health benefits of pomegranates are innumerable and what makes them special is that apart from being healthy, pomegranates are delicious too. Pomegranates have anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-tumor properties and are said to be a good
1.Pomegranate May Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the leading drivers of heart attacks and strokes.
In one study, people with high blood pressure had a significant reduction after consuming 150 ml (5 oz) of pomegranate juice daily for 2 weeks (15).
Other studies have found similar effects, especially for systolic blood pressure (the higher number in a blood pressure reading) (16, 17).
Bottom Line: Regular intake of pomegranate juice has been shown to lower blood pressure levels in as little as 2 weeks.
2. Pomegranate Fight Arthritis and Joint Pain
Arthritis is a common problem in Western countries.
There are many different types, but most of them involve some form of inflammation in the joints.
Given that the plant compounds in pomegranate have antiinflammatory effects, it makes sense that they could help treat arthritis.
Interestingly, laboratory studies have shown that pomegranate extract can block enzymes that are known to damage joints in people with osteoarthritis (18, 19).
It has also been shown to be beneficial against arthritis in mice, but there is very little evidence in humans so far (20, 21).
Bottom Line: Studies in animals and isolated cells have shown that pomegranate extract may be beneficial against several forms of arthritis, but human research is needed.
3. Pomegranate Juice Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
3. Pomegranate Juice Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease is currently the world’s most common cause of premature death (22).
It is a complicated disease, driven by many different factors.
Punicic acid, the main fatty acid in pomegranate, may help protect against several steps in the heart disease process.
In a study in 51 people with high cholesterol and triglycerides, 800 milligrams of pomegranate seed oil per day for 4 weeks was shown to significantly lower triglycerides and improve the triglyceride:HDL ratio (23).
Another study looked at the effects of pomegranate juice in people with type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. They noted significant reductions in LDL cholesterol, as well as other improvements (24).
Pomegranate juice has also been shown, in both animal and human studies, to protect the LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation, one of the key steps in the pathway towards heart disease (25, 26, 27, 28).
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Bottom Line: Several human studies have shown that pomegranate can have benefits against heart disease. It improves the cholesterol profile and protects LDL cholesterol from oxidative damage.
9. Pomegranate Juice May Help Treat Erectile Dysfunction
Bottom Line: Several human studies have shown that pomegranate can have benefits against heart disease. It improves the cholesterol profile and protects LDL cholesterol from oxidative damage.
9. Pomegranate Juice May Help Treat Erectile Dysfunction
Oxidative damage can impair blood flow in all areas of the body, including erectile tissue.
Pomegranate juice has been shown to be beneficial in increasing blood flow and erectile response in rabbits (29).
In a study of 53 men with erectile dysfunction, pomegranate appeared to have some benefit, but it was not statistically significant (30).
Bottom Line: Pomegranate juice has been linked to reduced symptoms of erectile dysfunction, but more research is needed.
10. Pomegranate Can Help Fight Bacterial and Fungal Infections
10. Pomegranate Can Help Fight Bacterial and Fungal Infections
The plant compounds in pomegranate can help fight harmful microorganisms (31).
For example, they have been shown to be beneficial against some types of bacteria, as well as the yeast Candida
The antibacterial and antifungal effects may also be protective against infections and inflammation in the mouth.
This includes conditions like gingivitis, periodontist's and denture stomatitis (34, 35).
Bottom Line: Pomegranate has antibacterial and antiviral properties, which may be useful against common diseases of the gums.
Stomach Disorders
Pomegranate peel, bark and leaves are used to calm disorders of the stomach or the diarrhea caused by any kind of digestive problems. Drinking tea made from the leaves of this fruit also helps in curing your digestive problems. Pomegranate juice is also used for handling problems like dysentery and cholera.
Heart Problems
Regular intake of pomegranate juice can maintain good flow of the blood in the body. Because of this property, it subsequently decreases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The antioxidant components that are contained in this fruit help to keep the bad cholesterol from gaining any significant presence and thus keeps the arteries clear of any clots. The clots are clear because pomegranates have the ability to make the blood thinner.
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