Pomegranates are a delicious and flavorful fruit that can be eaten on their own or used as an ingredient in many different recipes. But did you know that pomegranates also have some stellar health benefits as well? From reducing inflammation to being a potential aid in lowering blood pressure, pomegranate health benefits are wide and varied.
Want to learn more? Here are 10 amazing health benefits of pomegranates:
1. Heart Disease Prevention: Polyphenols in pomegranates contain antioxidants and help to protect artery walls and prevent oxidation of cholesterol, which means that those who eat pomegranates are taking the necessary heart-healthy steps to prevent heart disease.
2. Nutritional Powerhouse: Pomegranates contain essential nutrients like fiber, protein, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate and potassium, all which are good for you and your overall health.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Aspects: Chronic inflammation can contribute to cancer, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity and other serious illnesses. By eating pomegranates, you are taking necessary steps to reduce inflammation—and enjoying a tasty snack at the same time.
4. Lowered Blood Pressure: It’s also been suggested that pomegranates can aid in the fight against hypertension, or high blood pressure, which can cause serious medical conditions, such as heart attack and stroke.
5. Help with Digestion: Eating pomegranates can help with boosting digestion and promote digestive system health.
6. Anti-Cancer Properties: The presence of polyphenol antioxidants within pomegranates may help to prevent and treat different forms of cancer. Pomegranate juice, for example, has been shown in studies to inhibit tumor cell growth.
7. Arthritis and Joint Pain Relief: Because of its anti-inflammatory characteristics, pomegranates can play a part in reducing inflammation in arthritis and joint pain sufferers.
8. Memory Boost: Studies have shown that pomegranates may help with memory. One study involved surgical patients who took pomegranate extract and had a prevention of memory deficits post-surgery, and another involved elderly patients who drank pomegranate juice and showed improved verbal and visual memory.
9. Improved Exercise Performance: Dietary nitrates present in pomegranates and pomegranate extract may help to delay fatigue and increase exercise efficiency.
10. Fight Against Fungal and Bacterial Infections: With anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents, pomegranates provide a natural way to help ward off various infections.
Information sources: AuthorityNutrition.com; TheHealthSite.com.
- Photo: FoodiesFeed.com
