The Power of the Pomegranate

Move over apple. Things have changed. It may now be a pomegranate a day that keeps the doctor away.

That's right. The pomegranate. Not only is it loaded with vitamins, but it's become a powerful adversary against such diseases as cancer, heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.

An antioxidant

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, pomegranates are a great source of antioxidants, potassium and vitamin C. In fact, pomegranate juice is one of the richest sources of polyphenols, a group of strong antioxidants. The purpose of antioxidants is to slow or prevent the cell damage that is linked to many diseases.

Besides antioxidants, pomegranate juice contains other healthy substances, such as tannins and anthocyanins, which are also believed to fight disease. The juice also contains a substantial amount of fiber, niacin and potassium.

The antioxidant powers of pomegranate juice may be nearly three times as much as the amount in green tea or red wine. Other fruits containing polyphenols include blueberries, cranberries, oranges, apples and grapes.

Fighting disease

Research has shown that pomegranate juice can reduce arterial plaque and pressure, which, in turn, can decrease the risks of heart disease and stroke. Some studies have shown that it can lower blood pressure and attack the cells that cause breast cancer. One study revealed that the extract of pomegranate fruit may be a promising agent against skin cancer.

A recent study of men with recurrent prostate cancer showed that when they drank 8 ounces of pomegranate juice each day, it took longer for their PSA levels to rise. Also, cancer cell division was decreased and cancer cell death was increased in these men.

Fruit or juice?

If you are shopping for pomegranates, pick one up and feel its weight. If it feels too light for its size, choose a heavier one. The skin should be tight, shiny and thin, with no cracking or splitting. Store pomegranates in a cool, dark place for up to a month. They can be refrigerated for up to two months.

Pomegranate juice may be a more practical alternative, since pomegranate season is from September to December and the fruit is not available at other times of the year. The most popular brand, Pom Wonderful®, is available at supermarkets, while other brands can be found in health and gourmet food stores. Some of these are sold as concentrate and water needs to be added. Whether you buy the fruit or the drink, you're sure to enjoy the sweet, tangy taste and the numerous health benefits.

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External Sources National Institutes of Health American Association for Cancer Research United States Department of Agriculture Heartinfo.org Napoli, C. & Heller, S. (2005). Beneficial effects of pomegranate juice on oxidation-sensitive genes and endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity at sites of perturbed shear stress. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 102,4896-4901. Retrieved May 25, 2005 from PNAS.org.

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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