Pomegranate fruits are categorized within the group of berries. There
are many small arils within the fruits wrapped to the inside of leathery
peel.
It is a polyphenol-rich fruit juice with high antioxidant capacity.
Pomegranate juice is an important source of anthocyanins, and the
3-glucosides and 3,5-diglucosides of delphinidin, cyanidin, and
pelargonidin have been reported. It also contains 1g/L citric acid and
7 mg/L ascorbic acid.
Pomegranate juice caused a significant reduction in the levels of total
cholesterol, LDL-C, ratio of LDL-C/HDL-C and ratio of TC/ HDL-C were
observed. However, no significant changes in the serum triacylglycerol
and HDL-C concentrations were observed (Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2006 May;76(3):147-51).
The juice significantly reduced atherosclerotic lesion areas in
immune-deficient mice and intima media thickness in cardiac patients on
medications. It also decreased lipid peroxidation in patients with type 2
diabetes, and systolic blood pressure and serum angiotensin converting
enzyme activity in hypertensive patients.
Pomegranate juice, with its storing astringency, can be useful for
reducing swelling and it has used topically to treat hemorrhoids, blood
vessels in the rectum that have become distended and can be painful.
Some suggest that ingesting pomegranate juice can also benefit
hemorrhoids, which are common during pregnancy.
Pomegranate Juice
