Pomegranate Juice Isn't Green But It Is Healthy
By Paul Rothbart
The pomegranate is an interesting fruit. It has a distinctive shape that closely resembles a grenade. In fact, the French word for pomegranate is grenade, and is the source of the name for the explosive. When we think of healthy juices, so often the mind goes to the greens such as spinach and kale. But the red color of the pomegranate comes from its polyphenol content. These plant compounds have enormous health benefits. Pomegranate juice adds flavor to food and beverages and is also very good for you. Here are some of the ways pomegranate juice can boost your health.
Antioxidants
The polyphenols in pomegranates are powerful antioxidants. Much has been written about the boost to health these substances provide. Free radicals in the body attack cells and cause oxidative stress. This can damage cells and cause chronic disease. Antioxidants fight the free radicals, preventing their damage. They also reduce inflammation which further helps prevent disease. Pomegranate juice has one of the highest content levels of antioxidants of any fruit juice. It contains three times as much as red wine or green tea.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients for good health. The juice of a single pomegranate contains about 40 of the recommended daily allowance. Vitamin C helps fight infection, wards off colds, and is a solid antioxidant in its own right. Adding pomegranate juice to your diet is a great way to ensure you get enough of this vitamin.
Aids Digestion
Research has shown that pomegranate juice reduces inflammation in the gut and helps digestion. This makes it an excellent choice for people with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or other digestive issues.
Eases Arthritis Pain
The anti-inflammatory capabilities of the polyphenols in pomegranate juice may be effective in lessening the pain of osteoarthritis and cartilage damage. The pain of these diseases is largely caused by inflammation, which pomegranate juice reduces. Studies are currently being conducted to learn more about how pomegranate juice can fight various types of arthritis.
Cancer Prevention
With their ability to fight free radicals, antioxidants can help prevent the formation of cancer cells. Researchers were excited when a recent study found that pomegranate juice may stop the growth of prostate cancer cells. While further research is necessary to draw any solid conclusions, the currently available data strongly suggests that pomegranate juice may have great value as a cancer-fighting food.
Once considered exotic, pomegranates and their juice is now readily available at most supermarkets. It blends well to form tasty beverages, can be used in cooking, and is a delicious drink on its own. It can also help improve your health in many ways. Pomegranate juice is a worthwhile addition to the diet.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractor in Boca Raton, Fla.