2. Pomegranates may help to fight inflammation
Pomegranates have potent anti-inflammatory properties, and extract of pomegranate is used in alternative medicine for treating inflammatory conditions.
A study has shown that the ingestion of pomegranate extract can help reduce the production of chemicals that result in inflammation. The results suggest that pomegranate extract could provide relief for chronic inflammatory conditions.1✅ JOURNAL REFERENCE
DOI: 10.1186%2F1476-9255-5-9
For the study, rabbits were given pomegranate extract equal to 175 mls of pomegranate juice. Blood sample antioxidant levels were measured after the pomegranate extract was ingested and compared to samples taken before ingesting the pomegranate extract.
The samples taken after the pomegranate extract was ingested contained significantly higher antioxidant levels in comparison to samples taken before ingesting the pomegranate extract.
There was also a significant reduction in the activity of inflammation-causing proteins, particularly cyclooxygenase-2. There was also a reduction in the production of pro-inflammatory compounds that are produced by cartilage isolated cells.
Other research has shown that individuals with diabetes who consumed 250 ml of pomegranate juice daily experienced a reduction in the inflammatory markers interleukin-6 and CRP.2✅ JOURNAL REFERENCE
PMID: 24949028
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