Pomegranates

You would have thought that I set a chocolate cake in front of my kids tonight when I pulled out a pomegranate, cut it in half and let them go at it. They picked out and ate the seeds until I insisted they got to bed.

Easier than picking the seeds out of a pomogranate, drinking it's juice is not only tasty, but extremely nutritious. Pomegranates are full of vitamins(C, K, B), minerals and important antioxidants. The level of antioxidant is even higher than those of other fruits popularly known to have high levels of antioxidant, including blueberries, cranberries and oranges. This is attributed to the very high polyphenol content in the fruit.

Several recent studies have shown significant potential health benefits from drinking pomegranate juice. Here are eleven:

Fights Breast Cancer
Studies in Israel show that pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone. It may also prevent breast cancer cells from forming.

Lung Cancer Prevention
Studies in mice show that pomegranate juice may inhibit the development of lung cancer.

Slows Prostate Cancer
It slowed the growth of prostate cancer in mice.

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 levels stable, reducing the need for further treatment such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy.

Protects the Neonatal Brain
Studies show that maternal consumption of pomegranate juice may protect the neonatal brain from damage after injury.

Prevention of Osteoarthritis
Several studies indicate that pomegranate juice may prevent cartilage deterioration.

Protects the Arteries
It prevents plaque from building up in the arteries and may reverse previous plaque buildup.

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 and they performed mental tasks better.

Lowers Cholesterol
It lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) and raises HDL (good cholesterol).

Lowers Blood Pressure
One study showed that drinking 1.7 ounces of pomegranate juice per day lowered systolic blood pressure by as much as 5 percent.

Dental Protection
Research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice may be a natural way to prevent dental plaque.

Since pomegranates are a seasonal fruit for us, I think that makes it even more special. My girls are starting to associate it with Fall along with pumpkins and Halloween. Try making it a special Fall treat for your family too!
- Shannan