News Pomegranate
By Stephen Laifer
In the ongoing quest to find new supplements to help us lead longer, healthier lives, science often returns to things that have been used regularly for thousands of years. A case in point is the pomegranate, whose yellowish-pink, seedy fruit has been a staple of Asian diets since ancient times.
Appropriately, in ancient Greek myth, the pomegranate represents life and regeneration.1 Its herbal use dates back more than 3,000 years, but contemporary science has rediscovered the pomegranate’s effectiveness in preventing a variety of potentially deadly diseases.2
Dozens of recent studies reveal the pomegranate’s surprising array of benefits. Pomegranates contain powerful antioxidants that appear to inhibit the onset of atherosclerosis, reduce the risk of heart disease, and mediate high blood pressure. Pomegranate extract also has demonstrated anticarcinogenic properties that are effective in suppressing a variety of cancers, including skin, breast, and colon cancers. The pomegranate has even shown effectiveness in alleviating depression in a mouse model of menopause.
The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a hardy, long-lived subtropical shrub originating in semi-arid regions of Asia.3 It has been cultivated and naturalized over the whole of the Mediter-ranean region since ancient times. Pomegranates are mentioned in Egyptian papyrus scrolls dating back to 1550 BC, and pomegranate branches form part of the decorative motif on the pillars of King Solomon’s temple.
Spanish settlers introduced pomegranates to California in 1769.4 In the US today, they are typically cultivated in the drier parts of California and Arizona.
Reining in Free Radicals
Free radicals—the oxygen-reactive byproducts of normal cellular metabolism that attack healthy cells—have been implicated in the acceleration of the body’s natural aging processes. Free radicals can also be formed by external environmental factors such as cigarette smoke and other forms of air pollution.5 Damage by unchecked free-radical compounds can manifest as serious illnesses; for example, cancer is now known to be associated with free-radical damage to healthy cellular DNA.
More than a decade ago, pomegranate peel extracts were shown to possess significant antioxidant activity in various in-vitro models.6 An extract of pomegranate peel was fed to rats, which were then exposed to carbon tetrachloride, a toxic chemical. The pretreatment with pomegranate extract protected levels of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase in the rats. The pomegranate extract also helped to protect the rats’ livers from the toxic effects of carbon tetrachloride.6
Another more recent study focused on the antioxidant effectiveness of plant pigments called bioflavonoids, commonly found in berries, cherries, grapes, and citrus. Pomegranate juice was found to exhibit three times more antioxidant activity than red wine or green tea.7 The active constituent that appears to be responsible is ellagic acid, a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound in pomegranates.
Unclogging Arteries
Numerous studies of atherosclerosis suggest that the disease is at least partly caused by free-radical reactions involving diet-derived lipids that induce harmful changes in the arterial walls.8
A recent study by the Lipid Research Laboratory in Haifa, Israel, explored dietary supplementation with polyphenolic antioxidants in animals. The researchers noted that pomegranate juice was associated with the inhibition of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and with slowing the development of atherosclerosis.9
The Israeli researchers further ascertained the effects of pomegranate juice consumption by atherosclerotic patients with carotid artery stenosis (a narrowing of the carotid artery walls). Ten patients supplemented with the juice for one year. In the pomegranate-supplemented group, carotid intima-media thickness, an indicator of atherosclerosis progression, was reduced by up to 30%. By contrast, in a control group that did not consume pomegranate juice, carotid intima-media thickness increased by 9% over 12 months. Moreover, in the pomegranate-supplemented patients, serum LDL levels were also significantly reduced while serum total antioxidant status increased by 130% after one year.9
Reducing Hypertension
Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects an estimated 50 million Americans and augments the risk for stroke, heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and kidney disease. Pomegranates may be of benefit in modulating this often silent yet potentially lethal risk factor for heart disease.
In the Israeli study, systolic blood pressure was reduced by 21% after one year of pomegranate juice consumption.9 This effect is believed to be related to the particularly potent antioxidant properties of pomegranate polyphenols.
A similar study at the same research facility examined consumption of pomegranate juice to ascertain its effectiveness in lowering blood pressure. Researchers studied the effect on hypertensive patients of daily consumption of 50 ml of pomegranate juice. After two weeks, a 5% reduction in systolic blood pressure was noted, along with a 36% decrease in serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity.10 Reduc-tion in serum ACE activity has previously been shown to attenuate atherosclerosis, independent of its effects on blood pressure. The study authors concluded, “Pomegranate juice can offer wide protection against cardiovascular diseases, which could be related to its inhibitory effect on oxidative stress and on serum ACE activity.”
Improving Lipid Profiles
A recent Iranian study examined the effects of concentrated pomegranate juice on lipid profiles of type II diabetes patients with elevated blood lipids, or hyperlipidemia. The patients supplemented with pomegranate juice for eight weeks. The study participants saw significant reductions in their total cholesterol, LDL, LDL:HDL (high-density lipoprotein) ratio, and total cholesterol:HDL ratio. Serum HDL and triglycerides did not change significantly. The study authors concluded that consumption of concentrated pomegranate extract may modify heart-disease risk factors in patients with high cholesterol.11 Further research is needed to determine whether pomegranate helps lower blood lipid levels in non-diabetic individuals.
Anti-Tumor-Promoting Effects
In recent years, chemoprevention has received as much attention as chemotherapy in the fight against cancer. The search for new ways to stop cancer before its onset has led investigators to examine a wide variety of natural agents. A recent study at the University of Wisconsin argues that agents capable of intervening at more than one critical pathway in the process of carcinogenesis “will have greater advantage over other single-target agents.”12
The Wisconsin researchers found that pomegranate fruit extract possesses strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The extract was evaluated for anti-tumor-promoting effects, specifically involving topical application against skin tumors. The researchers concluded that animals pretreated with pomegranate fruit extract showed 70% less tumor incidence compared to animals that did not receive it. The study authors believe that their results provide “clear evidence that [pomegranate fruit extract] possesses anti-skin-tumor-promoting effects,” and may possess chemopreventive activity “in a wide range of tumor models.”12
These findings support the promising results of a pair of 2003 studies in South Dakota and Japan that explored pomegranate seed oil as a safe and effective agent against skin cancer and colon cancer tumors, respectively.13,14 In a 2002 study, pomegranate seed oil inhibited the proliferation of human breast cancer cells up to 90%, while fermented pomegranate juice polyphenols inhibited 47% of cancerous lesion formation in mammary gland cells from mice.15 Ellagic acid, a polyphenol derived from pomegranate, has been identified to have potent antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-atherosclerotic properties.16
No Known Toxicity
A variety of recent studies have demonstrated that pomegranate, in various forms, can be included as part of a healthy lifestyle with no risk of toxic reactions. A Cuban study, for example, found that two doses of pomegranate extract (0.4 and 1.2 mg per kilogram of body weight, respectively) given to rats produced no toxic effects in terms of food intake, weight gain, or behavioral or biochemical factors.17
Another study took these results further, examining still higher doses of pomegranate extract administered orally to rats for 37 days.18 No significant differences in toxicity were found in the treated rats in any of the blood parameters analyzed, a finding corroborated by analyses of both the liver and kidney.
