Facts About Pomegrantes

I never thought much about the health benefits of the pomegranete until recently. It was always a fall fruit that stained my clothes, made a mess of my sink, but was delicious to eat. I would buy a whole pomegranete, cut it in quarters, and eat it over the sink. I never thought about using the seeds in salads, juicing the fruit or using it salad dressing. Recently the pomegrante has become THE fruit to eat for its many health benefits.

The pomegranete is native to Iran, Saudi Arabia, Northern India, Bengal and Southern Asia and is cultivated throughout the world. There are over 760 varieties of pomegranete. Ancient Egyptians were often buried with pomegranates. Pomegranates are mentioned numerous times in the Bible. Jewish tradition teaches that the pomegranate is a symbol of righteousness because its 613 seeds correspond with the 613 commandments of the Torah. (however, the number of seeds in a pomegranate varies). Many scholars believe it was a pomegranate rather than an apple that tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

There are many health benefits of pomegranate juice. Here are a few: 1. fights breast cancer. Studies in Israel show that pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. 2. Lung cancer prevention. Studies in mice show that pomegranate juice may inhibit the development of lung cancer. 3. Slows prostate cancer. It slowed the growth of prostate cancer in mice. 4. Keeps PSA levels stable. In a study of 50 men who had undergone treatment for prostate cancer, 8 ounces of pomegranate juice per day kept PSA leveles stable. 5. Protects the arteries. It prevents plaque from building up in the arteries and may reverse previous plaque buildup. 6. Alzheimer's Disease prevention. It may prevent and slow Alzheimer's disease. In one study, mice bred to develop Alzheimer's disease were given pomegranate juice. They accumulated significantly less amyloid plaque than control mice. 7. Lowers blood pressure. One study showed that drinking 1.7 ounces of pomegranate juice per day lowered systolic blood pressue by as much as 5 percent. 8. Dental protection. Research suggest that drinking pomegranate juice may be a natural way to prevent dental plaque.

If pomegrante juice can do half of what researchers say it can I guess I should be drinking it. It's tangy flavor is not a favorite for everyone, but I happen to love it. I've never been much of a juice drinker. The Pritikin Program taught me years ago that eating the whole fruit is much better for you than drinking juice. Getting the fiber from skin and pulp makes whole fruit a better choice, but this really isn't possible with the pomegranate. I guess I'll pick up a bottle of POM next time I go shopping.