Native to India and Iran, pomegranates were described in ancient writing as a holy fruit that offered things like abundance and fertility. Pomegranates also, of course, offer an abundance of health benefits. Below we're exploring the nutritional gains from the juice of the fruit.
Fresh pomegranate juice is a nutrition powerhouse packed with taste and abundant vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, fatty acids, and zero cholesterol. Surprisingly, it is also low in calories.
According to the USDA, these are the nutrients present in every 100 grams of fresh pomegranate juice:
- Energy: 54 kcal
- Protein: 0.15 g
- Carbohydrate: 13.13 g
- Dietary fiber: 0.1 g
- Sugar: 12.65 g
Top 11 Reason Why beat juice!
1. Helps In The Treatment Of Skin Cancer
Several skin care products contain pomegranate as one of the ingredients for its strong protective effects on the skin. Pomegranate fruit is rich in antioxidants and protects the skin cells from the oxidative stress induced by UVB radiation Exposure to the sun and environmental factors are the leading causes of skin cancer. UVB radiation, in particular, is known to have severe damaging effects. UVB radiation can cause DNA and sun damage, irritation, and inflammation.
Pomegranate fruit extract was also applied topically on mice, and the results suggest it could help in skin cancer prevention. However, more in-depth studies are warranted to confirm the findings. Some studies also show that pomegranate juice can facilitate skin repair by promoting the regeneration of the epidermis
2. Promote Weight Loss
Evidence states that pomegranates have been used in numerous instances to promote weight loss. Studies also show that pomegranate juice can play a role in fat reduction and weight management. However, more human studies are needed to understand its role in preventing obesity.
3.Prevent Colon Cancer
Drinking pomegranate juice may reduce the risk factors associated with colon cancer. The tannins, ellagic acid, and punicalagin in pomegranate juice have antiproliferative effects on colon cells. Researchers observed that the ellagitannins in pomegranate juice could also play a role in the prevention of colon cancer. The juice can also play a role in preventing the cancers of the lung.
4. Treat Fatty Liver Disease
Pomegranate juice reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and, as a result, help fight fatty liver disease. In rat studies, regular consumption of pomegranates was found to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In another rat study, the fruit was found to protect the liver and other organs in jaundice.
5. Clear Clogged Arteries
Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. Research shows that these organic compounds possess anti-atherogenic propertiesi.
Atherosclerosis is a disease that causes the blood vessels in the arteries to narrow down due to plaque build-up. A study shows that pomegranate juice enhances nitric oxide synthase and prevents nitric oxide from oxidative destruction. It is believed that this may help reverse atherosclerosis lesions. In another research, advanced atherosclerotic patients with carotid artery stenosis, when regularly administered with pomegranate juice during the period of study, showed significant improvement in health conditions.
6. Prevent Cardiovascular Disease
Pomegranate and its powerful components have been in use in medical science to alleviate coronary artery disease, hypertension, and peripheral artery disease. Arterial hypertension increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Scientists have investigated and believe that pomegranate juice reduces stress in coronary artery endothelial cells.
Cardiovascular diseases can also be caused by drugs or chemicals. Further experiments show that pomegranate fruit extracts offer protection against cardiotoxicity.
7. Help Treat Erectile Dysfunction
The antioxidants in pomegranate juice reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can lead to erectile dysfunction.
In a trial experiment, pomegranate juice was found to improve mild to moderate erectile dysfunction.
In another clinical trial, scientists were able to determine that phytochemicals in pomegranate juice reduced oxidative stress and suggested that future studies may reveal more on its benefit in treating various urologic health conditions in men, along with erectile dysfunction.
8. Lower Blood Cholesterol Levels
Pomegranate contains high amounts of polyphenols and other antioxidants that are three times more than what we find in green tea and red wine. These antioxidants can help lower bad cholesterol.
Statistical data collected in a study involving some patients showed a significant reduction in plasma LDL after consuming pomegranate juice.
In another animal study, scholars revealed the lipid-lowering factors present in pomegranate juice and guided how it can be used in dyslipidemia.
It was also noted that phytosterols present in pomegranate could reduce serum LDL.
9. Help Treat Prostate Cancer
Investigations involving both animal and human models show that pomegranate juice can improve prostate cancer. Clinical evidence suggests that pomegranate juice decreases serum prostate-specific antigen levels and, therefore, may possess both chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive effects against prostate cancer.
Moreover, scientists have more recently revealed that ellagic acid, luteolin, and punicic acid present in pomegranate juice inhibit the growth of prostate cancer. This means that pomegranate juice can also prolong the survival of prostate cancer patients.
10. Lower Blood Pressure
Studies show that pomegranate juice can lower blood pressure. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure could be brought down with regular administration or consumption of pomegranate juice.
Findings collected from animal and clinical studies indicate that drinking pomegranate juice can reduce blood pressure, both short-term and long-term.
11. Boost Fertility and Increase Testosterone Levels
In mythology, pomegranate is considered to be an aphrodisiac fruit. Evidence-based clinical studies state that drinking natural pomegranate juice regularly lowers stress, reduces cortisol, promotes well-being, and increases sex drive in both men and women.
In rat studies, pomegranate juice was also found to improve sperm quality and motility, boost testosterone levels, increase epididymal sperm concentration, and decrease the rates of abnormal sperm.
12. Treat Kidney Stones
Several studies have linked oxidative stress to kidney stone formation. As discussed earlier, pomegranate juice fights oxidative stress. A pilot study indicated that supersaturation of calcium oxalate could be lowered with pomegranate juice.
Another experiment on animal models showed the protective effects of pomegranate juice on crystal formation in kidneys
13. Aid Diabetes Treatment
Researchers have established that pomegranate juice reduces oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in cells that affect type 2 diabetes. However, more clinical studies are needed before pomegranate or its juice can be medically recommended for diabetes treatment.
Certain organic compounds in pomegranate have been found to be antidiabetic. These include gallic, ursolic, and oleanolic acids.
14. Manage Arthritis
The anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate juice may have beneficial effects in cases of osteoarthritis. The compounds present in pomegranate can slow down cartilagei deterioration and block the enzymes that lead to osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is characterized by inflammation, pain, and stiffness, can be managed with pomegranate juice intake. Although this claim needs further evidence supported by clinical trials, scholars who have conducted studies on mice reveal that pomegranate juice may have positive effects on RA
15. Treatment Of Alzheimer’s Disease
A 15-month study revealed that long-term dietary supplementation with pomegranate juice increased autophagy (regular degradation and recycling of cell components), inhibited inflammation, and decreased cerebral amyloid beta aggregates.
16. May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
Drinking pomegranate juice may have potential benefits to slow or even prevent the growth of breast cancer. Laboratory tests suggest that ellagitannins found in pomegranate juice can stop estrogen production – and this may help prevent breast cancer (which is usually estrogen-responsive) It has also been proven that pomegranate has ant i-proliferative properties that can downregulate estrogen-responsive genes.
17. Promote Oral Health
Recent studies have proven that pomegranates work wonderfully well in strengthening the gums and fastening loose teeth. They are also effective against oral bacteria as they possess antimicrobial properties. Research has found that pomegranate seeds can have a positive effect on dental plaque microorganisms
18. Boost Digestive Health
Pomegranate seeds boost digestive health as they have B-Complex vitamins. These vitamins help your body convert fat, protein, and carbohydrates into energy. The seeds also contain fiber, another essential nutrient for digestion. This fiber prevents and treats constipation as well.
As the seeds have anti-inflammatory properties, they can treat other gastrointestinal issues, like ulcerative colitis.