Pomegranate is a good source of vitamin K, potassium and also contains vitamins B6, E, and pantothenic acid. It is rich in plant chemicals which give it powerful antioxidant properties and can benefit your health in many ways. Let’s take a look at what this amazing fruit can do for your health. Here are the health benefits of pomegranate.
1. Protects Against Heart Disease
In a study of patients with carotid artery blockages, after one ounce of pomegranate juice daily for one year, there was a 30 percent reduction in atherosclerotic plaque. In contrast, in the participants who did not drink the juice atherosclerotic plaque increased by 9 percent.
2. It is Anti-cancer
The fruit can also help protect against cancer and other long-lasting diseases. It has anti-angiogenic properties, meaning that they may help prevent growing tumors. Pomegranate is one of the few foods that contain natural aromatase inhibitors.
3. Antioxidant Effects
Oxidation of LDL has many effects such as the uptake of inflammatory cells and alterations in macrophages (white blood cells type) which lead to the formation of foam cells (macrophages which are filled with cholesterol and form plaque). But the potent antioxidants present in pomegranate juice have been found to work against LDL oxidation.
4. Cures Stomach Disorders
Pomegranate peel, bark, and leaves are used to ease disorders of the stomach or diarrhea caused by any kind of digestive problems. Drinking tea made from the leaves of pomegranate also helps cure your digestive problems.
5. Lowers Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can damage your arteries which may become jammed, leading to heart attacks or strokes. It can also raise your risk of emerging heart failure by two to three times. If your blood pressure is too high then the heart has to work harder to circulate your blood throughout the body. This higher workload can take a toll and make the chambers of your heart weaker and larger (cardiomegaly) which can cause heart failure. But pomegranate can help you deal with this dangerous condition.
6. For Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. Pomegranate extract has been shown to inhibit production of breast cancer cells. Laboratory studies have shown that the fruit extract can help fight breast cancer cells.