Category: Brain / Memory Health

The Amazing Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate is a wonderful and popular fruit in the Middle East, India and other Asian countries. They are growing and being used in the whole world, owing to their many health benefits as well as nutritional value.

It is a wonderful source of dietary fiber, vitamin K and vitamin C and several B vitamins also. Other nutrients include potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, folate and manganese. The fruit is also rich omega-6 fatty acids.

The arils along with rind have many medicinal benefits due to the presence of antioxidants like anthocyanins, polyphenols, tannins and flavonoids.

Pomegranate’s antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties helps in treating inflammation, viral infections and several cancers. This fruit can be enjoyed by anyone watching their weight, due to its low caloric values.

The seed pods or arils can be eaten raw as well as made into juice. The juice has a tart flavor. The arils can also be added to savory dishes, soups, smoothies as well as desserts. The seeds of pomegranate are also used to make oil, which has many health and cosmetic benefits.

Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

HEART HEALTHY

  • Pomegranates are wonderful for your heart. Pomegranate juice helps in improving the blood flow to the heart and also helps in clearing the clogged arteries. Its anti-atherogenic benefits helps in reduction of the growth of plaque formation. It is rich in polyphenol content.
  • A study conducted in 2005 at the University of Naples in Italy, it was found that the juice of dark pomegranate is very beneficial in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis which is the most serious condition nowadays.
  • According to another study it is found that intake of 800 mg of pomegranate seed oil lowers the levels of triglycerides and also improves the high density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio.
  • Drink 1 glass of freshly extracted pomegranate juice daily, so as to boost the health of heart. Another option, you can also eat 1-2 cups of pomegranate seeds.

REGULATES BLOOD PRESSURE

  • Pomegranates are wonderful for people who are dealing with high blood pressure or hypertension. The high antioxidants, polyphenols and vitamin C stimulates the nitric oxide production, which helps the blood to flow easily and prevents arteries from blocking.
  • They even lower existing plaque formations in the arteries resulting in the reduction of risk of strokes as well as heart attacks.
  • According to some studies it is believed that consumption of pomegranate juice inhibits the activity of serum angiotensin converting enzyme and reduces systolic blood pressure.
  • According to another study, it was found that pomegranate juice consumption could be considered in the context of both pharmacological as well as dietary interventions for hypertension
  • Intake of at least a glass of freshly extracted pomegranate juice on the daily basis for better results.
  • Another option is to make fruit salads and smoothies with pomegranates.
  • Always keep monitoring your levels of blood pressure when taking pomegranates to lower blood pressure, especially if you are taking blood pressure medication.

RELIEVES JOINT AND ARTHRITIS PAIN

  • Arthritis pain and joint pain is a major problem among old people, especially women. Include pomegranate juice in your diet so as to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and overall joint pain. Pomegranates juice has anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties which helps in blocking the enzymes known to damage joints and cause pain as well as stiffness.
  • According to a study carried out, it is found that pomegranate fruit extract contains certain compounds which blocks the enzymes that can lead to joint damage.
  • Another study was carried out in 2011 and it was concluded that daily intake of pomegranates lowers the serum oxidative stress and lowers the disease activity in the patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. More research is still going on.
  • Have at least a glass of pomegranate juice regularly for better results and if you are taking medicines, always consult your doctor first before using it.
  • Make a mixture of equal quantities of pomegranate seed oil with a carrier oil. Then massage it on the affected painful joint. This can be done once or twice a day.

FIGHTS ANAEMIA SYMPTOMS

  • This superfood is even beneficial for the people who are suffering from iron-deficient type of anemia. The iron present in pomegranates increases red blood cell count which ultimately cures anemia.
  • This results in an increase in the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood and even induces healthy blood flow. It helps the body in absorption of iron, due to the presence of high amount of vitamin C.
  • Drink a cup of pomegranate juice daily with your breakfast, if you are suffering from anemia.
  • Have this juice for at least a month or more so as to treat various types of anemia.

AIDS IN CANCER PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

  • Another wonderful benefit of pomegranate juice includes protection against cancer. It helps in treating and preventing cancer due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
  • Pomegranate juice induces antitumor effects on various types of cancer cells such as prostate, lung, breast and skin cancer.
  • According to some researches, it was concluded that cytotoxic activities of pomegranate extract or pomegranate juice is likely to be valuable for the treatment of prostate cell line [by induction of apoptosis].
  • According to a study carried out in 2014 study, it is believed that pomegranate juice is best for the treatment of cancer. Molecular Carcinogenesis focuses on the anti-proliferative effects of pomegranate juice in breast cancer cells.

IMPROVES MEMORY

  • Pomegranate juice is also beneficial in improving the memory as well as helps in prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The polyphenols present in the pomegranate juice are thought to provide positive cognitive benefits.
  • According to a study carried out in 2011, it was concluded that daily intake of pomegranate juice helps in improving the memory and functional brain activity in middle-aged as well as older adults with mild memory complaints and issues.
  • According to another study which was carried out in 2006, it was concluded that pomegranate juice decreases the accumulation and deposition of amyloid in the brain by 50 percent from Alzheimer’s disease.

Best 10 Homemade Remedies to control High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure or Hypertension is one of the most common problems of the present times especially in industrialized countries. It increases the risk of many diseases of the cardiovascular system (hypertensive heart diseases), brain (cerebro-vascular strokes), kidneys (nephrosclerosis) and peripheral arteries. It is on the top list among the disorders which are causing morbidity and mortality.

