Shakeology Ingredient of the Day--Pomegranate Powder

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has been used as a natural remedy for thousands of years.

the pomegranate is held in high esteem for its antioxidant properties, due to a high concentration of polyphenols. One such polyphenol is Ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is believed to have some anti-cancer properties; it is also believed that it can help to prevent heart disease through reduction of risk factors such as atherogenesis. Much more research is required to prove these beliefs, but many American nutritionists think that the pomegranate will eventually become the world's favorite antioxidant.

Like many of our antioxidant-rich Superfood Powders our Pomegranate Juice Powder is spry-dried; This allows the powder to retain the nutritional benefits of the raw fruit.

Research into the many health benefits of Pomegranate is ongoing, but studies have shown that Pomegranate (Punica granatum) may be:

• A powerful antioxidant due to the high concentration of polyphenols
• Beneficial in the reduction of heart disease risk factors, such as hardening of the arteries or atherogenesis
• Able to help reduce cholesterol and lower systolic blood pressure, protecting the heart and the cardiovascular system
• May be effective against certain types of cancer such as prostate, skin and breast cancer due to its high concentration of
• Flavonoids, a type of antioxidant that is effective at neutralizing free radicals
• Beneficial in the prevention of Osteoarthritis
• Helpful in the prevention of dental plaque
• An anti-inflammatory that can be of benefit in a variety of maladies

In preliminary laboratory research and human pilot studies, the juice of the pomegranate has been found effective in reducing heart disease risk factors, including LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation, all of which are steps in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Tannins such as punicalagins have been identified as the primary components responsible for the reduction of oxidative stress which led to these risk factors. Pomegranate has been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure by inhibiting serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).

Metabolites of pomegranate juice ellagitannins localize specifically in the prostate gland, colon and intestinal tissues of mice, leading to speculation that pomegranate juice may be effective against prostate cancer and osteoarthritis. In 2007, five clinical trials in the United States and Norway were conducted to examine the effects of pomegranate juice consumption on parameters of prostate cancer or prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes or lymphoma. The studies have not yet finished, but interim reports released to the public media were that pomegranate juice may slow onset or development of prostate cancer.

Containing polyphenols which inhibit estrogen synthesis, pomegranate seed oil was effective against proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro. The juice may also have antiviral and antibacterial effects against dental plaque.

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