The Pomegranate

Pomegranate is a fruit, native to the Middle East, slightly larger than the size of an orange. Pomegranates are smooth and round, with a pink-red rind. When opened, pomegranates contain hundreds of crunchy seeds surrounded by a red and juicy pulp. Pomegranates are commonly used for the production of pomegranate juice. Pomegranate juice is associated with certain health benefits.

Pomegranate Juice

The fruit juice produced from pomegranates contains high levels of antioxidants. Pomegranates contain higher amounts of antioxidants than most other juices.

Particularly, pomegranate juice contains the antioxidant known as polyphenols. Antioxidants have been correlated with several benefits, including heart protection and a reduction in LDL (low density lipoproteins), also known as “bad” cholesterol.

Antioxidants: A General Overview

Antioxidants prevent or slow the process of oxidation. The chemical reaction, oxidation, is responsible for the transfer of electrons to a specific oxidizing agent. This process can lead to the production of free radicals. Free radicals are typically capable of beginning chain reactions that can lead to cellular damage.

High amounts of oxidation can also lead to oxidative stress, damaging or even killing cells. Oxidative stress is currently being researched for treatments of certain conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases and stroke.

Antioxidants: Polyphenol

Interestingly, polyphenols were known as Vitamin P for a number of years. However, this did not last, as polyphenols are non-essential, and quickly re-classified. Polyphenols are typically antioxidants within the human body. They are named polyphenols due to their inherent chemical structure, containing more than one phenol group.

Polyphenols are utilized by the body for the production of flavonoids, tannins, and lignin. All of these substances are linked to health benefits within the body as antioxidants.

Pomegranate Juice: How Much?

Studies typically recommend 1.5 ounces of pomegranate juice per day to obtain the health benefits of pomegranate juice. However, studies yielding positive results for lowering overall LDL cholesterol levels with pomegranate juice are still preliminary. While correlations exist, it is probable that pomegranate juice was utilized in addition to other dietary and lifestyle changes that may be responsible for these health benefits.

Pomegranate Juice: Precautions

There does exist some preliminary data linking pomegranate juice with decreased efficiency of prescription medications. It is thought that pomegranate juice may affect the proper metabolism of these medications.

In addition, pomegranate juice may reduce blood pressure to unsafe levels in conjunction with specific blood pressure lowering medications. As with any dietary or herbal supplement, it is recommended that you consult your physician before beginning use.

Pomegranate Juice: Bottom Line

Many of the studies about the effects of pomegranate juice were small and isolated to specific populations. Due to this fact, the positive effects of pomegranate juice are preliminary, and not completely reliable. However, there are reliable ways to lower and maintain your cholesterol levels, starting with a healthy diet.

A healthy diet should include whole grains, soluble fibers, low fat, and an emphasis on vegetable and fruit intake. Additionally, exercise has also been shown to reduce overall cholesterol levels while increasing muscle mass and overall general health.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20050321/pomegranate-juice-may-clear-clogged-arteries

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pomegranate-juice/AN01227