The Pomegranate Benefits Your Heart
It Helps Lower Your Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
photo by Joe M500
The pomegranate benefits your health in a variety of ways! Pomegranate juice contains high levels of antioxidants that are three times that of wine or green tea.
Its most important benefit, however, may be to your
heart. Tests show that pomegranate juice does improve the blood flow to the heart. It has also been shown to inhibit the spread of Alzheimer's Disease in test mice. This nutrient rich juice was also shown to help protect the fetus against neonatal injuries.
Pomegranate juice is gaining in popularity not only because of its health benefits but because of its taste. Freshly made pomegranate juice has a clear pinkish-rose color and a seedy flavor. "Pom juice" can vary in taste depending on the producer.
If you are interested in giving this juice a try, make sure you buy 100% pomegranate juice not a mixture of other juices or additives. Some have described the taste as being similar to cranberry juice. The juice should be tasted after it has been chilled in the refrigerator.
Pomegranate History
The pomegranate is really a berry even though they grow to the size of an apple. The pomegranate bush/tree was first discovered in Persia (Iran). It has spread to other regions of the Middle East, the Caucasus (Azerbaijan, Armenia etc.) and to areas of Southeast Asia like Malaysia.
The pomegranate fruit was introduced to Spain by the Moors (Arab conquerors). The southern Spanish city of Granada is named after the pomegranate (the Spanish word for pomegranate is "granada"). The city of Granada was the last city conquered by the Spaniards in 1492. Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand added the pomegranate fruit to the royal coat of arms of Spain to commemorate it's victory over the Moors.
The Spaniards then took the pomegranate with them to the New World and introduced it in Florida, Mexico and California. Pomegranate fruit is now commercially grown in California and Arizona for its juice.
A medium sized pomegranate contains only 106 calories, no sodium, 1 gram of fiber and 10% RDA of Vitamin C.
The bright red seeds of the pomegranate fruit make a great garnish for salads and desserts.
Pomegranate Benefits
- Blocks the enzymes that contribute to
osteoarthritis.
- Inhibit the return of prostate cancer in men
- Helps to prevent lung and breast cancer
- The potassium in pomegranate helps to lower your blood
pressure
- Increases the antioxidant levels in your blood
- Improves blood flow to your heart
- Help prevent atherosclerosis (hardening of your arteries)
- Reduces dental plaque
The pomegranate benefits the health of all those who either eat it fresh or enjoy it as a refreshing juice. Pomegranate has also been added to several nutritious health drinks
that are currently available on the market.
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