The Powerful Health Benefits Of Pomegranates
Reduce Blood Pressure
Multiple studies have found pomegranate juice can reduce blood pressure, and it seems to be particularly effective in reducing systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure measurement). A 2013 study of patients with high blood pressure noted a statistically significant drop in systolic blood pressure readings after the subjects consumed a five-ounce serving of pomegranate juice each day for fourteen days. A similar study the same year followed thirteen males with high blood pressure. After fasting for twelve hours, the subjects drank a five-ounce serving of natural pomegranate juice. Baseline and post-study blood pressure measurements were recorded. At the conclusion of the study, the researchers noted the participant's systolic blood pressure readings were reduced by an average of seven percent. Diastolic blood pressure measurements also fell by six percent. Scientists believe punicic acid may be responsible for these improvements in blood pressure. Pomegranates have also been shown to reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels, and this could indirectly reduce blood pressure by lowering overall inflammation. The antioxidants in this fruit can increase blood flow and lower cholesterol levels, both of which are associated with lower blood pressure.
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Can Help Fight Infections
One of the most powerful health benefits of the pomegranate is it can help fight infections. Researchers have noted it is particularly effective in combating fungal and bacterial infections. For example, a 2009 study of pomegranate rind extract found it was moderately effective in inhibiting the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). A 2010 study of dried and powdered pomegranate peel concluded it was effective in inhibiting the Candida albicans fungus that causes yeast infections. Additional research suggests pomegranates could help protect against mouth infections such as periodontitis, gingivitis, and denture stomatitis. Pomegranates can also improve the overall health of the immune system, and this may make it easier for the patient to fight the common cold and other minor illnesses. In 2012, researchers conducted a clinical trial that investigated the infection-fighting properties of pomegranate juice on roughly one hundred patients undergoing regular dialysis. The patients drank pomegranate juice three times each week over a one-year period. Compared to a control group, patients who drank pomegranate juice had fewer signs of inflammation, and they also had fewer hospitalizations due to infection.
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