7 beneficial properties of pomegranate juice for human health

Pomegranate juice is a drink rich in antioxidants and vitamins, obtained by pressing the pulp of pomegranate fruits.

Modern scientists have been able to prove a lot of useful properties of natural pomegranate juice. It protects against diseases of the cardiovascular system, destroys harmful microorganisms and supports the health of teeth and gums. The drink can even increase life expectancy.

7 proven properties

Let's focus on the main facts about the benefits of drinking pomegranate juice (based on scientific sources of information).

1. Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances

Pomegranate seeds are colored red due to polyphenols, valuable antioxidant substances.

Direct-pressed pomegranate juice surpasses all other fruit and berry juices in terms of antioxidants, as well as red wine and green tea .

Installed that antioxidants neutralize free radicals formed during oxidative stress and responsible for the development of malignant tumors.

Confirmed and the anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate juice. It reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases from the endocrine (type II diabetes mellitus) and cardiovascular (hypertension) systems.

According to experts from Israel, the drink reduces the number of markers of inflammation in the blood and can have a positive effect on the course of chronic kidney and heart diseases.

Pomegranate juice is recommended for all men and women starting from the age of 40-45 to protect the body from cancer and chronic disorders, especially if they are present in the next of kin.

2. Fights harmful bacteria

Scientists from Saudi Arabia discovered that pomegranate juice inhibits the growth and reproduction of certain pathogenic microorganisms.

In particular, the effect on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, listeria and ersinia was studied. These microorganisms are often pathogens of infectious and inflammatory diseases, mainly from the respiratory and urinary systems, digestive organs.

Experts from India revealed the ability of the product to suppress the activity of bacteria that constantly persist in the oral cavity.

When taking pomegranate juice, less plaque is formed on the teeth, therefore, the prevention of caries and inflammatory gum diseases is ensured.

3. Reduces the risk of developing cancer

For a long time in folk medicine, it was believed that pomegranate juice is effective for the prevention and even therapy of cancerous tumors. Modern science has been able to confirm this hypothesis.

American experts, in the course of conducting animal experiments and experiments in laboratory conditions, discovered the ability of the product to suppress the division of malignant cells and their spread within healthy tissues.

According to the National Cancer Center (USA), pomegranate juice, as well as plant extract, will be available in the near future. they will probably be used for cancer prevention and therapy.

4. Relieves the course of arthritis

Flavonoids of medicinal drink suppressed chronic inflammation, which is a companion of many chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases of the articular apparatus (rheumatoid arthritis, polyosteoarthrosis, etc.).

With regular intake of juice, the severity of pain syndrome decreases, inflammation and swelling of surrounding tissues subsides.

People, especially the elderly, can feel a significant relief in their general condition and quickly return to the usual pace of life.

5. It is useful for the reproductive system

It was described above that pomegranate juice inhibits chronic inflammation and neutralizes free radical mechanisms that negatively affect are affected on sperm motility in men and the health of the reproductive system in women.

The drink also improves the health of the placenta, a special organ responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the fetus during pregnancy.

Juice is especially recommended for men, as it not only supports sperm health, but also increases blood flow to the penis by increasing the sensitivity of this organ and initiating the release of the male sex hormone testosterone.

6. Reduces blood pressure levels

Caroline Bell Stowe, a fellow at Johns Hopkins University, discovered That the active substances of pomegranate are similar in action to medical drugs – angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (enalapril, captopril, etc.).

Due to this property, pomegranate juice is able to reduce blood pressure, while the effect is long-term (about 12-16 hours from the moment of use).

Juice can be used for the prevention and therapy (together with antihypertensive drugs and after consulting a doctor) of hypertension in people of any age.

7. Reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood

Iranian scientists discovered that penicinic acid, which is mainly part of the grant seeds, normalizes lipid metabolism in the blood.

Studies "in vitro" and on a living organism have recorded a decrease in the level of total cholesterol and triglycerides (TAG), which are considered "dangerous" to health.

Taking pomegranate juice can slow down or even prevent the formation of atherosclerotic plaques on the inner walls of the arteries, which are able to partially or completely block the delivery of blood to vital organs. This is how vascular catastrophes develop (myocardial infarction, stroke), as well as such significant diseases as coronary heart disease or chronic cerebral ischemia.

Possible harm

Despite the numerous medicinal properties that ganata juice has, it also has contraindications. If taken irrationally, as well as with hypersensitivity, it can cause harm to health.

When taken, the following side effects may be observed:

1. Exacerbation of chronic intestinal diseases. Pomegranate juice irritates the mucous membranes of the stomach, duodenum and small intestine (especially when taken in its pure form). This can lead to an exacerbation of gastritis, duodenitis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, enteritis.
2. Constipation. Taking juice in its pure form slows down the peristaltic activity of the intestinal walls and can lead to a delay in excretion of feces.
3. Allergic reactions. Urticaria is observed in 99% of cases, anaphylactic shock and angioedema are much less common. If you have allergies in the past, taking juice is contraindicated.

Thus, it is better for people suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, including chronic constipation, to refrain from juice.

There are no contraindications during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Admission Tips

Let's focus on the key points of making pomegranate juice at home, as well as its use:

1. How to cook. You will need: 900 grams of fruits, 450-500 ml of water, sugar (to taste, you can not add at all). To cook, you need to carefully take out the grains, rinse under water and wipe with a towel, let dry for 5-10 minutes. Grind the grains in a blender to a mushy consistency. Transfer the resulting mass into a gauze or bandage folded in 5-6 layers, squeeze out the juice and let it stand for 2 hours, carefully remove the sediment. Add sugar (no more than 180 grams), mix. Preheat the drink to 60 degrees (heating to a higher temperature can "destroy" useful substances), cool. The natural freshly squeezed juice is ready.
2. When to drink. Pomegranate juice is best taken in the middle of the day. Eating in the morning on an empty stomach or at night is unacceptable. Disregard for the rules can lead to an exacerbation of diseases of the digestive system.
3. How much can I drink. It is recommended to take no more than 450-500 ml of the drink per day, divided into 2-3 doses. In case of severe discomfort, it is better to dilute the product with water.
4. How to store. Self-prepared pomegranate juice can be stored in a glass container (jar, bottle) with a tightly closed lid for no more than 7 days in the refrigerator. It is recommended to consume a healthy drink in the first 2-3 days from the moment of preparation, it is during this period that the concentration of biologically active substances is maximum.
5. Application in cooking. Juice is often used to make soft drinks (including carbonated), jelly. It is also added to various sauces for meat dishes.

Conclusion

1. Pomegranate juice is a healthy drink that humanity has been using for centuries to improve health.
2. It can lower cholesterol and blood pressure, destroy harmful microorganisms and maintain oral health, prevent the appearance of cancer.
3. The product has a number of side effects, mainly from the gastrointestinal tract. In the presence of chronic diseases of the stomach, small intestine and duodenum, it is recommended to take it with extreme caution.