What about the Pomegranate? (Mar 2007)

This fruit has been growing in popularity from, juices, to ice creams, to chicken sausages, to chewing gum to and chocolate truffles. Statistics show that 200 new pomegranate products entered the market place in 2005.

Studies focus on the antioxidant qualities. Pomegranates contain high levels of polyphenols which are the antioxidants responsible for anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antiathersclerotic properties. The main polyphenols found in the fruit include Ellagic acid, Ellagitannins, and Punicalagin. Punicalagin may be responsible for 50% of the powerful antioxidant properties in the juice. Most of the benefit is derived from the specific juice preparation, and consumption of the fruit would not contain the same benefits.

Having a daily dose of 8 ounces of Pomegranate juice per day would be recommended to achieve high amounts of antioxidants as well reduction in total cholesterol and LDL, The ratios of LDL to HDL and total/HDL cholesterol may improve. Pomegranates have been shown to help with skin repair as we may see more beauty products containing this wonder fruit.