Some facts about Pomegranates

 First.. a mini review...

In my mail today, I got a sample from Walmart of the new Crystal Light "On the Go" packets.  There are several varieties, but the one I got was the "Immunity" variety, Cherry Pomegranate flavor.  I was in the mood for a little something different to drink so I popped open a bottle of water and poured it in to give it a try.  It's really pretty tasty!  It's got a nice flavor, although it does taste diet-y, like most Crystal Light flavors do.  I happen to not mind diet drinks, but if you do, and you don't like other Crystal Light products, you won't like this one.  I really enjoyed it. 

 .. and some pretty interesting information..

You may have noticed the abundance of pomegranate-flavored products popping up lately.  I know I have.  Everywhere you look, pomegranate this and pomegranate that!  This cherry pomegranate flavor got me to thinking about it, and wondering..... why the sudden pomegranate craze?   What's in the pomegranate that makes it everybody's new must-have flavor?   So, I fired up Google, as I am prone to do when I have a question., and I came up with some interesting facts about the pomegranate, and why it's suddenly taking over the world,.. or at least the beverage aisle at the supermarket! 

As it turns out, Pomegranates are really very good for you.  If everything I read about them is right, they definitely deserve a place on the list of "Super Foods"  They are rich in antioxidants, and they are credited with a multitude of health benefits, such as lowering  cholesterol, and, like aspirin, keeping the blood platelets from clumping and forming unwanted clots. So, they help to prevent things like strokes and heart attacks.  They may even give arthritis sufferers some relief.  "Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have reported that tissue cultures of human cartilage cells respond to pomegranate extract. Inflammation is reduced and the enzymes that break down cartilage become less active"   Pretty powerful little fruit, aren't they?! 

Scientists have been researching the health benefits of pomegranates, and they are finding that they really pack a punch.   There are some reports that long-term consumption of pomegranate juice, may help prevent erectile dysfunction.  If you already have ED, I don't know if it also can help reverse it.. maybe 'put a little lead in your pencil".. but that may be something worth looking into.  Can't hurt!   One article I found stated "One of the best things to take for diarrhea is pomegranate juice, which can be found in grocery stores. You can actually get constipated if you drink too much"  It's good to know you can maybe regulate your bowel problems without resorting to taking pills or powders.. can't go?  eat some prunes!  can't stop?  drink some pomegranate juice.  

If that's not enough, here's more.  Among the plethora of health benefits attributed to this little dynamo are: 

Fights Breast Cancer
Studies in Israel show that pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. It may also prevent breast cancer cells from forming.

Lung Cancer Prevention
Studies in mice show that pomegranate juice may inhibit the development of lung cancer.

Slows Prostate Cancer
It slowed the growth of prostate cancer in mice.

Keeps PSA Levels Stable
In a study of 50 men who had undergone treatment for prostate cancer, 8 ounces of pomegranate juice per day kept PSA levels stable, reducing the need for further treatment such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy.

Protects the Neonatal Brain
Studies show that maternal consumption of pomegranate juice may protect the neonatal brain from damage after injury.

Prevention of Osteoarthritis
Several studies indicate that pomegranate juice may prevent cartilage deterioration.

Protects the Arteries
It prevents plaque from building up in the arteries and may reverse previous plaque buildup.

Alzheimer's Disease Prevention
It may prevent and slow Alzheimer's disease. In one study, mice bred to develop Alzheimer's disease were given pomegranate juice. They accumulated significantly less amyloid plaque than control mice and they performed mental tasks better.

Lowers Cholesterol
It lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) and raises HDL (good cholesterol).

Lowers Blood Pressure
One study showed that drinking 1.7 ounces of pomegranate juice per day lowered systolic blood pressure by as much as 5 percent.

Dental Protection
Research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice may be a natural way to prevent dental plaque.

from 11 Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

What gives the Pomegranate it's punch, you ask?   Pomegranate juice contains high levels of antioxidants - polyphenols, tannins and anthocyanins - higher than most other fruit juices, red wine or green tea.   One glass of  pomegranate juice contains about 40% of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C,  along with a good amount of vitamin A, E and folic acid.  

So, it seems, that the health beneifits of drinking pomegranate juice and eating pomegranates are many and varied, and definitely make it worth considering adding  pomegranate to your list of favorite foods.   Just remember, that as with any fruit juice, it's likely higher in calories, and eating the fruit is better than drinking the juice. In the fruit, you get a fraction of the calories, and the added benefit of fiber.  Also, drinking pomegranate "flavored" drinks isn't likely to give you any huge benefits, you should drink actual pomegranate juice.  Check the ingredients to be sure the beverage contains actual juice, like Pom juice.

Also, check with your doctor if you're on medications.  If you know that drinking grapefruit interferes with your medications, then pomegranate juice is likely to interfere as well.