Until recently, adding the benefits of pomegranate to the diet has presented something of a challenge. The fruit itself is messy and rather difficult to prepare due to its large number of seeds. Prepackaged pomegranate juice, either pure or in concentrate, remains relatively scarce in Western supermarkets and health food stores. Encapsulated or powdered forms of pomegranate extract are becoming much more widely available, making it easier to control the daily dosage. Most packaging lists the ellagic acid content by percentage. The good news for members of the Life Extension Foundation is that a standardized pomegranate extract containing 32% ellagic acid has just been added to the popular Life Extension Mix formula.
Conclusion
The pomegranate, an ancient fruit whose regenerative properties have been celebrated for thousands of years, has come under growing scrutiny by medical researchers seeking natural agents for the prevention and treatment of degenerative diseases.
In numerous recent experiments, pomegranates have been shown to contain powerful antioxidant compounds that scientists believe may inhibit atherosclerosis, cut the risk of heart disease, and help to modulate high blood pressure. Pomegranate extract also has demonstrated anticarcinogenic properties that appear to suppress skin, breast, colon, and other cancers.
These varied and very promising disease-promoting effects are likely to make the pomegranate the focus of modern medical research for some time to come.
References
1. New Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology. London: Hamly; 1983.
2. Brown D. Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses. London: Dorling Kindersley; 1995.
3. Morton J. Fruits of warm climates. Creative Resource Systems, Inc.; 1987:352-5.
4. Butterfield HM. A history of subtropical fruits and nuts in California. University of California, Agricultural Experiment Station. 1963.
5. Langseth L. Oxidants, antioxidants and disease prevention. International Life Science Institute, Belgium; 1996.
6. Chidambara Murthy KN, Jayaprakasha GK, Singh RP. Studies on antioxidant activity of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract using in vivo models. J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Aug 14;50(17):4791-5.
7. Gil MI, Tomas-Barberan FA, Hess-Pierce B, Holcroft DM, Kader AA. Antioxidant activitiy of pomegranate juice and its relationship with phenolic composition and processing. J Agric Food Chem. 2000 Oct;48(10):4581-9.
8. Harman D. Role of free radicals in aging and disease. Ann NY Acad Sci. 1992 Dec 26; 673:126-41.
9. Aviram M, Rosenblat M, Gaitini D, et al. Pomegranate juice consumption for 3 years by patients with carotid artery stenosis reduces common carotid intima-media thickness, blood pressure and LDL oxidation. Clin Nutr. 2004 Jun;23(3):423-33.
10. Aviram M, Dornfeld L. Pomegranate juice consumption inhibits serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity and reduces systolic blood pressure. Atherosclerosis. 2001 Sep;158(1):195-8.
11. Esmaillzadeh A, Tahbaz F, Gaieni I, Alavi- Majd H, Azadbakht L. Concentrated pomegranate juice improves lipid profiles in diabetic patients with hyperlipi- demia. J Med Food. 2004 Fall;7(3):305-8.
12. Afaq F, Saleem M, Krueger CG, Reed JD, Mukhtar H. Anthocyanin-and hydrolyzable tannin-rich pomegranate fruit extract modulates MAPK and NF-kappaB path- ways and inhibits skin tumorigenesis in CD-1 mice. Int J Cancer. 2004 Sep 28.
13. Hora JJ, Maydew ER, Lansky EP, Dwivedi C. Chemopreventive effects of pomegranate seed oil on skin tumor development in CD1 mice. J Med Food. 2003 Fall;6(3):157- 61.
http://www.lef.org
pomegrante news
In the ongoing quest to find new supplements to help us lead longer, healthier lives, science often returns to things that have been used regularly for thousands of years. A case in point is the pomegranate, whose yellowish-pink, seedy fruit has been a staple of Asian diets since ancient times.
Appropriately, in ancient Greek myth, the pomegranate represents life and regeneration.1 Its herbal use dates back more than 3,000 years, but contemporary science has rediscovered the pomegranate’s effectiveness in preventing a variety of potentially deadly diseases.2
Dozens of recent studies reveal the pomegranate’s surprising array of benefits. Pomegranates contain powerful antioxidants that appear to inhibit the onset of atherosclerosis, reduce the risk of heart disease, and mediate high blood pressure. Pomegranate extract also has demonstrated anticarcinogenic properties that are effective in suppressing a variety of cancers, including skin, breast, and colon cancers. The pomegranate has even shown effectiveness in alleviating depression in a mouse model of menopause.
The pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a hardy, long-lived subtropical shrub originating in semi-arid regions of Asia.3 It has been cultivated and naturalized over the whole of the Mediter-ranean region since ancient times. Pomegranates are mentioned in Egyptian papyrus scrolls dating back to 1550 BC, and pomegranate branches form part of the decorative motif on the pillars of King Solomon’s temple.
Spanish settlers introduced pomegranates to California in 1769.4 In the US today, they are typically cultivated in the drier parts of California and Arizona.
Reining in Free Radicals
Free radicals—the oxygen-reactive byproducts of normal cellular metabolism that attack healthy cells—have been implicated in the acceleration of the body’s natural aging processes. Free radicals can also be formed by external environmental factors such as cigarette smoke and other forms of air pollution.5 Damage by unchecked free-radical compounds can manifest as serious illnesses; for example, cancer is now known to be associated with free-radical damage to healthy cellular DNA.
More than a decade ago, pomegranate peel extracts were shown to possess significant antioxidant activity in various in-vitro models.6 An extract of pomegranate peel was fed to rats, which were then exposed to carbon tetrachloride, a toxic chemical. The pretreatment with pomegranate extract protected levels of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase in the rats. The pomegranate extract also helped to protect the rats’ livers from the toxic effects of carbon tetrachloride.6
Another more recent study focused on the antioxidant effectiveness of plant pigments called bioflavonoids, commonly found in berries, cherries, grapes, and citrus. Pomegranate juice was found to exhibit three times more antioxidant activity than red wine or green tea.7 The active constituent that appears to be responsible is ellagic acid, a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound in pomegranates.
Unclogging Arteries
Numerous studies of atherosclerosis suggest that the disease is at least partly caused by free-radical reactions involving diet-derived lipids that induce harmful changes in the arterial walls.8
A recent study by the Lipid Research Laboratory in Haifa, Israel, explored dietary supplementation with polyphenolic antioxidants in animals. The researchers noted that pomegranate juice was associated with the inhibition of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and with slowing the development of atherosclerosis.9
The Israeli researchers further ascertained the effects of pomegranate juice consumption by atherosclerotic patients with carotid artery stenosis (a narrowing of the carotid artery walls). Ten patients supplemented with the juice for one year. In the pomegranate-supplemented group, carotid intima-media thickness, an indicator of atherosclerosis progression, was reduced by up to 30%. By contrast, in a control group that did not consume pomegranate juice, carotid intima-media thickness increased by 9% over 12 months. Moreover, in the pomegranate-supplemented patients, serum LDL levels were also significantly reduced while serum total antioxidant status increased by 130% after one year.9
Reducing Hypertension
Hypertension (high blood pressure) affects an estimated 50 million Americans and augments the risk for stroke, heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and kidney disease. Pomegranates may be of benefit in modulating this often silent yet potentially lethal risk factor for heart disease.
