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The nutrition behind pomegranate seeds
SharePomegranate is a potent antioxidant. It is rich in flavonoids, anthocyanins, puicic acid, elagitannins, alkaloids, fructose, sucrose, glucose as well as anti-inflammatory properties.
There are many studies that have shown the incredible benefits that pomegranates have on your body:
- It can be used in the prevention and treatment of some cancers;
- Helpful in cardiovascular disease;
- Anti-inflammatory effects;
- Helpful in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis 1,2
Anti-inflammatory effects of the pomegranate
Chronic inflammation is the leading driver of many diseases. The pomegranate contains the antioxidant called punicalagins. It is largely due to these compounds that the pomegranate has potent anti-inflammatory properties.One study found that diabetics who drank 250mls of pomegranate juice daily for 12 weeks lowered the CRP inflammatory markers and interleukin-6 by 32% and 30% respectively.3
Pomegranates May Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the leading causes of heart attacks as well as strokes.
Studies have shown that the consumption of pomegranate juice has lowered blood pressure levels. Sedigheh Asgary et.al suggests that ‘pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice (PJ) contains different types of antioxidants and bioactive polyphenols and has been reported to promote cardiovascular health through several mechanisms’.4
Pomegranate May Help to Fight Arthritis and Joint Pain
There are many different types of arthritis, most involving some sort of inflammation in the joints.
Given that the plant compounds found in the pomegranate have anti inflammatory effects, it makes sense that they could help in the treatment of arthritis.
Laboratory studies in animals and in vitro have shown that pomegranate extract can block certain enzymes that are now to exacerbate arthritis.5
References
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23320197
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23359482
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24949028
Sedigheh Asgary et.al Clinical Evaluation of Blood Pressure Lowering, Endothelial Function Improving, Hypolipidemic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Pomegranate Juice in Hypertensive Subjects 2013
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16140882
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