September 20, 2007

The Power of Pomegranate


For centuries, pomegranate has been utilized by many civilizations for its wonderful benefits. Throughout history, pomegranate has been referred to as a symbol of health, fertility and eternal life. Pomegranate is one of the earths oldest known fruits. It is a native of Persia, yet its historical uses span to Greek mythology, Chinese ceremonies and even Egyptian rituals. Now, even science has begun proving pomegranates health benefits. From blood pressure to skin care and even prostate support, pomegranate is a fruit that everyone can benefit from.

Pomegranate and your heart

A major factor in keeping a healthy heart is through proper circulation. A properly functioning circulatory system needs to have blood flowing through veins and arteries without any barriers. Hardening of arteries refers to the build up of plaque in the walls of the arteries. This decreases blood flow which can eventually lead to heart attacks and strokes. Arterial hardening can be caused by many factors including poor diet, oxidative damage from free radicals and even stress. Research has shown that pomegranate enhances circulation and may reduce blood vessel damage.

The Good & The Ugly: Pomegranate & Cholesterol

To put it simply, LDL equals bad cholesterol and HDL equals good cholesterol. LDL is known as bad cholesterol because it tends to build up in many areas of the body in the form of plaque, which inhibits circulation. HDL is known as the good cholesterol because at higher levels HDL seems to protect against heart attacks and studies have shown that people who have low levels of HDL are more prone to heart problems. Additionally, HDL seems to regulate the transport of lipids in the body.

So how does pomegranate come into play? As a potent antioxidant, pomegranate helps regulate the degree at which cholesterol is oxidized. Pomegranate has also been shown to stabilize the retention of LDL cholesterol. We may finally have the upper hand on the battle against bad cholesterol by incorporating the powerful benefits of pomegranate into the mix of healthy eating and exercise.

Want better results? Try adding a pomegranate spa treatment or pomegranate skin care line to see a glowing and radiant appearance!

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