In the Israeli study, systolic blood pressure was reduced by 21% after one year of pomegranate juice consumption.9 This effect is believed to be related to the particularly potent antioxidant properties of pomegranate polyphenols.
A similar study at the same research facility examined consumption of pomegranate juice to ascertain its effectiveness in lowering blood pressure. Researchers studied the effect on hypertensive patients of daily consumption of 50 ml of pomegranate juice. After two weeks, a 5% reduction in systolic blood pressure was noted, along with a 36% decrease in serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity.10 Reduc-tion in serum ACE activity has previously been shown to attenuate atherosclerosis, independent of its effects on blood pressure. The study authors concluded, “Pomegranate juice can offer wide protection against cardiovascular diseases, which could be related to its inhibitory effect on oxidative stress and on serum ACE activity.”
Improving Lipid Profiles
A recent Iranian study examined the effects of concentrated pomegranate juice on lipid profiles of type II diabetes patients with elevated blood lipids, or hyperlipidemia. The patients supplemented with pomegranate juice for eight weeks. The study participants saw significant reductions in their total cholesterol, LDL, LDL:HDL (high-density lipoprotein) ratio, and total cholesterol:HDL ratio. Serum HDL and triglycerides did not change significantly. The study authors concluded that consumption of concentrated pomegranate extract may modify heart-disease risk factors in patients with high cholesterol.11 Further research is needed to determine whether pomegranate helps lower blood lipid levels in non-diabetic individuals.
Anti-Tumor-Promoting Effects
In recent years, chemoprevention has received as much attention as chemotherapy in the fight against cancer. The search for new ways to stop cancer before its onset has led investigators to examine a wide variety of natural agents. A recent study at the University of Wisconsin argues that agents capable of intervening at more than one critical pathway in the process of carcinogenesis “will have greater advantage over other single-target agents.”12
The Wisconsin researchers found that pomegranate fruit extract possesses strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The extract was evaluated for anti-tumor-promoting effects, specifically involving topical application against skin tumors. The researchers concluded that animals pretreated with pomegranate fruit extract showed 70% less tumor incidence compared to animals that did not receive it. The study authors believe that their results provide “clear evidence that [pomegranate fruit extract] possesses anti-skin-tumor-promoting effects,” and may possess chemopreventive activity “in a wide range of tumor models.”12
These findings support the promising results of a pair of 2003 studies in South Dakota and Japan that explored pomegranate seed oil as a safe and effective agent against skin cancer and colon cancer tumors, respectively.13,14 In a 2002 study, pomegranate seed oil inhibited the proliferation of human breast cancer cells up to 90%, while fermented pomegranate juice polyphenols inhibited 47% of cancerous lesion formation in mammary gland cells from mice.15 Ellagic acid, a polyphenol derived from pomegranate, has been identified to have potent antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-atherosclerotic properties.16
No Known Toxicity
A variety of recent studies have demonstrated that pomegranate, in various forms, can be included as part of a healthy lifestyle with no risk of toxic reactions. A Cuban study, for example, found that two doses of pomegranate extract (0.4 and 1.2 mg per kilogram of body weight, respectively) given to rats produced no toxic effects in terms of food intake, weight gain, or behavioral or biochemical factors.17
Another study took these results further, examining still higher doses of pomegranate extract administered orally to rats for 37 days.18 No significant differences in toxicity were found in the treated rats in any of the blood parameters analyzed, a finding corroborated by analyses of both the liver and kidney.
Until recently, adding the benefits of pomegranate to the diet has presented something of a challenge. The fruit itself is messy and rather difficult to prepare due to its large number of seeds. Prepackaged pomegranate juice, either pure or in concentrate, remains relatively scarce in Western supermarkets and health food stores. Encapsulated or powdered forms of pomegranate extract are becoming much more widely available, making it easier to control the daily dosage. Most packaging lists the ellagic acid content by percentage. The good news for members of the Life Extension Foundation is that a standardized pomegranate extract containing 32% ellagic acid has just been added to the popular Life Extension Mix formula.
Conclusion
The pomegranate, an ancient fruit whose regenerative properties have been celebrated for thousands of years, has come under growing scrutiny by medical researchers seeking natural agents for the prevention and treatment of degenerative diseases.
In numerous recent experiments, pomegranates have been shown to contain powerful antioxidant compounds that scientists believe may inhibit atherosclerosis, cut the risk of heart disease, and help to modulate high blood pressure. Pomegranate extract also has demonstrated anticarcinogenic properties that appear to suppress skin, breast, colon, and other cancers.
These varied and very promising disease-promoting effects are likely to make the pomegranate the focus of modern medical research for some time to come.
References
1. New Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology. London: Hamly; 1983.
2. Brown D. Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses. London: Dorling Kindersley; 1995.
3. Morton J. Fruits of warm climates. Creative Resource Systems, Inc.; 1987:352-5.
4. Butterfield HM. A history of subtropical fruits and nuts in California. University of California, Agricultural Experiment Station. 1963.
5. Langseth L. Oxidants, antioxidants and disease prevention. International Life Science Institute, Belgium; 1996.
6. Chidambara Murthy KN, Jayaprakasha GK, Singh RP. Studies on antioxidant activity of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel extract using in vivo models. J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Aug 14;50(17):4791-5.
7. Gil MI, Tomas-Barberan FA, Hess-Pierce B, Holcroft DM, Kader AA. Antioxidant activitiy of pomegranate juice and its relationship with phenolic composition and processing. J Agric Food Chem. 2000 Oct;48(10):4581-9.
8. Harman D. Role of free radicals in aging and disease. Ann NY Acad Sci. 1992 Dec 26; 673:126-41.
9. Aviram M, Rosenblat M, Gaitini D, et al. Pomegranate juice consumption for 3 years by patients with carotid artery stenosis reduces common carotid intima-media thickness, blood pressure and LDL oxidation. Clin Nutr. 2004 Jun;23(3):423-33.
10. Aviram M, Dornfeld L. Pomegranate juice consumption inhibits serum angiotensin converting enzyme activity and reduces systolic blood pressure. Atherosclerosis. 2001 Sep;158(1):195-8.
11. Esmaillzadeh A, Tahbaz F, Gaieni I, Alavi- Majd H, Azadbakht L. Concentrated pomegranate juice improves lipid profiles in diabetic patients with hyperlipi- demia. J Med Food. 2004 Fall;7(3):305-8.
12. Afaq F, Saleem M, Krueger CG, Reed JD, Mukhtar H. Anthocyanin-and hydrolyzable tannin-rich pomegranate fruit extract modulates MAPK and NF-kappaB path- ways and inhibits skin tumorigenesis in CD-1 mice. Int J Cancer. 2004 Sep 28.
