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    Monday, March 2, 2009

    The Healthy Effects of Pomegranate

    THE POMEGRANATE:

    A Health-Supporting

    Ancient Gift of Nature

    In ancient and medieval worlds, the pomegranate symbolized fertility, birth and death.

    The power and symbolism of the pomegranate is seen within religious and spiritual cultures around the world and throughout time. In ancient myth, Persephone ate the seeds of a pomegranate as her only meal during her yearly decent into the underworld.

    The pomegranate is a fruit that has survived history and its popularity has blossomed recently as more studies have been done which show exactly how powerful the pomegranate can be in enhancing longevity and vitality.

    What is it about the pomegranate that is causing such a stir? The pomegranate contains one of the highest natural antioxidant contents found in any natural food. Antioxidants are the powerful chemicals found naturally in certain foods, which neutralize cancer-causing free radicals in the body.

    Antioxidants are helpful in the protection and healing of cells in the body. They help protect us from disease and premature aging.

    What is it specifically about the antioxidants found in the pomegranate that make it so special? The pomegranate boasts high levels of specific polyphenol antioxidents and tannins which make it such a powerful health tonic.

    Tests which were conducted by the POM Wonderful company concluded that compared to red wine, pomegranate juice contains 17% more potent polyphenol antioxidants.

    What other health benefits have been found from drinking pomegranate juice?

    According to the POM Wonderful website, "A 2005 study published in the American Journal of Cardiology showed improved blood flow to the heart in patients drinking 8 oz. daily of POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice for 3 months." The POM Wonderful company has spent $25 million in medical research to back the effectiveness of their product.

    These studies have also shown that men suffering from mild to moderate erectile dysfunction who drank 8 oz. of POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice daily for 4 weeks, were found to be 50% more likely to experience an improvement in the frequency of erections.

    Pomegranate juice has been shown to show hopeful improvements in the prevention of prostate cancer. It has also been shown that drinking pomegranate juice daily may help manage diabetes and may even help to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

    The health benefits of the pomegranate are clear. How can we try to incorporate the pomegranate into our diet?

    Pomegranate seeds eaten raw are crunchy, sweet and delicious. Drinking pomegranate juice is easy when it can be mixed into delicious concoctions such as smoothies and Pomegranate Martinis.

    Pomegranate seeds can be incorporated into other foods as a garnish or splash of flavor.

    Try adding them to your fruit salad for an extra antioxidant boost.

    Sprinkle pomegranate seeds as a garnish on desserts which are decorated with whipped topping. Anything from soup recipes to desserts can incorporate the use of pomegranate seeds or juice.

    Finding a way to enjoy the pomegranate is easy, and finding a reason to enjoy it is even easier. Take pleasure in enjoying this gift from nature that has been symbolized and passed down throughout the ages.

    Source: Helium.com

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