Blood Pressure Readings:

Categories

Systolic (mmHg)

Diastolic (mmHg)
Normal Blood Pressure 120 80
Pre-Hypertension 120-139 80-89
Stage -1 140-159 90-99
Stage -2 160 or above 100 or above

In Ayurveda, it can be understood by assessing the involved doshas, srotasas etc. It can be best understood mainly as a pathological condition of the Rakta dhatu and Vyana vata. In association with these, Prana Vayu, Sadhaka Pitta and Avalmabaka Kapha are also involved in the manifestation of essential hypertension.

What are the causes of High Blood Pressure?

  • Stress and tension
  • Insufficient sleep
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Excess alcohol consumption
  • Hormonal disorders
  • Kidney disease
  • Excess consumption of salt in the diet
  • Wrong eating habits like consuming non-vegetarian diet.

causes of high blood pressure
Best 10 Homemade Remedies for High Blood Pressure:

Lemon

  • Lemon juice is an ancient remedy for high blood pressure as it reduces the rigidity of the blood vessels. It also reduces fatty deposits in the coronary artery. It is a potent anti-oxidant which neutralises the free radicals in the body. It also prevents the inflammation and injuries to the blood vessels as inflammation of blood vessels is the major cause of atherosclerosis.

How to use

  • Take a cup of warm water and add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and add 1 tablespoon of honey into it. Mix well and drink this mixture twice a day.

Triphala Powder

  • Triphala Powder is a mixture of 3 wonderful herbs: Haritaki, Bahera and Amla mixed in equal proportion by weight. It is traditionally used for cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure. If a patient has a problem of hardening of blood vessels, fatty deposits, then this remedy is effective in lowering blood pressure.

How to use

  • Take 3 grams triphala powder and 5 grams sugar and mix it in 250 ml of water. Heat this water and leave it overnight in a glass container.  Strain the liquid and discard the residues. Drink this water everyday on empty stomach.

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Bananas

  • The increased intake of potassium rich foods can help in preventing as well as curing hypertension. Banana is rich in potassium content. So, regular intake of bananas helps in lowering blood pressure. It also helps in reducing the impacts of sodium in the body.
  • The juice extracted from the inner banana stem can also be taken as it is traditionally used in India for high blood pressure. It is a great source of potassium as well as Vitamin B6.

Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Apple cider vinegar has anti-hypertensive action so it helps in reducing high blood pressure.

How to use

  • Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey in a cup of warm water and drink this mixture before breakfast.

Watermelon Seeds

  • Watermelon seeds are a good source of cucurbocitrin, which prevents narrowing of blood vessels and help in dilating the blood vessels and also improve blood flow to the various parts of the body. Secondly, water melon seeds improve the urine output and improve kidney functions.

How to use

  • Take a ½ teaspoon of water melon seeds and crush them to make powder. Eat this powder twice a day.

Garlic:

  • Garlic is now considered as a safe alternative to hypersensitive drugs. It reduces the elevated systolic blood pressure but it does not reduce blood pressure in individual with normal blood pressure. It further helps the patients with elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. It is good to maintain healthy blood pressure due to stress.

How to use

  • Take 2-3 garlic cloves and crush them to make juice. Take 6-10 drops of garlic juice in a cup of warm water, stir and drink this water twice a day.

Honey

  • Honey has an effect on elevated systolic blood pressure. It lowers the oxidative stress on the kidneys which help in lowering the elevated systolic blood pressure.

How to use

  • Take a cup of lukewarm water and add 2 tablespoons of honey, ½ tablespoon of ginger juice and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Drink this mixture empty stomach in the morning.

Buttermilk:

  • Buttermilk contains more phospholipids than milk. It is also a good source of bioactive molecules that exhibit modulating effects on immunity, metabolism and cell signalling. It also helps in lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure naturally. It also helps in pre-hypertensive and stage 1 of hypertension.
  • How to use
  • Drink a glass of buttermilk everyday with lunch.

Coconut Water

  • Coconut water has good qualities of potassium and magnesium. Therefore, it reduces the systolic pressure and also supports the functioning of cardiac muscles. Drink coconut water regularly once a day.

Vitamin-D

  • Vitamin D is naturally found in sunlight, fortified milk, dairy products etc. Intake of foods rich in Vitamin D helps in reducing the blood pressure. Blood pressure is often elevated when there is reduced exposure to sunlight.

Diet and lifestyle

  • Go full vegetarian: It is scientifically proven that vegetarian diet cuts of high blood pressure. Have more of vegetables, fruits, green tea, cardamom tea, tulsi tea, water melon, non-fat yogurt, pomegranate, bananas, almonds, drumstick, olive oil.
  • Brisk walking for at least 30 minutes daily is recommended. Moderate intensity exercises such as jogging, cycling or swimming can also be done.
  • It is also advised to release naturally manifested reflexes and urges by not forcibly controlling them like reflexes of hunger, thirst, sleep, defecation, urination etc.
  • Intake of excessive cold or hot, dry or oily, stale and preserved and packaged foods should be avoided.
  • Take less of sugar-sweetened foods and beverages.
  • Fried food stuffs should be avoided.
  • Practice pranayama for 5 minutes daily.
  • Wake up before 6 A.M. in the morning and sleep at around 11 P.M.

Undergo oil massage at least once a week as it keeps stress and tensions at bay