Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Pomegranates and Arthritis

ARTHRITIS - THE CLINICAL EVIDENCE THAT POMEGRANATE MAY SLOW THE PROGESSION OF ARTHRITIS

Arthritis and Pomegranate (OSTEOARTHRITIS)
DOES POMEGRANATE SLOW THE DETERIORATION OF CARTILAGE?

In a study conducted in 2005 at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and later published in the Journal of Medicine, it was reported that Pomegranate slowed the progression of osteoarthritis.

In particular, this clinical study of Pomegranate focused on the role of Pomegranate as against Interleukin-1b-(IL-1b), which is a pro-inflammatory protein molecule that plays a major role in cartilage degradation, a key component of osteoarthritis.

The IL-1b protein molecules cause an overproduction of inflammatory molecules that includes matrix metalloproteases (MMP), which are enzymes essential to tissue remodeling. When these inflammatory molecules are manufactured in the presence of osteoarthritis, they further degrade the cartilage matrix which causes joint damage and destruction. This was the first study of its kind directly studying the use of Pomegranate and its role in osteoarthritis. The conclusion is that consumption of Pomegranate fruit extract may assist in protecting cartilage from the adverse effect of IL-1b and the suppression of cartilage degradation.
THE SCIENCE BACKING
THE USE OF POMEGRANATE

During the period from 2000 through 2007, there has been an enormous number of scientific studies investigating the use of Pomegranate for a wide variety of diseases. There are certainly more clinical studies of Pomegranate to date than there have been for Acai.

The flavonoids found in fruits and vegetables have been the focus for their beneficial effects on many health issues. In particular, Pomegranate has been found to have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The above-mentioned study was the first of its kind to demonstrate that Pomegranate fruit extracts slow the deterioration and destruction of human cartilage.
OTHER BENEFITS OF POMEGRANATE: ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES
In clinical tests, Pomegranate has demonstrated very powerful anti-inflammatory properties which, in and of itself, is important for those suffering from chronic pain and disease, such as osteoarthritis. Less inflammation in your body equals less pain and it is a factor in premature aging.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has a long and rich history that dates back for centuries. Today, it enjoys the distinction of being called a superfruit.

NUTRIENTS AND POMEGRANATE
Although Pomegranate is not known as a significant source of nutrients per se, it does have some distinct health benefits that have been found in clinical studies.

Pomegranate provides average adult user 16% of the daily Vitamin C requirements (per 100 ml serving) and Vitamin B-5 (panthothenic acid), potassium, and antioxidant polyphenols.
CLINICAL STUDIES - POMEGRANATE
Clearly, there have been some major health benefits associated with the consumption of Pomegranate. Those benefits cannot be disputed. However, as the growing body of research through official, peer-reviewed studies continues, so will the health benefits.

For your convenience, we have attached a very lengthy review of clinical studies that have been conducted on both Acai and Pomegranate. To summarize some of the clinical studies of Acai and Pomegranate, the following summarizes some of the clinical studies that have been conducted to date.

As with most other clinical studies of efficacy, some studies involved humans and other involved animals. It should be noted that this list is not all inclusive as clinical studies of both Acai and Pomegranate continue.


Linda does not suffer from arthritis

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