Pomegranates are consumed in many forms in our diet, be it juice, salad or even raw. But are they the answer to some big health problems the world is facing today?
Swiss scientists are suggesting, they are.
According to a research, pomegranates help in strengthening ageing muscles with the help of a chemical called ellagitannins, which is present in high levels in this fruit.
Our gut bacteria turns this chemical into a compound called urolithin-A, which keeps the mitochondria charged.
Worms and mice given urolithin-A in lab studies lived longer and ran further.
However, some experts do warn that it's too early to determine the impact on humans.
But earlier pomegranates have been known for their health benefits, which also includes it's ability to fight cancer.
University of California conducted a small study in 2006 that found that drinking 227 ml glass of pomegranate juice every day significantly slowed the progress of cancer.
Another study in 2004 suggested drinking a glass of juice daily may reduce cholesterol build-up.
A 2005 study in American Journal of Cardiology found that it could also increase blood flow and reduce the risk of heart attack.
Some recent studies have also shown that the compounds in the fruit improves - memory, blood pressure, strengthen bones. Due to the presence of anti-inflammatory properties it can help prevent Alzheimer’s as well as other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Parkinson's.
Helen Bond, a state- registered dietitian told DailyMail.co.uk that, “Pomegranates do contain antioxidants, which can help protect against damaging free radicals and so may protect against age-related disease generally,” she says.
“But if your diet is rich in fruit and vegetables it will be naturally rich in antioxidants.”
“Eat a rainbow of fruit and veg to ensure you get a wide range of different nutrients and plant compounds.”
And eat the seeds whole rather than juicing them, she says.
“A 150ml glass of the juice counts as one of your five a day, but juicing turns the natural sugars into free sugars."
“These are absorbed more quickly and won’t keep you so full, and are more damaging to teeth. And by eating the seeds whole you also get the beneficial fibre.”
Rebecca McManamon, of the British Dietetic Association, said, “And eating too much pomegranate could be harmful because it may interact with some prescription medication, such as the statin Rosuvastatin and the blood thinner warfarin, so talk to a doctor or dietitian before increasing your intake."
“It’s expensive, too. Your cash may be better spent on a bigger range of cheaper fruit.”