Pomegranate

Overview

The Pomegranate is a Fruit native to Northern India and grows mainly in the Mediterranean region. Pomegranate is nutrient dense and a antioxidant rich fruit. The outer layer is not edible but the juice and the seeds inside are providing all the fruits health benefits. Pomegranates contain high levels of flavonoids and polyphenols, potent antioxidants offering protection against heart disease and cancer. A glass of pomegranate juice has more antioxidants than red wine, green tea, blueberries, and cranberries.
Compounds found only in pomegranates called punicalagins, a type of phenolic compound called ellagitannin, are shown to benefit the heart and blood vessels. Punicalagins are the major component responsible for pomegranate's antioxidant and healt benefits. They not only lower cholesterol, but also lower blood pressure and increase the speed at which heart blockages (atherosclerosis) melt away. Pomegranates are good for your heart and blood vessels but they have been shown to inhibit breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, leukemia and to prevent vascular changes that promote tumor growth in lab animals. ^[1]

Pomegranate extract is standardized to contain 40% to 70% Ellagic Acid while some Pomegranate extracts are standardized to contain 40% Punicosides.

Botanical Name

 Punica granatum L.

 The Pomegranate is from the Punicaceae family.

Cardiovascular System

 Pomegranate may help to prevent and reverse Atherosclerosis.  ^[2]

 Pomegranate may lower Blood Pressure in High Blood Pressure patients (by inhibiting Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE)).  ^[3]