Pomegranate is going to win your heart- strengthening its blood vessels, preventing oxidation of cholesterol
Many studies show that the pomegranate is one of the most powerful, nutrient dense foods for overall good health.
Pomegranates contain high levels of flavonoids and polyphenols, potent antioxidants offering protection against heart disease and cancer.
The Antioxidants in Pomegranate keep a type of cholesterol know as LDL cholesterol from oxidizing.
Healthy LDL is a required and favourable cholesterol to have, don’t get caught up in the misleading hype. LDL cholesterol gets a bad rap, however LDL cholesterol is required for specialized Neurotransmitter function and the transport of nutrients up to the brain. We need LDL- we just don’t want it to oxidize on us. 70% of our brain is fat, 25% of that fat specifically cholesterol. We need lots of good health fats- including cholesterol for adequate brain function. It is the oxidisation of LDL that we don’t want to occur- oxidation will cause hardening of the arteries known as atherosclerosis.
A glass of pomegranate juice has more antioxidants than red wine, green tea, blueberries, and cranberries.
The juice has been shown to exert not only significant antioxidant effect, but antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic effects! Atherogenesis is the formation of fat on the artery walls that can progress to heart disease- also known as atherosclerosis.
There are compounds found only in pomegranates called punicalagins. Punicalagins benefit the heart and blood vessels and are the major component responsible for pomegranate’s antioxidant and health benefits.
It’s these anti oxidants in Pomegranate that act like Aspirin – we all know Aspirin, that pharmaceutical drug used to thin the blood which can cause inflammation of the stomach lining known as gastritis. Well the anti oxidants within pomegranate as keep blood platelets from sticking together just like Aspirin, assisting to prevent the formation of dangerous blood clots, increasing circulation – however unlike Aspirin, there are no damaging side effects to your stomach lining. The antioxidants within pomegranate also help to buffer the effects of the damage free radicals make to your cells caused by oxidation- so again, unlike Aspirin, the plant chemical of pomegranate address’ the cause and do this without damaging your body. You can not stop free radicals and oxidation – oxidative stress is a part of everyday living and breathing of life- free radicals are in everything from the air we breathe and the food we eat, but you can consume foods that neutralize their function and potential damage.
The seeds of pomegranate are rich in soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, this assists in reducing extra fat deposits all around the body and hence assists in controlling cholesterol. As with any fibrous foods- this will aid with regular bowel motions- great for weight loss!
The fruit is an also good source of antioxidant Vitamin-C, provides about 17% per 100 g of daily! Humans don’t make Vitamin C- animals do, but we are not that smart, so human beings must be sure to get adequate Vitamin C from foods sources.
Further, it is an also good source of many vital B-complex groups of vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), folates, pyridoxine (vitamin B6) vitamin K, and minerals like calcium, copper, potassium, and manganese.
Drinking the juice of Pomegranate increases oxygen levels to the heart- there are even studies that show over time, Pomegranate might help overcome erectile dysfunction. Have you ever read the seemingly endless list of side effects to Viagra – it would be comical if it wasn’t so serious. Therapeutic dose yourself with Magnesium (best to talk to a Nutritionist for correct dosages) – Magnesium is a known vaso-dilator, get onto the Pomegranates and life may just start looking “up”.
To get the most out of a Pomegranate- eat the seeds whilst they are still at their freshest and juiciest to obtain the optimal medicinal benefits. Seeds can be eaten on their own or added to salads just like any other seeds. Blending them with pineapple juice to make a salad dressing is one of my favourites. Pomegranate seeds over baked fish- amazing!
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Try this Anti oxidant rich smoothie!
Ingredients:
4 cups organic baby spinach
1 cup pomegranate juice
1/2 cup blueberries, frozen
1/2 cup strawberries, frozen
2 tablespoons flaxseeds, freshly ground
1/2 avocado
You may want to add some filtered or coconut water
Instructions:
Blend all ingredients together. Delicious!
