Why All the Hype About Pomegranates?
Over the last few years, pomegranate juice has emerged as a favorite among the health conscious around the globe. As with any health trend, it’s best to do research to determine if pomegranate will help you live longer and live better. Before you rush out to incorporate this ingredient into your diet, it’s important to figure out if this juice lives up to the hype.
Popping open a pomegranate and scraping out the seeds is the best way to reap the benefits of this fruit; however, when pomegranates are out of season, pomegranate juice is indeed a healthy alternative.
Claims made about pomegranate juice include a high antioxidant profile. Tannins and polyphenols, two antioxidants most commonly associated with red wine and green tea, are three times higher in pomegranate juice than that of red wine or green tea. Search for a brand that has no added sugar and is produced from the entire pomegranate, as those products contained the highest levels of antioxidants.
Antioxidants get all the attention because they deliver a wide range of positive effects. Studies suggest the antioxidants in pomegranate juice may help stop the spread of breast and prostate cancer cells and may lower plaque in arteries, reduce blood pressure and lower LDL oxidation. While research supports these health benefits, more is needed to substantiate these claims.
Choose juice that is 100% juice with no added sugars. Limit the amount you drink, as it is a concentrated source of energy. If you are being treated for high cholesterol or high blood pressure, pom juice has been known to interfere with some drugs commonly prescribed for those health problems, so talk to your doctor before adding it to your diet. Just remember to always try to get whole fruit first, but when that is not an option, juice can be a good stand in.