Pomegranates are high in antioxidant content.Β They contain ellagitannin compounds which account for roughly half of the antioxidant abilities Pomegranates are high in antioxidant content. They contain ellagitannin compounds which account for roughly half of the antioxidant abilities found in the pomegranate. The pomegranate is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is a great antioxidant. One fruit provides nearly 40% of the daily requirement of vitamin C. A study found that pomegranate juice scored #1 as the most healthy of 10 different polyphenol-rich drinks.
There is evidence that the antioxidant activity in the pomegranate reduces cell proliferation, invasion, and mortality in certain cancer cells. In a recent study, promising results suggested that an extract made from pomegranates helped inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells. It was found that it helped induce cell death. Another study found that those with prostate cancer who drank pomegranate juice doubled the time it took for their PSA levels to double. It is important because if a man has a PSA level that doubles in a short time, they are at risk of dying from prostate cancer. The suggestion is that the juice may have a powerful protective effect.
Found only in pomegranates is a compound called punicalagin, which is beneficial to the heart and blood vessels. This compound has been found to lower cholesterol and also lower blood pressure. A study had heart patients drink an ounce of pomegranate juice for a year, and it was found that their blood pressure dropped by 12% and a 30% reduction in atherosclerotic plaque, which causes blockages.
Pomegranates may help with erectile dysfunction by protecting nitric oxide and enhancing its effects. A study found a promising result among men who drank pomegranate juice and suffered erectile dysfunction. More studies need to be done on this possible health benefit.
Studies have been done to find a correlation between pomegranates or their extract and joint pain. Recent results have been promising and suggest that the extract may reduce joint pain and decrease inflammation in people living with arthritis. Research indicates that the antioxidant qualities in pomegranates may reduce the inflammation that helps in the destruction of cartilage found in joints. The descent is a primary reason for the pain and stiffness found in osteoarthritis sufferers. More research is finding that pomegranate extract may block the enzyme known to be the one that destroys cartilage.
