The pomegranate is a fruit-bearing tree native to the region from Iran to the Himalayas in northern India and has been cultivated and naturalized over the whole Mediterranean region. In 1769, Spanish settlers introduced the plant into Latin America and California. Pomegranate is now cultivated in parts of California and Arizona for juice production. The name “pomegranate” derives from the Latin ponum (apple) and granatus (seeded) which, evidently, originates from the appearance of the fruit.
Consuming pomegranate juice is known to bring many health benefits. Preliminary laboratory research and pilot human studies have shown that juice of the pomegranate is effective in reducing heart disease risk factors and lowering blood pressure. Some investigations have even indicated that pomegranate seed oil may be effective against the production of breast cancer cells. The phytochemicals and antioxidants found in pomegranate extract are the reason why more studies are being performed to clarify the efficacy of this powerful fruit against numerous diseases.
Research has determined the antioxidant power of the pomegranate comes predominantly from the polyphenol called punicalagin. Many pomegranate products claim they contain high content of ellagic acid, another active polyphenol. Found only in the skin of the pomegranate, the punicalagin molecule is up to 10 times stronger in antioxidant potency and has a much higher absorption rate than ellagic acid. Punicalagin is 100% water soluble and may be found in one’s bloodstream in just 60 minutes after consumption while ellagic acid is highly insoluble in water and poorly absorbed. Besides the many antioxidant polyphenols, pomegranate extract is also a great source of vitamin C, vitamin B5 and potassium.
References: (1) http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/canada/products/1348.htm (2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate
