First off… we apologize for the title of this post: Want Good Health? Pomegranate May Grant It. Dad thought it was the most hilarious headline. The rest of the family is certain Dad started the whole #DadJokes thing as a cover for his lame humor. But don’t despair! We really will discuss what are the health benefits of pomegranate in this post.

So what nutritional goodies does pomegranate promise? It really depends on what parts of the fruit you use.

Nutrients

Among the more common compounds found in pomegranate products are:

• Phenolic compounds
• Tannins (yes, like those in wine and tea)
• Dietary fiber
• Iron
• Potassium
• Folate
• Vitamin K

Well before Science distilled the various compounds of pomegranate, ancient civilization used and enjoyed the fruit and plant. Many may remember Persephone from ancient Greek mythology who ate seven pomegranate seeds, trapping her wife of Hades and goddess of the Underworld for seven months of the year. Pomegranates have been part of culture, diet and medicine for thousands of years. And we get to enjoy this beneficial fruit as well!

What Are The Health Benefits of Pomegranate?

• Fighting Obesity

  The obesity epidemic continues worldwide. There is no “silver bullet” pharmaceutical. Obesity is a lifestyle disease and pomegranate should be part of that lifestyle. Extracts made from pomegranate have been found to inhibit obesity and hyperlipidemia (e.g., high cholesterol) in laboratory mice. Consuming pomegranate juice has also been considered as a means to lower risks associated the Type II Diabetes due to obesity.

• Combating Cancer

  Pomegranate juice, peel, and oil have high antioxidant properties. These antioxidants have researchers busy investigating pomegranate’s potential to disrupt tumor cells. Read more about research on specific cancers like: Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Colon Cancer, and Skin Cancer. 

• Cardiovascular

  Clinical studies have demonstrated that drinking pomegranate juice can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

• Skin Health

  The phenolic compounds in pomegranate help combat free radicals that can damage your skin.

• Oral Health

  Pomegranate juice’s health benefits are not limited to the plaque inside our blood vessels. Pomegranate’s  antimicrobial activity can also protect against oral bacteria.