Q. Dear Terry, “I heard pomegranates are good for your overall health. I don’t really have the time or patience to eat pomegranates, so I’ve been drinking pomegranate juice. Because the juice has a lot of sugar, I’ve been looking into trying a pomegranate powder or supplement. Do you have any advice on pomegranate supplements?” – Leilani L., Hilo, HI

A. Dear Leilani, Pomegranates have been revered by ancient and modern cultures for their health benefits. Pomegranate trees were one of the first to be cultivated, dating back as far as 3,000 BC. The fruit has become popular in recent years because of the antioxidant activity that can support the cardiovascular system, reduce inflammation, protect joint cartilage, and help people with blood sugar issues.

Eating pomegranates is one way to obtain the numerous health promoting compounds in this fruit. Some people prefer the juice, but it can be very high in sugar and calories. There is an easier, more effective and more convenient way to consume pomegranate – by taking an extract of pomegranate fruit and seed oil. Research shows that the best results come when taking pomegranate fruit and seed oil together. Pomegranates are the only known botanical source of the omega-5 fatty acid, also known as punicic acid.

Pomegranate seed and fruit extract have many benefits for total body health. Pomegranate can decrease inflammation and oxidative stress in our cardiovascular system, decrease LDL cholesterol aggregation, lower blood pressure, and boost the body’s ability to protect LDL cholesterol from oxidation. Additionally, pomegranate has many anticancer properties. Pomegranate can target many of the pathways involved with breast, prostate, and colon cancer. By protecting against ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage, pomegranate may be helpful in the prevention of skin cancer. There is even research showing that pomegranate is an effective bacteria fighter.

I would take 600 mg of pomegranate that contains both the fruit extract (standardized to at least 60% polyphenols) and seed oil (standardized to at least 60% punicic acid), once or twice daily.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally