Pomegranate Health Benefits
The delicious pomegranate is as rich in tradition as it is in taste. The exotic fruit has held the reputation of having legendary powers for centuries. The Persians believed Eve plucked a pomegranate from the Garden of Eve, not an apple. The Egyptians surrounded their dead with the fruit because they thought it provided eternal life. And the Chinese ate the seeds for good fortune.
Today, the pomegranate is considered a rich source for antioxidants. Not only do antioxidants protect cells from the damaging effects of oxidation, they also reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or ‘bad” cholesterol.
Some studies indicate the oral ingestion of pomegranate fruit extract reduces the production of chemicals that cause inflammation. The findings suggest that pomegranate extract may alleviate the symptoms of chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
Research also suggests that pomegranate can also lower blood pressure, cut the risk of heart disease, and combat prostate cancer.
Pomegranate may even prevent and slow Alzheimer’s disease. In one study, mice bred to develop dementia were given pomegranate juice. They garnered less amyloid plaque than the control mice and performed mental tasks significantly better.
|
|
|
