Power Fruit Smoothie – Pomegranate

The benefits of Pomegranate include super cool

Antioxidant effects

Pomegranate is rich in polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants.

The body produces ROS during metabolism and other processes. Exposure to toxins, such as tobacco smoke, can also increase ROS levels.

High levels of ROS can lead to oxidative stress, resulting in cell damage and inflammation. Oxidative stress may contribute to metabolic disease, cancer, and other health issues. Antioxidants help remove ROS from the body.

The antioxidants in pomegranate juice can help remove ROS and protect the body from damage.

Nutrient boost

Pomegranate contains nutrients and is a good source of:

• vitamin E, which is an antioxidant
• vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting
• magnesium, which helps manage blood pressure and glucose levels

Cancer prevention

Ingredients in pomegranate may also help prevent breast, lung, and skin cancer.

Alzheimer’s disease

Ingredients in pomegranate juice may help prevent the formation of amyloid plaques in the hippocampus.

Mice consumed either a control diet or one that was 4% pomegranate. The authors found evidence that ingredients in pomegranate helped restore the activity of certain enzymes. The researchers suggest that pomegranate could have a role in treating Alzheimer’s disease.

A study in rodents found that pomegranate extract was effective in reducing the markers of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain.

Inflammatory conditions

Polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. As a source of polyphenols, pomegranate could be suitable for treating various inflammatory conditions.

Arthritis

Molecular study have indicated that ingredients in pomegranate extract could silence some of the genetic signals that contribute to osteoarthritis (OA). This suggests that pomegranate could help prevent the onset of this condition.

In a study, 38 people with OA of the knee consumed either pomegranate juice or no juice for 6 weeks. Results suggest that pomegranate juice helped reduce the breakdown of cartilage. The participants who consumed it reported better function and less stiffness than those who did not.

Heart disease

Pomegranate juice may help lower blood pressure and protect the heart and arteries.

A study found that pomegranate juice could reduce oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system and lower the risk of:

• forming cholesterol
• accumulating unhealthy fats, or oxidized lipids, in the blood vessels
• developing atherosclerosis

Blood pressure

Drinking pomegranate juice daily may help lower systolic blood pressure.

One review found evidence of significant drops in blood pressure after consuming pomegranate juice. The authors note that regular consumption of this juice could be part of a heart-healthy diet.

Antimicrobial activity

People have used pomegranate for centuries for its antimicrobial properties.

Laboratory studies have found evidence that pomegranate has antibacterial and antiviral effects, probably due to the ellagic acid and certain tannins it contains.

Based on these findings, scientists believe it could play a useful role in preserving food, including preventing contamination with salmonella.

There is not enough evidence to show that pomegranate can fight pathogens in humans.

Smoothie Recipe:

• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 cup frozen pineapple
• 1 banana (room temperature)
• 1 cup ice
• ⅓ cup Greek yogurt*
• ½ tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions

1. Place the pomegranate seeds in the blender and blend for a few seconds until mostly liquified. 
2. Add the remaining ingredients in a blender, breaking the banana into pieces. Blend until creamy and frothy, stopping and scraping down the sides as necessary. 
3. Picnic ready!

Super yummy Fitness Smoothies!