Anti-inflammatory pomegranate may help boost your longevity, doctor advises
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While no single food is potent enough to guarantee a long, healthy life, certain options offer a long list of health benefits that makes them especially impressive.
Whether you sprinkle the seeds over your salad or drink the juice, pomegranates are one of those foods.
Packed with fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, the small red seeds offer more than a tart flavour.
The “anti-inflammatory” fruit has several properties that may contribute to overall health and well-being, according to Dr Sunni Patel, from Dish Dash Deets.
He said: “Incorporating pomegranate seeds into a balanced diet, alongside other healthy habits like regular exercise, stress management, and sufficient sleep, can contribute to a healthier and potentially longer life.”
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The reason why pomegranates offer beneficial health properties comes down to their content of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and nutrients.
Dr Patel said: “Pomegranate seeds are packed with antioxidants, including polyphenols like ellagic acid and punicalagins.
“These compounds help combat oxidative stress and reduce damage caused by free radicals in the body.
“By protecting cells from oxidative damage, antioxidants may support overall health and potentially slow down the ageing process.”
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Furthermore, the antioxidants hidden in the red fruit can also strengthen your immune system, protecting against infections and diseases.
“A robust immune system is important for overall health, helping to fight off illnesses and maintain vitality as we age,” the doctor noted.
When it comes to inflammation, pomegranates help combat the culprit and therefore contribute to healthier ageing.
“Chronic inflammation is associated with various age-related diseases, including cardiovascular conditions, cognitive decline, and certain cancers,” Dr Patel said.
Furthermore, the small seeds have been also linked to improved cardiovascular health.
Dr Patel said: “They can help lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol), and improve overall cholesterol profile.
“Maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system is crucial for longevity, as it reduces the risk of heart disease and related conditions.”
The doctor recommended incorporating pomegranate seeds into your diet as part of your five-a-day.
“It’s worth noting that the beneficial compounds in pomegranate seeds, such as antioxidants and polyphenols, are more concentrated in the juice and peel rather than the seeds themselves,” he added.
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