13. Hora JJ, Maydew ER, Lansky EP, Dwivedi C. Chemopreventive effects of pomegranate seed oil on skin tumor development in CD1 mice. J Med Food. 2003 Fall;6(3):157- 61.
http://www.lef.org
pomegrante news
jagger - am Samstag, 2. April 2005, 09:42 - Rubrik: News Pomegranate
By Serena Gordon
HealthDay Reporter
TUESDAY, March 22 (HealthDay News) -- A large glass of pomegranate juice a day may help keep the heart doctor away.
Italian and American scientists report that pomegranate juice helped keep fatty deposits from collecting on artery walls in mice, and kept human heart cells healthier.
"Mice that drank pomegranate juice were able to significantly reduce the progression of atherosclerosis, [by] at least 30 percent," said study co-author Dr. Claudio Napoli, a professor of medicine and clinical pathology at the University of Naples School of Medicine in Italy.
The findings appear in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Pomegranates, a native Middle Eastern fruit, are finding their way into more and more homes in the United States. The fruit contains crunchy seeds surrounded by juicy pulp and is a good source of potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
"Pomegranates are fun to eat, but messy," noted Samantha Heller, a senior clinical nutritionist at New York University Medical Center. For that reason, she said, "juice may be a better option."
Napoli and his colleagues tested the effects of pomegranate juice in mice that were bred to have high cholesterol and on human heart cells in culture.
Previous studies, according to Napoli, have suggested the antioxidants found in pomegranate juice might reduce plaque buildup on artery walls and reduce oxidative stress on endothelial cells, the cells that line blood vessels. These cells produce nitric oxide, a substance that helps the blood vessels relax.
The researchers found that heart cells treated with pomegranate juice had a 50 percent increase in nitric oxide production, and that mice given pomegranate juice reduced the rate of plaque buildup by about 30 percent.
"The protective effects of pomegranate juice were higher than previously assumed," Napoli noted.
The researchers don't know the exact reason why pomegranate juice appears to protect artery walls from fatty deposits, but they suspect that the increased nitric oxide production may play a role, and that polyphenols -- powerful antioxidants contained in pomegranates and other foods -- may directly protect the arteries by reducing oxidative stress.
Other fruits and juices that contain polyphenols include blueberries, cranberries, oranges and grapes. Red wine also contains polyphenols, Napoli said.
Heller pointed out that while pomegranates are very healthy and high in antioxidants, they can be expensive and aren't always easy to find. Plus, she said, "all fruits and vegetables are just packed with healthy phytochemicals." Examples she cited as being high in antioxidants include berries, beans, apples, pecans and artichokes, just to name a few.
Heller also noted that the study was done primarily on mice and that data from mice don't always extrapolate to humans. But, she added, "the phytochemicals in pomegranates, which are also present in other fruits and vegetables, are really very good for us, and do help prevent certain chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer."
Napoli said that while it is hard to extrapolate data from mice to humans, an equivalent amount of pomegranate juice for humans would be the equivalent of about 16 ounces daily.
http://www.forbes.com
HealthDay Reporter
TUESDAY, March 22 (HealthDay News) -- A large glass of pomegranate juice a day may help keep the heart doctor away.
Italian and American scientists report that pomegranate juice helped keep fatty deposits from collecting on artery walls in mice, and kept human heart cells healthier.
"Mice that drank pomegranate juice were able to significantly reduce the progression of atherosclerosis, [by] at least 30 percent," said study co-author Dr. Claudio Napoli, a professor of medicine and clinical pathology at the University of Naples School of Medicine in Italy.
The findings appear in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Pomegranates, a native Middle Eastern fruit, are finding their way into more and more homes in the United States. The fruit contains crunchy seeds surrounded by juicy pulp and is a good source of potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
"Pomegranates are fun to eat, but messy," noted Samantha Heller, a senior clinical nutritionist at New York University Medical Center. For that reason, she said, "juice may be a better option."
Napoli and his colleagues tested the effects of pomegranate juice in mice that were bred to have high cholesterol and on human heart cells in culture.
Previous studies, according to Napoli, have suggested the antioxidants found in pomegranate juice might reduce plaque buildup on artery walls and reduce oxidative stress on endothelial cells, the cells that line blood vessels. These cells produce nitric oxide, a substance that helps the blood vessels relax.
The researchers found that heart cells treated with pomegranate juice had a 50 percent increase in nitric oxide production, and that mice given pomegranate juice reduced the rate of plaque buildup by about 30 percent.
"The protective effects of pomegranate juice were higher than previously assumed," Napoli noted.
The researchers don't know the exact reason why pomegranate juice appears to protect artery walls from fatty deposits, but they suspect that the increased nitric oxide production may play a role, and that polyphenols -- powerful antioxidants contained in pomegranates and other foods -- may directly protect the arteries by reducing oxidative stress.
Other fruits and juices that contain polyphenols include blueberries, cranberries, oranges and grapes. Red wine also contains polyphenols, Napoli said.
Heller pointed out that while pomegranates are very healthy and high in antioxidants, they can be expensive and aren't always easy to find. Plus, she said, "all fruits and vegetables are just packed with healthy phytochemicals." Examples she cited as being high in antioxidants include berries, beans, apples, pecans and artichokes, just to name a few.
Heller also noted that the study was done primarily on mice and that data from mice don't always extrapolate to humans. But, she added, "the phytochemicals in pomegranates, which are also present in other fruits and vegetables, are really very good for us, and do help prevent certain chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer."
Napoli said that while it is hard to extrapolate data from mice to humans, an equivalent amount of pomegranate juice for humans would be the equivalent of about 16 ounces daily.
http://www.forbes.com
jagger - am Mittwoch, 23. März 2005, 09:08 - Rubrik: News Pomegranate
Stefan Lovgren
for National Geographic News
In the mythology of ancient Babylonia, pomegranate was considered an agent of resurrection. Now there is scientific evidence for the fruit's restorative powers.
According to a new study, antioxidants contained in pomegranate juice may help reduce the formation of fatty deposits on artery walls. Antioxidants are compounds that limit cell damage.
Scientists have tested the juice in mice and found that it combats hardening of the arteries (atherogenesis) and related diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.
"In this experimental study, we have established that polyphenols [antioxidant chemicals] and other natural compounds contained in the pomegranate juice may retard atherogenesis," said Claudio Napoli, a professor of medicine and clinical pathology at the University of Naples, Italy.
The research is published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Legendary Powers
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is native to a region ranging from Iran to the Himalaya. It later spread to the Mediterranean area and now grows in most of the United States.
The apple-size fruit, which grows on rounded plants 15 to 20 feet (4.6 to 6 meters) tall, contains a sack of seeds and a juicy pulp.
In ancient Greece pomegranate was known as the fruit of the dead. In Hebrew tradition pomegranates adorned the vestments of the high priest. Ancient Persians believed that pomegranate seeds made their warriors invincible. In China the fruit symbolized longevity.
Scientists have long known about health benefits of pomegranates. The latest study, in particular, shows that the juice limits the genetic tendency toward hardening of the arteries.
"The protective effects of pomegranate juice were higher than previously assumed," Napoli said.
The study was done at the University of Naples, Italy, and the University of California, Los Angeles.
The researchers used mice to test the health effects of pomegranate juice. The fruit juice is rich in natural polyphenols, including tannins and anthocyanins, which have protective effects on the arterial wall.
