Submitted by: Janet Martin
The only members of the fruit family that have achieved a celebrity status of sorts are apple, banana and orange. But there are still other fruits out there which are not only delicious, but also full of vitamins and minerals that the body needs.
One nutrient-packed produce that not many people know about is pomegranate, which is a fruit that resembles an apple and is full of seeds. When eating this fruit, do not try to remove the seeds because these are actually where you can get the most nutrients. This sweet fruit originated from the Himalayas and Iran, but it also grows in the Middle East and the Mediterranean regions. In the US, pomegranate is abundant during the fall season.
Since ancient times, pomegranate leaves, bark, fruit and rind, and even flowers were used to help in treating various medical conditions. Pomegranate is an excellent source of potassium, panthothenic acid, polyphenols (a type of antioxidant), Vitamin C and B to name just a few. If you want to know more on how you can take advantage of this fruit and plant, read on and learn.
Eases Digestive Problems
Pomegranate rind, bark, and leaves were used to calm an upset stomach, diarrhea and other digestive problems. Drinking a tea made from the leaves and bark of this plant can make your digestive symptoms disappear. In fact, some say that pomegranate can be used for dysentery and cholera as well. However, if you have chronic diarrhea or other serious digestive problems, you should seek medical attention before drinking or taking any alternative cures.
Prevents Strokes And Other Heart Ailments
A stroke is believed to be caused by the thickening of the arteries, which can be due to cholesterol buildup. Research shows that drinking pomegranate juice and eating the fruit is helpful in lowering the levels of bad cholesterol in your body. Furthermore, it is also a blood thinner, so blood clots are prevented from forming.
Reduces Risk Of Certain Cancers
People with a high risk of developing prostate and breast cancer should start drinking the juice of this fruit. Although further studies in humans are being done to establish the importance of this fruit in reducing cancer risks, there have been a number of researches done in mice that already show positive results; one of which showed that growths of tumors in lab mice slowed down dramatically when given a regular dose of pomegranate extract.
Helps Prevent Osteoarthritis And Other Bone-related Diseases
According to a study conducted by the Case Western Reserve University, pomegranate showed great potential in treating arthritis. People with this ailment know that pain associated with the disease is mainly caused by the poor cartilage health. Well, pomegranate extracts contain antioxidants that not only eases inflammation of the joints, but more importantly, it also prevents the degradation of cartilage. Also, pomegranate helps in preventing the creation of enzymes that are responsible for breaking down connective tissues.
Figures from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases show that there are over 20 million sufferers of osteoarthritis in the US and the numbers are expected to rise in the coming years. Majority of people with arthritis use alternative and natural remedies to ease pain and inflammation in their joints. Thus, finding that pomegranate is effective in fighting arthritis is a welcome news to alternative medicine practitioners.
Aside from pomegranate extract, arthritis sufferers can also take supplements that help replenish the joint’s synovial fluid. Without this liquid, adjoining bones will rub against each other and cause extreme pain.
About the Author: Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine
thearticleinsiders.com
.
Source:
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