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Flex magazine writes: “Pomegranates are a great source of antioxidants,
in fact, the juice from pomegranates is higher in antioxidants than any
other drink.”
And a Reuters story was headlined: “Pomegranate Juice Each Day May
Keep the Cardiologist Away.”
This fruit may also help lower cholesterol, studies show. In a study
published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, men drinking
pomegranate juice significantly increased the antioxidant level in their
blood, and reduced oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Other studies
indicate a diversity of benefits beyond cardiovascular health.
Time magazine recently profiled the exceptional health benefits of
the pomegranate fruit under the heading “Pomegranate Power.” Time
writes: “The pomegranate, with its regal crown and sparkling scarlet
arils, is the ‘in’ fruit among American’s leading health buffs. And for
good reason - it has a tart, refreshing flavor, an ancient lineage, and
provides a wallop of antioxidants.”
Pomegranates also contain various nutritious and pharmacological
substances such as vitamins (B1, B2, C and niacin), minerals (potassium,
in particular), amino acids (glutanic acid, aspartic acid), tannins (punicalagin,
ellagic acid) and alkaloids (pelletierines). As a potent source of
antioxidants, the pomegranate is rich in polyphenols, which promote
heart health.
In a strong confirmation of the power of pomegranates to fight heart
disease, studies of healthy human subjects showed why even moderate
consumption of pomegranate juice could have significant clinical
results.
According to studies at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology,
the cholesterol oxidation process - which creates atherosclerotic
lesions that narrow arteries and result in heart disease - was slowed by
as much as 40 percent when healthy subjects drank 2 to 3 ounces of
pomegranate juice a day for two weeks. Further, the juice reduced the
retention of LDL, the “bad” cholesterol that after its oxidation
aggregates and forms atherosclerotic lesions.
With the nutrition world only beginning to discover the many health
potentials of this amazing fruit, it was a must to include a hearty dose
of pomegranate in each 1-ounce serving of
Lifeshots™!
References
N. P. Seeram, S. M. Henning, Y. Zhang, M. Suchard, Z. Li, and D. Heber
Pomegranate Juice Ellagitannin Metabolites; J. Nutr., October 1, 2006;
136(10): 2481 - 2485. B. L Halvorsen, M. H Carlsen, K. M Phillips, S. K
Bohn, K. Holte, D. R Jacobs Jr, and R. Blomhoff Content of redox-active
compounds (ie, antioxidants) in foods consumed in the United States; Am.
J. Clinical Nutrition, July 1, 2006; 84(1): 95 - 135; American Technion
Society Connections Electronic Newsletter June 25, 2003. |
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The
antioxidant-rich pomegranate is hailed
by fitness experts, health officials and
the media