POMEGRANATE: AN INCREDIBLE MEDICINE FOR THE HEART

Pomegranates (Punica Granatum) are sweet, red, round fruits approximately 5 -12cm in dia­meter that is abundantly found in Iran, India and the Mediterranean countries.  Inside these fruits are hundreds of seeds called, Arils. These arils are what we eat raw or processed into capsules, juice or in any other form sold in the market.

Pomegranates have anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, anti-viral, and its anti-inflammatory response is well known for reducing cardiovascular ailments. It also contains nutrients such as calories, sugars (Sucrose, Fructose and Glucose), fiber, proteins (CHON), vitamin C, vitamin K, Niacin, folate and potassium. One pomegranate contains around 400 mg of potassium, one of the highest in the category of fruits. Apart from various nutritional contents, the Pomegranate fruit is renowned for its 2 powerful plant compounds, Punicic Acid and Punicalagins.

Punicic Acid and Punicalagins

Punicic Acid, a fatty acid contained in the seeds, is a type of conjugated linoleic acid with potent biological effects. A comprehensive review of this compound reveals that it works as an anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-proliferative, and anti-carcinogenic. These work against various forms of cancer which are also all related to possibly reducing chances of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Punicalagins are very potent antioxidants that can be found in the juice and peel of the fruit. It lowers blood cholesterol levels, blood pressure and increases the melting away of atherosclerosis. With its antioxidant capabilities, it reduces the risk for Hypertension, Myocardial Infarction, Atherosclerosis, Coronary Heart Disease, and all other kinds of cardiovascular diseases.

Benefit For Heart Patients

How is it exactly that the contents of this fruit benefit cardiovascular patients? The Punicic Acid and Punicalagins both have an antioxidant property that prevents harmful chemical reactions in the body and fights free radicals. These free radicals and unwanted chemical reactions cause damage to the heart and the arteries and lead to the formation of plaques. Therefore the antioxidant property of the fruit helps our body in the fight against cardiovascular diseases by reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.  Research studies have proved that pomegranates contain 3 times more antioxidants than green tea or red wine.