Health benefits of pomegranate juice + fabulous juice recipes 

Pomegranate juice is a gem- and here's why.

Poms are large fruits that are known for their bright red, edible pulpy seeds.  For hundreds (if not thousands) of years, they’ve been a mainstay of natural medicine in several parts of the world, but especially in the Middle East, central Asia, northern Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the Mediterranean region.

Today, after nearly a century of scientific research, pomegranates have rightfully come to be known as one of the “superfoods.”  So, it only makes sense that some experts refer to pomegranate juice as a “super juice.”  This delicious juice is also becoming more and more popular, particularly among juicers and other health-conscious people. 

This rise in popularity is partially due to the juice’s sweet flavor, but it’s happening mostly because pom juice offers such profound health benefits.  Here’s some information I hope you’ll find interesting.

High in antioxidants

Pomegranates are a superb source of antioxidants.  In fact, research conducted at a respected American university (UCLA) showed that pom juice has a higher antioxidant capacity than other juices, tea and even red wine.  Other research, conducted elsewhere, revealed that pomegranates contain more flavonoids (a specific type of antioxidant) than grapes.  Although pomegranate juice is also a good source of Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), Vitamin B9 (folate or folic acid), Vitamin C, Vitamin K and potassium, the fact that it’s loaded with beneficial antioxidants is what makes it truly special.

In addition to containing significant amounts of antioxidant polyphenols similar to those found in tea and wine, pomegranate juice contains anthocyanins and punicalagins – two other types of beneficial antioxidants.  They are the only known source of punicalagins, which are currently being investigated for potential anti-cancer benefits.  Research has shown that anthocyanins (antioxidants that are also found in acai and in blueberries) may have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  Studies have also indicated they may be beneficial in protecting against neurological disorders and cardiovascular disease.

Specific health benefits of pomegranate juice

•    Several Cardiovascular Benefits.   Pom juice lowers LDL (“bad” cholesterol) blood levels while raising HDL (“good” cholesterol).  The result is a lowering of the risk of plaque buildup on the arteries, increased blood flow to the heart, inhibition of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), and lower blood pressure, all of which are factors which reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack.  Research has shown that drinking just a couple of ounces of pom juice every day can lower high blood pressure (specifically systolic blood pressure) by as much as five percent. 

•    Several Anti-Aging and Neurological Benefits.  Drinking pomegranate juice regularly may help the skin of older people stay supple and healthy, preventing the typical loss of skin elasticity.  Cartilage deterioration may be prevented, decreased or delayed, helping to prevent the onset or progression of osteoarthritis.  Animal studies have shown that pomegranate juice may help prevent or slow Alzheimer’s disease in older people by decreasing the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain.  On the opposite side of the age scale, research indicates that pom juice may help protect the brain of a newborn child from damage following an injury.

•    Men’s Health Benefits.  Some people refer to pomegranate juice as a “natural Viagra,” possibly due to its ability to increase blood flow – a primary cause of erectile dysfunction.  More significantly, this sweet, delicious juice helps protect against prostate cancer by inhibiting the body’s production of PSA (prostate-specific antigen), a blood protein which is often elevated in men with prostate cancer.  PSA levels in men with prostate cancer are stabilized when they drink pom juice regularly.  Moreover, an animal study has shown that pomegranate juice slows the growth of prostate cancer – at least in mice.

•    Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties.  Inflammation of the lining of your blood vessels is a precursor of hardening of the arteries.  In addition to decreasing this inflammation of arterial walls, this juice can reduce the inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

•    Dental Benefits.  Some studies indicate that pomegranate juice might be a natural dental plaque preventive.  Gingivitis and other forms of gum disease may be prevented, moderated or delayed as a result.

•    Cancer-Fighting Properties.  As mentioned above, pom juice can inhibit the development of prostate cancer.  Research has shown that this juice can destroy breast cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer cells (a process called “apoptosis,” where the cancer cells self-destruct) without affecting healthy cells.  It may even prevent breast cancer and lung cancer cells from developing.

As you can see, pom juice isn’t just naturally nutritious, sweet and delicious – it also offers a number of significant health benefits.  Not that long ago, it was difficult to find poms in some grocery stores.  Now, though, they’re becoming much easier to find.  Juicing them makes it easy for you to take advantage of all this superfruit’s health benefits.

How to juice this fruit

You’re fine to juice the arils.  Cut open the pom (cut in half) and pop out the arils.  A good technique is to fill a bowl full of water and take half of the pomegranate and peel back the skin, and the arils will easily pop out.

Feed them through your juicer and alternate with other produce.  They might cause a traffic jam in your juicer (the seeds are hard) but it’s just necessary for this ruby red juice.  It pairs very well with other fruits and citrus.  Try blueberry, grapes, apples, cranberries and even melons.

Juice recipes with pomegranate

Apple + Pom

4 apples

1 pomegranate

Core the apples, and prepare the pom.  Juice together and serve.

Pom + Orange

3 oranges

1 pomegranate

Peel the oranges and cut into wedges.  Prepare the pom.  Juice together and serve.

Apple + Carrot + Pom

2 apples

4 carrots

1 pomegranate

Core the apples.  Cut the carrots into 3 inch pieces.  Prepare the pom.  Juice together and serve.

Pom + Grape

1 apple (optional)

1 very large bunch of grapes, stems okay

2 pomegranate

Prepare the pom.  Core the apple if you're juicing it with this recipe.  Feed the grapes, pom and apple into the juicer.  Serve.

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