Effects of Pomegranate Juice

The pomegranate fruit is highly concentrated in a barrage of phytochemicals, vitamins and antioxidants that make it a healthy and beneficial addition to your diet. It can help combat erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The fruit is generally marketed as juice, though the authenticity and health benefits of brands vary. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Phytochemicals and Polyphenols

The word phytochemical literally means 'plant chemical.' Phytochemicals act as a shield for the environment against things such as ultraviolet light, and in return, plants protect us from such harmful effects. Polyphenols, merely one type of phytochemical prominent in pomegranate juice, are rich in antioxidants and tannins. The tannins add the rich purple color of the juice and also provide its slightly tart taste.

Vitamins

Pomegranate juice holds some of the most essential vitamins of your daily intake. The juice includes Vitamin C, which provides calcium, A which is generally taken to maintain a healthy immune system and vision, E, which combats free radicals and helps maintain healthy skin, and folic acid (Vitamin B) which supports the body's ability to produce red blood cells.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants help the body combat a variety of things, including fighting against free radicals which are linked to disease. Pomegranate juice contains not only polyphenols, which have a high concentration of antioxidant properties, but also ellagic acid, which consists of anti-carcinogen and anti-fibrosis properties.

Pomegranate juice has the highest antioxidant content among juices and other beverages, including red wine, which is known for its high antioxidant levels.

Preventative Benefits

With such winning combinations and elements, pomegranate juice can help prevent many diseases such as prostate cancer. The American Association for Cancer Research has found positive results in recent research on the matter, including the lowering of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) times which indicates slower progression of the disease.

Tests have also been conducted on patients with erectile dysfunction, and when given 100 percent pomegranate juice as opposed to a placebo, those tested were 50 percent more likely to improve. Cardiovascular patients with coronary heart disease also showed improvement levels of up to 17 percent when given 100 percent pomegranate juice.

Warning

While there's a variety of pomegranate juices, in order to receive a pure and natural product with the highest concentration of antioxidants, you should be cautious. While some products claim to be healthy, they include a variety of additives and preservatives. Look for the brand POM Wonderful, which consists of 100 percent pomegranate juice and is available in supermarkets.