"Although it is difficult to extrapolate human indications from experimental data, it is conceivable that 500 milliliters [1 pint] of pomegranate juice may exert some beneficial effects in patients with early stages of atherosclerotic diseases," Napoli said.
Other Juices
The antioxidant level in pomegranate juice was found to be higher than that in other natural juices, such as blueberry, cranberry, and orange juices, as well as red wine.
Scientists have found that polyphenols from red wine can reduce LDL ("bad" cholesterol). Black tea consumption also reverses endothelial dysfunction (damage to the cell structure of the arteries) in patients with chronic heart disease.
Similarly, the polyphenols contained in purple grape juice have also been found to have beneficial effects on patients with coronary heart disease.
Napoli points out that not every antioxidant study has confirmed that the chemicals can help prevent heart attacks. "Certain large clinical trials employing different antioxidants have failed to show any beneficial effects in the prevention of major cardiovascular events," He said.
He said the models employed in experimental studies may not precisely reflect the disease in humans.
"We need to study the effects of these substances in patients with early stages of atherosclerotic diseases," Napoli said. "Aged patients with advanced stages of atherosclerosis are not the best candidates to this therapeutic approach."
http://news.nationalgeographic.com
for National Geographic News
In the mythology of ancient Babylonia, pomegranate was considered an agent of resurrection. Now there is scientific evidence for the fruit's restorative powers.
According to a new study, antioxidants contained in pomegranate juice may help reduce the formation of fatty deposits on artery walls. Antioxidants are compounds that limit cell damage.
Scientists have tested the juice in mice and found that it combats hardening of the arteries (atherogenesis) and related diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes.
"In this experimental study, we have established that polyphenols [antioxidant chemicals] and other natural compounds contained in the pomegranate juice may retard atherogenesis," said Claudio Napoli, a professor of medicine and clinical pathology at the University of Naples, Italy.
The research is published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Legendary Powers
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is native to a region ranging from Iran to the Himalaya. It later spread to the Mediterranean area and now grows in most of the United States.
The apple-size fruit, which grows on rounded plants 15 to 20 feet (4.6 to 6 meters) tall, contains a sack of seeds and a juicy pulp.
In ancient Greece pomegranate was known as the fruit of the dead. In Hebrew tradition pomegranates adorned the vestments of the high priest. Ancient Persians believed that pomegranate seeds made their warriors invincible. In China the fruit symbolized longevity.
Scientists have long known about health benefits of pomegranates. The latest study, in particular, shows that the juice limits the genetic tendency toward hardening of the arteries.
"The protective effects of pomegranate juice were higher than previously assumed," Napoli said.
The study was done at the University of Naples, Italy, and the University of California, Los Angeles.
The researchers used mice to test the health effects of pomegranate juice. The fruit juice is rich in natural polyphenols, including tannins and anthocyanins, which have protective effects on the arterial wall.
"Although it is difficult to extrapolate human indications from experimental data, it is conceivable that 500 milliliters [1 pint] of pomegranate juice may exert some beneficial effects in patients with early stages of atherosclerotic diseases," Napoli said.
Other Juices
The antioxidant level in pomegranate juice was found to be higher than that in other natural juices, such as blueberry, cranberry, and orange juices, as well as red wine.
Scientists have found that polyphenols from red wine can reduce LDL ("bad" cholesterol). Black tea consumption also reverses endothelial dysfunction (damage to the cell structure of the arteries) in patients with chronic heart disease.
Similarly, the polyphenols contained in purple grape juice have also been found to have beneficial effects on patients with coronary heart disease.
Napoli points out that not every antioxidant study has confirmed that the chemicals can help prevent heart attacks. "Certain large clinical trials employing different antioxidants have failed to show any beneficial effects in the prevention of major cardiovascular events," He said.
He said the models employed in experimental studies may not precisely reflect the disease in humans.
"We need to study the effects of these substances in patients with early stages of atherosclerotic diseases," Napoli said. "Aged patients with advanced stages of atherosclerosis are not the best candidates to this therapeutic approach."
http://news.nationalgeographic.com
jagger - am Mittwoch, 23. März 2005, 09:05 - Rubrik: News Pomegranate
Pomegranate Juice May Clear Clogged Arteries
March 21, 2005 -- Forget the coffee or orange juice: A new study shows that pomegranate juice should be the beverage of choice to fight hardening of the arteries.
Researchers found that pomegranate juice not only appears to prevent hardening of the arteries by reducing blood vessel damage, but the antioxidant-rich juice may also reverse the progression of this disease.
Hardening of the arteries, known medically as atherosclerosis, refers to the build up of plaque in the walls of arteries. This causes decreased blood flow that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Pomegranate Juice Soothes Stressed Arteries
In the study, researchers tested the effects of pomegranate juice on samples of human cells that line blood vessels. The cells were exposed to excessive physical stress, such as might occur with high blood pressure.
Cells that were treated with pomegranate juice had less evidence of damage from the stress.
In addition, tests on mice showed that pomegranate juice significantly slowed hardening of the arteries that developed from high cholesterol.
If further studies show those results in humans, researchers say pomegranate juice may be useful in both prevention and treatment of heart disease.
Pomegranate Tops Other Juices
The tests showed that pomegranate juice reduced the effects of stress on human blood vessel cells by stimulating the production of nitric oxide. This chemical is thought to help keep arteries open and keep blood flowing.
Researchers say the beneficial effects of pomegranate juice on hardening of the arteries are likely largely due to its high antioxidant content. The study showed that the antioxidant level in pomegranate juice was higher than that found in other fruit juices, including blueberry, cranberry, orange, and even red wine.
Previous studies on red wine, black tea, and purple grape juice have already indicated these antioxidant-rich beverages can protect arteries from damage by improving blood flow. However, large clinical trials using different antioxidants have yet to show that antioxidants can prevent heart attacks and other major heart-related events.
The results of this study appear in the current issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
By Jennifer Warner
WebMD Medical News
http://my.webmd.com
March 21, 2005 -- Forget the coffee or orange juice: A new study shows that pomegranate juice should be the beverage of choice to fight hardening of the arteries.
Researchers found that pomegranate juice not only appears to prevent hardening of the arteries by reducing blood vessel damage, but the antioxidant-rich juice may also reverse the progression of this disease.
Hardening of the arteries, known medically as atherosclerosis, refers to the build up of plaque in the walls of arteries. This causes decreased blood flow that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Pomegranate Juice Soothes Stressed Arteries
In the study, researchers tested the effects of pomegranate juice on samples of human cells that line blood vessels. The cells were exposed to excessive physical stress, such as might occur with high blood pressure.
Cells that were treated with pomegranate juice had less evidence of damage from the stress.
In addition, tests on mice showed that pomegranate juice significantly slowed hardening of the arteries that developed from high cholesterol.
If further studies show those results in humans, researchers say pomegranate juice may be useful in both prevention and treatment of heart disease.
Pomegranate Tops Other Juices
The tests showed that pomegranate juice reduced the effects of stress on human blood vessel cells by stimulating the production of nitric oxide. This chemical is thought to help keep arteries open and keep blood flowing.
