Pomegranate Power

Some health experts say the pomegranate packs quite a nutritional punch. One pomegranate provides about 15. grams of protein, 26.4 grams of carbohydrates, 9 milligrams of vitamin C, 399 milligrams of potassium and only 104 calories. Nutrition experts say there’s more. The juice of a pomegranate contains a high amount of three different types of polyphenols (natural antioxidants), namely, tannins, anthocyanins and ellagic acid.

Researchers compared the levels of antioxidants in various fruits and found pomegranate juice to have at least 20 percent higher levels of antioxidants than red wine, grape juice, blueberries, black cherries, acai, cranberries and oranges. Studies suggest pomegranate juice may provide protection from heart disease, some kinds of cancer and dental plaque. Nutritionist Patti Milligan, M.S., C.N.S., R.D., says, when pomegranate juice is added to sunscreen, the juice appears to enhance the protection of the sunscreen. Some beauty products have also added pomegranates to their list of ingredients.

Milligan says consumers need to look at food labels to find out what they are getting. The ingredients label lists foods in order by weight. The best products are those that list pomegranate at the top of the list (i.e., have the highest concentration of pomegranate juice). Researchers are currently trying to determine the best shelf life for pomegranate products and looking for combinations with other antioxidants that may provide even better benefits. Milligan says scientists have not seen any side effects from pomegranate and the fruit doesn’t appear to interact with medications, like some fruit juices.