Benefits of Pomegranate
From their rind to their seeds, pomegranates are a unique fruit and contain a wide variety of compounds that are unrivaled by other fruits. Many studies have examined various aspects of pomegranates and their benefits.
In this article, we will examine the benefits of pomegranates. *
Contains Powerful Antioxidants
Excessive free radicals and oxidative stress can increase the rate of aging and one’s chance of developing a chronic disease [1] [2]. Pomegranates contain powerful antioxidants that may help reduce one’s risk of chronic disease, through decreased oxidative stress. Many studies have investigated this effect.
In a 2017 study, researchers examined the effects of pomegranate juice consumption in oxidative stress in type-2 diabetic patients [3]. The review was a randomized, clinical trial that involved sixty diabetic patients, between the ages of forty and sixty-five. After six weeks, various oxidation parameters decreased, including oxidized LDL measurements. The researchers concluded, “Our data have shown that six weeks supplementation of PJ [pomegranate juice] could have favorable effects on oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D)” [3].
In a 2015 randomized, double-blind, multicenter study, researchers investigated the effects of pomegranate juice on the level of oxidative stress in the blood of endurance-based athletes [4]. The researchers also noted that pomegranates contain potent amounts of polyphenols, more so than comparable beverages. After conducting the trail, they found the consumption of PJ over the twenty-one-day trial period improved plasma oxidative stress markets, thus, resulting in decreased oxidative damage caused by exercise [4].
In two animal studies, pomegranate extract had a positive effect on cardiovascular oxidative stress. For example, in a 2016 study, researchers found that pomegranate extract decreases oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial efficiency, and as a result, may help alleviate hypertension [5]. Correspondingly, another 2016 study found that pomegranate demonstrated significant cardioprotection in chemically induced stress through the reduction of oxidative stress [6].
Many additional studies have investigated and noted pomegranate’s antioxidant properties in a variety of functions [7-12].
Promotes Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Along with excessive oxidation, chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of long-term diseases, including heart disease, cancer type-2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and obesity.
Pomegranates are abundant in punicalagins, which possess potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Test tube studies have shown that punicalagins can reduce inflammatory activity in the digestive tract, breast cancer cells, and colon cancer cells [13-15].
Moreover, in a 2016 animal study, researchers investigated the effect of pomegranate extract when mice had induced inflammation in their skeletal muscle. The researchers noted that supplementation of punicalagin-rick pomegranate extract might protect skeletal muscle against acute inflammation [16]. Additional test tube and animal studies have pointed out that punicalagins from pomegranate supplementation may help to decrease inflammation [17-19].
In 2014, researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind clinical trial examining the effects of pomegranate juice on inflammatory markers in patients with type-2 diabetes [20]. They noted pomegranate juice did lower specific inflammation parameters, indicating it may have an anti-inflammatory effect in patients with type-2 diabetes [20].
Anti-Cancer Properties
Studies have found that pomegranate extract may slow the proliferation of cancer cells or induce apoptosis [cell death] in cancer cells [21-27].
Additionally, pomegranate has been shown to have a beneficial effect on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which is a blood marker for prostate cancer. For example, men who have elevated PSA levels early in life have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, and men whose PSA levels double within a short period have a significantly higher risk of death from prostate cancer.
In a 2006 clinical trial, researchers investigated the effect of pomegranate juice consumption on PSA progression in men with a rising PSA level [28]. The researchers found that drinking eight ounces of pomegranate juice a day extended the time of PSA doubling time from fifteen months to fifty-four months [28]. Additional studies have also noted that pomegranate juice consumption had a beneficial effect on PSA progression in men with prostate cancer [29-30].
Likewise, pomegranate extract may inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells and may even kill them [31-33]. Additional studies have also noted these effects [34-39], with one study noting, “Low doses of PPE [pomegranate peel extract] exert potent anti-proliferative effects in different human cancer cells” [37].
However, most of the research noting these effects are in vitro or test tube studies, so more human trials are necessary to draw any reliable conclusions, but the preliminary examination is promising.
Help with Arthritis and Joint Pain
Because of pomegranate’s anti-inflammatory effects, it may be beneficial for people with arthritis or joint pain. Likewise, studies have found that pomegranate extract can block enzymes that cause joint damage in people with osteoarthritis [40-42].
Further, a 2011 study found that the consumption of pomegranate decreased serum oxidative stress and reduced disease activity in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis [43], and in a 2010 study using an animal model, pomegranate juice had protective effects in osteoarthritis of the knee joint [44]. Additional studies have also noted similar findings [45-48].
Supports Cardiovascular Health
Studies have shown that pomegranate helps aspects of cardiovascular health, including blood pressure, HDL levels, and LDL levels. Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in America being responsible for one in four deaths, this offers great potential [49].
For example, in a 2017 meta-analysis, researchers examined eight randomized, placebo-controlled trials [50]. The researchers found that pomegranate juice reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure parameters, and doses above 240cc (8.11oz) had a significant borderline effect in lowering blood pressure levels [50]. Many additional studies have noted these same findings [51-57].
Moreover, pomegranate has been shown to assist in cholesterol and reducing LDL oxidation, one of the critical indicators of heart disease risk [58-61]. Pomegranate has also been shown to decrease LDL levels in type-2 diabetics [62] and improve the triglyceride to HDL ratio [63].
Conclusion
Pomegranate has demonstrated its effectiveness in an array of published studies. Pomegranate has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, anti-cancer properties in test tube studies, help with arthritis and joint pain, and support overall cardiovascular health.
If you are interested in trying a pomegranate supplement, check out Healthmasters’ Organic Pomegranate Powder.
If you have any questions about our products, please feel free to call our office at 800.726.1834.
References:
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[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23675073
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[21] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23359482
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[63] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20334708
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