Researchers say the beneficial effects of pomegranate juice on hardening of the arteries are likely largely due to its high antioxidant content. The study showed that the antioxidant level in pomegranate juice was higher than that found in other fruit juices, including blueberry, cranberry, orange, and even red wine.
Previous studies on red wine, black tea, and purple grape juice have already indicated these antioxidant-rich beverages can protect arteries from damage by improving blood flow. However, large clinical trials using different antioxidants have yet to show that antioxidants can prevent heart attacks and other major heart-related events.
The results of this study appear in the current issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
By Jennifer Warner
WebMD Medical News
http://my.webmd.com
jagger - am Dienstag, 22. März 2005, 08:45 - Rubrik: News Pomegranate
noch kein Kommentar - Kommentar verfassen
http://daily.stanford.edu
By Jillian Wong
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Ever heard a beverage referred to as intriguing? A super power? The newly popular POM Wonderful brand of pomegranate juice would have you believe its product is all this and more.
According to the company’s web site, the juice contains “more antioxidant power than any other drink.” But what does this mean? And more importantly, is it true of the increasingly pricey pomegranate juice, or is it nothing more than a passing craze?
Squeezed from the reddish-purple pomegranate fruit, the juice has been advertised as a tasty defender against disease, not to mention free radicals — unstable oxygen molecules that can damage cells and lead to a litany of major health problems: Alzheimer’s, heart disease, rapid aging, high cholesterol and some cancers.
The human body is exposed to free radicals, also known as oxidants, every day. Cigarette smoke, for example, releases concentrated amounts of free radicals that are then inhaled. On top of external sources, every cell in the body generates tens of thousands of oxidants every day.
A study conducted at UC-Davis found that pomegranate juice contains nearly three times as many antioxidants as other top free-radical blockers, including blueberry juice and red wine.
Pomegranates also contain tannins, anthocyanins and polyphenols, which fight disease, according to a study conducted at the Lipid Research Laboratory in Haifa, Israel.
Freshman Sommer Panage not only enjoys the health benefits of pomegranate juice, but also its taste.
“I drank pomegranate juice knowing that it contains vitamin C and potassium, and that it helps to prevent cancer,” she said. “I personally really loved the sweet taste of the juice, but I know that it’s one of those things where you might like it, but the person next to you doesn’t.”
But POM doesn’t have everyone running to the supermarket. Many remain skeptical of the juice’s trendy image.
For one thing, the pomegranate’s popularity has turned it into quite the delicacy. It’s no mystery why the ubiquitous advertisements never mention the price. According to the POM Wonderful website, the average price for a medium-sized bottle of the juice is $5, pretty steep compared to $1 bottles of Dasani water available in campus vending machines.
Students looking to integrate pomegranate juice into their diets without making a dent in their spending money might consider mixing the drink with tonic water for a tangy cocktail or orange juice for a breakfast boost.
But even though some advertisements brag that the beverage will fulfill one’s wildest antioxidant dreams, experts say it is far from being a nutritional silver bullet.
Vaden nutritionist Vivian Crisman, for one, doesn’t buy into the all too recent hype surrounding pomegranate juice.
“Yes, it is very high in antioxidants, and thus being touted as having significant health benefits,” she said. “But is it a miracle drink? No, I don’t view any one food as a miracle food. It can be part of a well-rounded diet, high in fruits and vegetables.”
Yet even if one wants to sport a cute bottle of POM around campus, he or she will have to find a ride to Safeway, since the drink is not distributed on campus.
This does not mean, however, that there aren’t many ways to meet one’s antioxidant quota during the day. Easily accessible sources — including gingko biloba, green tea, orange juice and vegetables with distinct colors like tomatoes, broccoli and corn — are all available in dorm dining halls, and might go a little easier on your wallet.
By Jillian Wong
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Ever heard a beverage referred to as intriguing? A super power? The newly popular POM Wonderful brand of pomegranate juice would have you believe its product is all this and more.
According to the company’s web site, the juice contains “more antioxidant power than any other drink.” But what does this mean? And more importantly, is it true of the increasingly pricey pomegranate juice, or is it nothing more than a passing craze?
Squeezed from the reddish-purple pomegranate fruit, the juice has been advertised as a tasty defender against disease, not to mention free radicals — unstable oxygen molecules that can damage cells and lead to a litany of major health problems: Alzheimer’s, heart disease, rapid aging, high cholesterol and some cancers.
The human body is exposed to free radicals, also known as oxidants, every day. Cigarette smoke, for example, releases concentrated amounts of free radicals that are then inhaled. On top of external sources, every cell in the body generates tens of thousands of oxidants every day.
A study conducted at UC-Davis found that pomegranate juice contains nearly three times as many antioxidants as other top free-radical blockers, including blueberry juice and red wine.
Pomegranates also contain tannins, anthocyanins and polyphenols, which fight disease, according to a study conducted at the Lipid Research Laboratory in Haifa, Israel.
Freshman Sommer Panage not only enjoys the health benefits of pomegranate juice, but also its taste.
“I drank pomegranate juice knowing that it contains vitamin C and potassium, and that it helps to prevent cancer,” she said. “I personally really loved the sweet taste of the juice, but I know that it’s one of those things where you might like it, but the person next to you doesn’t.”
But POM doesn’t have everyone running to the supermarket. Many remain skeptical of the juice’s trendy image.
For one thing, the pomegranate’s popularity has turned it into quite the delicacy. It’s no mystery why the ubiquitous advertisements never mention the price. According to the POM Wonderful website, the average price for a medium-sized bottle of the juice is $5, pretty steep compared to $1 bottles of Dasani water available in campus vending machines.
Students looking to integrate pomegranate juice into their diets without making a dent in their spending money might consider mixing the drink with tonic water for a tangy cocktail or orange juice for a breakfast boost.
But even though some advertisements brag that the beverage will fulfill one’s wildest antioxidant dreams, experts say it is far from being a nutritional silver bullet.
Vaden nutritionist Vivian Crisman, for one, doesn’t buy into the all too recent hype surrounding pomegranate juice.
“Yes, it is very high in antioxidants, and thus being touted as having significant health benefits,” she said. “But is it a miracle drink? No, I don’t view any one food as a miracle food. It can be part of a well-rounded diet, high in fruits and vegetables.”
Yet even if one wants to sport a cute bottle of POM around campus, he or she will have to find a ride to Safeway, since the drink is not distributed on campus.
This does not mean, however, that there aren’t many ways to meet one’s antioxidant quota during the day. Easily accessible sources — including gingko biloba, green tea, orange juice and vegetables with distinct colors like tomatoes, broccoli and corn — are all available in dorm dining halls, and might go a little easier on your wallet.
jagger - am Freitag, 21. Januar 2005, 11:16 - Rubrik: News Pomegranate
noch kein Kommentar - Kommentar verfassen
http://www.reuters.com
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Pomegranate fruit extract (PFE) can block skin tumor formation in mice exposed to a cancer-causing agent, according to a report in the International Journal of Cancer.
