Pomegranate has been one of the most talked about health foods in the past year. Preliminary evidence suggests that drinking concentrated pomegranate juice may reduce cholesterol. Israeli researchers, published a small clinical study in June 2004 in Clinical Nutrition, suggested that “drinking a glass of pomegranate juice a day for one year reduced blood pressure (particularly systolic pressure) and slowed down LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) oxidation”.

Perhaps the most famous benefit of pomegranate is its superior antioxidant power. Pomegranate has approximately three times as much antioxidant effect as either wine and green tea. By neutralizing these unpaired electrons in the body, the incidence of premature aging and chronic disease can be greatly reduced. This potent free radical fighter has been shown to inhibit several different types of cancer. Notably, pomegranate juice at a five percent concentration was shown to significantly reduce the incidence and growth of skin cancer in lab mice. Even the ruby red color of the pomegranate’s skin is caused by anthocyanins (water soluble plant pigments which are known to have potent antioxidant properties).

Some of its amazing benefits are:

Prevents aging

The elastin and collagen in the fruit help make your skin smooth yet firm. Yes, use pomegranate for skin problems.

Protects against heart disease

Pomegranate phytochemicals reduce LDL oxidation (a contributor to atherosclerotic plaque development). Pomegranate phytochemicals have blood pressure-reducing properties. In a study of patients with severe carotid artery blockages, after one ounce of pomegranate juice daily for one year, there was a 30 percent reduction in atherosclerotic plaque. In striking contrast, in the participants who did not take the pomegranate juice atherosclerotic plaque increased by 9 percent.

Guards memory and brain function

Pomegranate supplements taken before and after surgery prevented the postoperative memory dysfunction associated with coronary artery bypass or heart valve surgery. In those with mild memory complaints, individuals drinking pomegranate juice daily performed better on a memory task compared to placebo and displayed increased brain activation measured by functional MRI.

Reduces cholesterol

The antioxidants in pomegranate juice may also reduce or slow down the buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. This is partly because the antioxidants protect the arteries from free radical damage and, thus, cholesterol is not constantly used to patch up injuries. Secondly, some antioxidants actually reduce the amount of “bad” LDL cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream, which reduces the buildup of fatty plaques that form in arteries. Clogged arteries increase the risk for high blood pressure, aneurysms and heart attacks. Some compounds in pomegranate juice also “thin” the blood, which means they prevent clot formation.

Arthritis treatment

For arthritis treatment and management, pomegranate can be taken as an important arthritis diet.  Studies have also shown that pomegranate juice helps to prevent the onset of cartilage deterioration thereby keep osteoarthritis at bay. Therefore, it is recommended that regular drinking of one glass of pomegranate juice or eating of one piece daily, greatly helps in cartilage protection.

Digestive problems

Kids often suffer from digestive issues, such as diarrhea and dysentery. Pomegranate juice for kids effectively treats dysentery, cholera, and diarrhea due to viral or bacterial infection. Pomegranate peel, leaves, and bark can calm stomach disorders.