Anti-aging Properties of Pomegranate

Anti aging pomegranate juice seems to be in everything these days, but until very recently pomegranate was not a familiar ingredient to most people living in Europe and North America. The pomegranate is an ancient fruit that has been a staple of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries, but before the anti aging properties of the pomegranate hit recent news reports they were mostly regarded as an oddity in this part of the world.

Thank goodness for science, because anti aging pomegranate juices, pulps, and fruits are beautiful and delicious in addition to being unbelievable good for you. Slice open a pomegranate and you will first see an abundance of jewel-like ruby red seeds that can be eaten plain or added to salads or as a garnish on meat or fish. The pulp of the pomegranate has a rich dark taste that is delicious pureed or eaten plain, or added to desserts, sauces, or grain dishes.

The anti aging properties of the pomegranate come from particularly intense concentrations of two specific antioxidants: anthocyanins, and polyphenol compounds. Both of these powerhouse antioxidants are known for their capacity to bind to cellular toxins called ‘free radicals’ and carry them out of the body as waste. Free radicals are believed to be one of the primary factors that trigger the specific kind of cellular breakdown that causes aging.

Any dark red or purple fruit will contain anthocyanins. Cherries and grapes are both good sources. The anthocyanins in fruit actually create the red or purple color in a fruit. However, anti aging pomegranate juice contains more anthocyanins and more polyphenols than almost any other food available on the market. A 2008 study of twelve popular juice drinks found that pomegranate juice had a concentration of anthocyanins and polypheonols that was 20% higher than all eleven other drinks.

To get the greatest benefit from anti aging pomegranate juice, it is important to read the ingredients on the juice bottle carefully. Pomegranate juice should be one of the first three ingredients listed. Cheaper is not necessarily better when buying anti aging juices, since you may be getting mostly apple and grape juice with barely a splash of pomegranate added.

Also, when choosing a pomegranate juice, be careful about the sweeteners listed. High fructose corn syrup has been linked to obesity. Studies show that high fructose corn syrup actually alters the function of the hormone leptin; the substance responsible for regulating feelings of satiety in humans. In other words, taking in high fructose corn syrup blocks you body from feeling full even when it is, eading to increased hunger and overeating.

Artificial sweeteners have been linked to several autoimmune diseases and have other harmful effects when taken in excess. Since four ounces of pomegranate juice per day is all you really need to get the full anti aging properties of the fruit, it is better to drink it down like medicine than drink sugar or chemicals instead. Happily, it takes pretty good, even without added sugar.

Other great ways to include pomegranate in your daily diet include adding the seeds to salads or snacking on them like nuts, adding the pulp to gelled desserts or puddings, or using the whole fruit as a garnish, appetizer, or quick breakfast food. Once you get to know the pomegranate, you’re sure to fall in love with its rich color, dense flavor, and exotic taste. Staying younger as a result is just a perk!

Related links:

Anti Aging Foods: Look and Feel Younger with the Foods You Eat

Anti-aging Properties of Acai Berry Juice