Dr. Hasan Mukhtar and colleagues from the University of Wisconsin at Madison conducted a variety of experiments to test the anti-cancer effects of PFE, a chemical with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
In mice, putting PFE on the skin before exposure to the cancer-causing substance TPA inhibited the skin swelling and excessive cell growth that typically occurs. Moreover, mice treated with PFE developed fewer skin tumors than untreated mice.
Further studies are needed to determine if PFE affects other cancers and whether the findings apply to humans.
SOURCE: International Journal of Cancer, January 20, 2005.
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Pomegranate fruit extract (PFE) can block skin tumor formation in mice exposed to a cancer-causing agent, according to a report in the International Journal of Cancer.
Dr. Hasan Mukhtar and colleagues from the University of Wisconsin at Madison conducted a variety of experiments to test the anti-cancer effects of PFE, a chemical with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
In mice, putting PFE on the skin before exposure to the cancer-causing substance TPA inhibited the skin swelling and excessive cell growth that typically occurs. Moreover, mice treated with PFE developed fewer skin tumors than untreated mice.
Further studies are needed to determine if PFE affects other cancers and whether the findings apply to humans.
SOURCE: International Journal of Cancer, January 20, 2005.
jagger - am Freitag, 21. Januar 2005, 11:14 - Rubrik: News Pomegranate
noch kein Kommentar - Kommentar verfassen
http://www.thestar.com
Drinks are flying off Toronto shelves
HICHAM SAFIEDDINE
STAFF REPORTER
If pomegranate fruit was last winter's most talked-about produce, its juice is turning out to be an even hotter item this season.
Pom Wonderful pomegranate juice is so popular at Toronto's Whole Foods Market (Avenue Rd., north of Bloor St.), manager Peter Hilge can't keep up with demand.
"Since we brought this drink from the U.S. six weeks ago, I am always running out of stock. We have now doubled our orders three times ... and it is not a cheap drink, but that does not seem to be an issue," Hilge says as he inspects the 473-ml bottles, which go for $5.99 each.
Chowhounds are seeking the scarlet-coloured refresher elsewhere in the city.
A Sobeys representative told the Star that customers are asking for it by name if it is not on the shelf, and a Dominion spokesperson said it is gaining popularity at their locations.
Billboards hailing the drink as a health marvel have also recently sprung up in the city.
The ad slogans — "Floss your Arteries. Daily" and "Healthcare in a bottle" — tap into the potential health benefits derived from the pomegranate's high level of antioxidants, which some studies suggest may reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
In fact, the healing power of the ancient fruit is an age-old popular cultural belief in the Middle East.
Since pomegranate has a short season (October to January), the juice offers a year-long alternative for lovers of the sweet fruit, which is packed with edible seeds. Plus, it's a whole lot less messy.
"We crush the fresh pomegranate in October and condense it and then reconstitute the drink throughout the year," Pom Wonderful's Fiona Posell explains.
"A lot of the goodness of the taste comes from the husk and the inner membrane of the fruit."
The all-pomegranate juice is one of five refrigerated juices launched by the California-based marketing group Pom Wonderful in November of 2002 and introduced to major Canadian stores last fall. (The other flavours mix pomegranate with tangerine, cherry, blueberry and mango.)
The fruit and its juice can make for colour-rich salads, entrees, desserts and martinis.
Pomegranate syrup, paste and juice are also common ingredients in Iranian cuisine.
Some Middle Eastern stores in Toronto that carry pomegranate juice include Pars Food, 6089 Yonge St.; Nasr Foods, 1996 Lawrence Ave. E.; and Ladan Pastry and Nuts, 2016 Lawrence Ave. E.
Drinks are flying off Toronto shelves
HICHAM SAFIEDDINE
STAFF REPORTER
If pomegranate fruit was last winter's most talked-about produce, its juice is turning out to be an even hotter item this season.
Pom Wonderful pomegranate juice is so popular at Toronto's Whole Foods Market (Avenue Rd., north of Bloor St.), manager Peter Hilge can't keep up with demand.
"Since we brought this drink from the U.S. six weeks ago, I am always running out of stock. We have now doubled our orders three times ... and it is not a cheap drink, but that does not seem to be an issue," Hilge says as he inspects the 473-ml bottles, which go for $5.99 each.
Chowhounds are seeking the scarlet-coloured refresher elsewhere in the city.
A Sobeys representative told the Star that customers are asking for it by name if it is not on the shelf, and a Dominion spokesperson said it is gaining popularity at their locations.
Billboards hailing the drink as a health marvel have also recently sprung up in the city.
The ad slogans — "Floss your Arteries. Daily" and "Healthcare in a bottle" — tap into the potential health benefits derived from the pomegranate's high level of antioxidants, which some studies suggest may reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
In fact, the healing power of the ancient fruit is an age-old popular cultural belief in the Middle East.
Since pomegranate has a short season (October to January), the juice offers a year-long alternative for lovers of the sweet fruit, which is packed with edible seeds. Plus, it's a whole lot less messy.
"We crush the fresh pomegranate in October and condense it and then reconstitute the drink throughout the year," Pom Wonderful's Fiona Posell explains.
"A lot of the goodness of the taste comes from the husk and the inner membrane of the fruit."
The all-pomegranate juice is one of five refrigerated juices launched by the California-based marketing group Pom Wonderful in November of 2002 and introduced to major Canadian stores last fall. (The other flavours mix pomegranate with tangerine, cherry, blueberry and mango.)
The fruit and its juice can make for colour-rich salads, entrees, desserts and martinis.
Pomegranate syrup, paste and juice are also common ingredients in Iranian cuisine.
Some Middle Eastern stores in Toronto that carry pomegranate juice include Pars Food, 6089 Yonge St.; Nasr Foods, 1996 Lawrence Ave. E.; and Ladan Pastry and Nuts, 2016 Lawrence Ave. E.
jagger - am Montag, 17. Januar 2005, 16:50 - Rubrik: News Pomegranate
noch kein Kommentar - Kommentar verfassen
By SHEAH RARBACK
tosrarback@hotmail.com
Q: I keep seeing pomegranate juice in the supermarket. Is it better than other juices?
The pomegranate might be a new fruit for some but it was prominent in ancient Egyptian mythology and carried on desert caravans as a thirst quencher. The deep bluish-purple color of pomegranate juice is the first clue that this is a powerful potion. Pomegranate juice is one of the richest sources of a group of strong antioxidants called polyphenols. Simply put, antioxidants slow or prevent the cell damage that occurs with oxidation.
There is published research demonstrating pomegranate juice's ability to reduce arterial plaque and lower blood pressure. These two factors can reduce the risk of heart disease. An 8-ounce serving of this powerful juice has 140 calories. It can be used in marinades or glazes, and the seeds from the fruit can be sprinkled over salads and desserts. Other good sources of polyphenol antioxidants are red wine, grapes, blueberries, cranberries and green tea.
Q: Do I have to take magnesium with my calcium supplement?
A: Calcium is not the only mineral involved in building strong bones. Magnesium helps make parathyroid hormone, a regulator of bone building. Studies have shown magnesium might slow bone breakdown. As with all minerals, magnesium has many body functions and is part of more than 300 body enzymes. It helps signal muscles to relax and contract. The best food sources for magnesium are dark green vegetables, peanut butter, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. If you are not eating enough of these foods, you can take a calcium supplement with magnesium. Look for a supplement that has 2 parts calcium to 1 part magnesium (600 mg. of calcium and 300 mg. of magnesium).
