Pomegranates have been grown in many regions of the world since ancient times. In recent years, pomegranates have been touted as a “superfood” because of the nutrients they contain which may contribute to disease prevention. But does the research match the hype? According to the New York Times Ask Well blog, there is research indicating that pomegranates do have some health benefits. Pomegranates are high in anti-inflammatory polyphenols, which may also act as antioxidants, and at least two studies have found that pomegranate juice had greater antioxidant activity and more polyphenols than red wine. One of these studies also found that pomegranates had greater antioxidant activity than green tea. In addition, small, clinical trials have found that drinking pomegranate juice daily may improve blood pressure and levels of HDL cholesterol. The research is promising enough that the National Institutes of Health is currently funding a study looking at the effects of pomegranate supplements on localized prostate cancer. So, when you’re shopping for groceries, remember that pomegranates are by no means a miracle cure, but if you like how they taste, adding them to your diet probably can’t hurt.

Source: New York Times