Pomegranate Health Benefits: Pomegranate Protects Prostate and Heart

New research has confirmed that the pomegranate possesses strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, especially when it comes to prostate and heart health.

In a recent study, researchers showed that pomegranate extract inhibits cell growth of highly aggressive prostate cancer cells. Further, they showed that long-term consumption of pomegranate extract significantly inhibited tumor growth. (A. Malik and H. Mukhtar. Cell Cycle. 2006 Feb;5(4):371-3.)

In another study, pomegranate extract was shown to reduce the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Researchers concluded that long-term use of pomegranate extract may keep blood vessels supple. (F. de Nigris et al. Cardiovasc Res. 2007 Jan 15;73(2):414-23.)

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: While earlier research has focused on the antioxidant properties of pomegranate, both of these studies focus on the direct implications pomegranate can have on health. According to the results of these studies, pomegranate extract may be able to slow the development of prostate cancer, and also prevent the hardening of arteries.