS], a type of free radical in the body.
The antioxidants in pomegranate juice can help remove ROS and protect the body from damage.
- Nutrient boost
It contains many nutrients and is a good source of;
- Vitamin E- which is an antioxidant.
- Vitamin K- which is essential for blood clotting.
- Magnesium- which helps manages blood pressure and glucose levels.
- Cancer prevention
National institute of health (NIH) consider pomegranate as one of the natural remedies that may help treat or prevent prostate cancer.
According to a research article of 2014 notes that the polyphenols in pomegranate may aid in preventing the growth of cancer cells related to prostate cancer.
Their ingredient helps prevent breast, lung and skin cancer.
- Digestion
It is evident that pomegranate juice may benefit people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other bowel conditions due to its polyphenol content.
- Inflammatory conditions
According to authors 2017 review, evidence from rodent studies suggests that pomegranate extract might benefit people with conditions such as IBD, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and metabolic and cardiovascular disorder.
- Arthritis
Molecular studies have indicated that ingredients in pomegranate extract could silence some of the genetic signals that contribute to osteoarthritis (OA). This suggests that pomegranate could help prevent the onset of this condition.
- Heart disease
It helps lower blood pressure and protects the heart and arteries.
Could reduce oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system and lower the risk of forming cholesterol.
Accumulating unhealthy fats, or oxidized lipids in blood vessels.
- Blood pressure
Drinking pomegranate juice daily may help lower systolic blood pressure.
A review found evidence of significant drops in blood pressure after consuming pomegranate juice.
Regular consumption of this juice could be part of a heart-healthy diet.
- Memory
According to a study done, drinking pomegranate juice everyday may improve learning and memory.
- Diabetes
In the Middle East, people traditionally consider pomegranate a medical plant and treatment for diabetes and some evidence support this.
SUMMARY
Pomegranate is a fruit that may have various health benefits. Its antioxidant properties can boost overall health and may help reduce the risk of some conditions.
It is best to check with a doctor before increasing the amount of pomegranate juice a person consumes to make sure it will not interfere with any medications they are taking.
People with diabetes should check with a doctor about the safest way to incorporate pomegranate into the diet.