Now is the season for pomegranates and you will see them popping up in grocery stores and restaurant menus. They are not only delicious, but they are also super good for you.

Pomegranates can have up to three times more antioxidants than green tea or red wine. Antioxidants protect cells from damage, prevent diseases — such as cancer — and reduce inflammation and the effects of aging.

Other health benefits of pomegranates include the following:

Studies have suggested that pomegranates can protect the heart in many ways, including lowering blood pressure and reducing blood sugar levels. Pomegranate juice may help reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol — “bad” cholesterol” — that clogs arteries. It can also increase high-density lipoproteincholesterol — “good” cholesterol” — which lowers the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Initial studies have revealed that people with type 2 diabetes who began to drink pomegranate juice showed an improvement in insulin resistance. Pomegranates can also help people without diabetes maintain a healthy weight.

Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, both of which are known to prevent free radicals from damaging your cells. In some studies, pomegranates show potential to be effective in preventing prostate, breast, lung, and colon cancers. Additionally, preclinical studies on animals have shown that eating pomegranate can inhibit the growth of lung, skin, colon, and prostate tumors. Although more research is needed to understand the effects on humans.

Source: WebMD

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