Sheah Rarback is a University of Miami registered dietitian.
http://www.miami.com
tosrarback@hotmail.com
Q: I keep seeing pomegranate juice in the supermarket. Is it better than other juices?
The pomegranate might be a new fruit for some but it was prominent in ancient Egyptian mythology and carried on desert caravans as a thirst quencher. The deep bluish-purple color of pomegranate juice is the first clue that this is a powerful potion. Pomegranate juice is one of the richest sources of a group of strong antioxidants called polyphenols. Simply put, antioxidants slow or prevent the cell damage that occurs with oxidation.
There is published research demonstrating pomegranate juice's ability to reduce arterial plaque and lower blood pressure. These two factors can reduce the risk of heart disease. An 8-ounce serving of this powerful juice has 140 calories. It can be used in marinades or glazes, and the seeds from the fruit can be sprinkled over salads and desserts. Other good sources of polyphenol antioxidants are red wine, grapes, blueberries, cranberries and green tea.
Q: Do I have to take magnesium with my calcium supplement?
A: Calcium is not the only mineral involved in building strong bones. Magnesium helps make parathyroid hormone, a regulator of bone building. Studies have shown magnesium might slow bone breakdown. As with all minerals, magnesium has many body functions and is part of more than 300 body enzymes. It helps signal muscles to relax and contract. The best food sources for magnesium are dark green vegetables, peanut butter, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. If you are not eating enough of these foods, you can take a calcium supplement with magnesium. Look for a supplement that has 2 parts calcium to 1 part magnesium (600 mg. of calcium and 300 mg. of magnesium).
Sheah Rarback is a University of Miami registered dietitian.
http://www.miami.com
jagger - am Mittwoch, 1. Dezember 2004, 16:14 - Rubrik: News Pomegranate
noch kein Kommentar - Kommentar verfassen
29/11/2004 - Researchers in Britain are to test whether drinking pomegranate juice can prevent blood vessel damage and help to protect against heart disease.
Israeli scientists have previously demonstrated that the fruit juice, taken daily, prevented the thickening of arteries in the neck (Clin Nutr. 2004 Jun;23(3):423-33).
The new trials at Hammersmith hospital in London will focus on people with healthy arteries to find out whether the juice could be an effective prevention measure against heart disease.
"Preliminary studies suggest that pomegranate juice may contain almost three times the total antioxidant ability compared to the same quantity of green tea or red wine," said cardiologist Dr Richard Bogle.
Pomegranates contain polyphenols, tannins and anthocyanins, all thought to help fight disease. Extracts of the fruit are also being researched for the cancer-fighting properties.
In other studies at the Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, the juice of the fruit was found to slow down cholesterol oxidation by almost half, and reduce the retention of LDL.
www.nutraingredients.com
Youth Builder increases hydration in the dermal layer of the skin that reduces fine lines and wrinkles by 34%, and increases skin elasticity by 18% with a unique blend of Glucosamine and Amino Acids, which are essential to healthy collagen and elastin formation. Wet Suit strengthens cell membranes and locks in cellular water by supplying phosphatidylcholine, the building block for lecithin, which makes up the cell membrane, and encourages the maintenance of water levels. Also contained in Wet Suit are Gamma Linoleic Acid, Essential Fatty Acids, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to reduce inflammation and free radicals that cause water loss. Pomphenol Sunguard, the first supplement ever created, with pure pomegranate extract that contains an antioxidant-rich, protective formula, serves as an environmental defense booster increasing the SPF of topical sunscreens by up to 25%. In addition, pomegranate extract is studied worldwide for its benefits as an anti-cancer agent.
www.mysan.de
Israeli scientists have previously demonstrated that the fruit juice, taken daily, prevented the thickening of arteries in the neck (Clin Nutr. 2004 Jun;23(3):423-33).
The new trials at Hammersmith hospital in London will focus on people with healthy arteries to find out whether the juice could be an effective prevention measure against heart disease.
"Preliminary studies suggest that pomegranate juice may contain almost three times the total antioxidant ability compared to the same quantity of green tea or red wine," said cardiologist Dr Richard Bogle.
Pomegranates contain polyphenols, tannins and anthocyanins, all thought to help fight disease. Extracts of the fruit are also being researched for the cancer-fighting properties.
In other studies at the Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, the juice of the fruit was found to slow down cholesterol oxidation by almost half, and reduce the retention of LDL.
www.nutraingredients.com
Youth Builder increases hydration in the dermal layer of the skin that reduces fine lines and wrinkles by 34%, and increases skin elasticity by 18% with a unique blend of Glucosamine and Amino Acids, which are essential to healthy collagen and elastin formation. Wet Suit strengthens cell membranes and locks in cellular water by supplying phosphatidylcholine, the building block for lecithin, which makes up the cell membrane, and encourages the maintenance of water levels. Also contained in Wet Suit are Gamma Linoleic Acid, Essential Fatty Acids, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories to reduce inflammation and free radicals that cause water loss. Pomphenol Sunguard, the first supplement ever created, with pure pomegranate extract that contains an antioxidant-rich, protective formula, serves as an environmental defense booster increasing the SPF of topical sunscreens by up to 25%. In addition, pomegranate extract is studied worldwide for its benefits as an anti-cancer agent.
www.mysan.de
jagger - am Dienstag, 30. November 2004, 16:01 - Rubrik: News Pomegranate
noch kein Kommentar - Kommentar verfassen
ATHENS, Greece - A scientific dig has uncovered four pomegranates believed to be 2,500 years old preserved inside a woven basket nestled in a bronze vessel, a Greek archaeologist said Friday.
The fruits were found at an archaeological dig in the area of Ancient Corinth, about 63 miles west of Athens.
"They were preserved because the vessel was closed very well. The oxidization of the bronze functioned protectively, so no microorganisms developed and destroyed them," Panayiota Kasimi, the archaeologist in charge of the dig, told The Associated Press.
Archaeologists have been digging in a search for antiquities ahead of the construction of an area railroad line. Such digs are common before major construction projects.
The pomegranates were placed in a special refrigerator for further study, Kasimi said.
Archaeologists would not allow the fruit to be photographed.
http://www.ap.org
The fruits were found at an archaeological dig in the area of Ancient Corinth, about 63 miles west of Athens.
"They were preserved because the vessel was closed very well. The oxidization of the bronze functioned protectively, so no microorganisms developed and destroyed them," Panayiota Kasimi, the archaeologist in charge of the dig, told The Associated Press.
Archaeologists have been digging in a search for antiquities ahead of the construction of an area railroad line. Such digs are common before major construction projects.
The pomegranates were placed in a special refrigerator for further study, Kasimi said.
Archaeologists would not allow the fruit to be photographed.
http://www.ap.org
jagger - am Samstag, 2. Oktober 2004, 12:26 - Rubrik: News Pomegranate
noch kein Kommentar - Kommentar verfassen
