Drinking pomegranate juice slows the ageing process

A glass of pomegranate juice a day could keep the wrinkles away, according to a new study that reveals it slows down the ageing process of DNA.

Pomegranate has previously been linked to the prevention of heart disease and stress relief but now researchers from the Probelte Bio Labatory in Spain have found that the fruit juice also slows down the natural oxidation ('wear and tear') of DNA.

During the study, scientists used a potent new type of pomegranate extract including the skin, pith and seeds of the fruit. The 60 participants were asked to take the extract for 30 days in the form of a pill.

The results found a significant decrease in a marker associated with cell damage, that disrupts brain, muscle, liver and kidney functions, as well as causing ageing.

The decrease in the ageing DNA was unknown to scientists until this study was conducted and researchers say they are, "excited about this study". Talking about the findings, Dr. Sergio Streitenberger, head of research, says, "We believe the study demonstrates that regular consumption of this new pomegranate extract can slow down the process of DNA oxidation."

"We get old because we fall apart, cell by cell. One way to look at ageing is to think of it as rusting or oxidizing, a damaging process. The free radicals that oxidize our body's molecules include fats, heavy metals and numerous other chemical compounds we breathe, eat and drink.

"If free radicals reach the DNA of our cells, the damage is cumulative and significant. Being able to guard against this process would be a significant breakthrough," Dr. Streitenberger added.

The health benefits of pomegranate juice have been widely known for some time as it helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as being a great source of antioxidant.

 Pomegranate contains phytochemicals that act as antioxidants to protect the lining of the arteries from damage, explains Dr. Gregg Schneider, a nutritionally oriented dentist and expert on alternative medicine. A 2005 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that antioxidant-rich pomegranate juice stimulated the body’s production of nitric oxide, which helps keep blood flowing and arteries open.

Pomegranates are chock full of ellagic acid — the latest phytonutrient to enter the scene (although it's been quietly hanging out in berries, nuts, and pomegranates for millennia). In laboratory and animal studies, ellagic acid has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth and deactivate cancer-causing compounds. To take advantage of these health properties, incorporate pomegranate seeds into smoothies or use them to top off a bowl of yogurt or cereal. Other foods rich in ellagic acid include raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, walnuts, pecans, cranberries, and grapes (red, black, purple).

Pomegranate Nutrition Facts

Amount Per 0.5 cup arils (seed/juice sacs) (87 g)100 grams1 pomegranate (4" dia) (282 g)0.5 cup arils (seed/juice sacs) (87 g)

Calories 72






% Daily Value*

Total fat 1 g	1%
Saturated fat 0.1 g	0%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.1 g
Monounsaturated fat 0.1 g
Cholesterol 0 mg	0%
Sodium 3 mg	0%
Potassium 205 mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate 16 g	5%
Dietary fiber 3.5 g	14%
Sugar 12 g
Protein 1.4 g	2%

Vitamin A	0%	Vitamin C	14%
Calcium	0%	Iron	1%
Vitamin B-6	5%	Vitamin B-12	0%
Magnesium	2%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Sources include: USDA

Winter Superfoods

Sweet Potato

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest this large edible tuber ranks highest in nutritional value of any vegetable. With 6 grams of fiber and just 160 calories, plus vitamins A and C and potassium, it's no wonder. The sweet potato is among the oldest cultivated vegetables and remains a popular staple throughout the world. Only distantly related to the potato, it packs a much stronger nutritional punch than its pale-hued cousin. The darker skinned variety Americans call a yam is actually a misnomer, having no relation to the tropical root at all. True sweet potatoes are full of fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C. Bake, roast, steam or mash for an easy weeknight side dish.

Pomegranate
Fondly known as the "jewels of winter", pomegranates and their juice have been credited with everything from lowering cholesterol to managing type 2 diabetes and helping to fight prostate cancer. The tasty red seeds called arils are a good source of fiber, vitamins B and C, potassium, and polphenols (antioxidants). Munch on the seeds or toss them into salads, grain dishes and yogurt. Drink the juice and you lose the fiber but still get a mega dose of free-radical fighting antioxidants.

Kale

Unlike other delicate leafy greens, kale freezes well and tastes sweeter after frost exposure. It grows so well in winter, one variety was actually named "Hungry Gap" thanks to its ability to thrive during a period when few other vegetables do. Kale is praised for its anti-inflammatory properties and high levels of vitamins A and C, lutein, zeaxanthin, iron, and calcium. Sauté with garlic and olive oil or make kale chips by tossing with olive oil and salt and baking until crisp.

Grapefruit
Sweet and tangy grapefruit will help keep your immune system buzzing long after winter's last snowfall. One-half cup serving provides 70 percent of your daily vitamin C requirements plus pectin and fiber, both of which will keep you full and regular. Ruby red and pink varieties are also high in lycopene, the same antioxidant that's in cooked tomatoes and which may help prevent cancer, heart disease and macular degeneration. Slice in half and eat with breakfast or peel a whole grapefruit for an easy on-the-go snack. Or try broiling grapefruit (sprinkled with brown sugar and cinnamon) for a simple, healthy dessert.


Cranberries
For decades people have been drinking cranberry juice to fight urinary tract infections, but mounting evidence suggests that cranberries have other beneficial properties as well. Recent research shows that cranberries and cranberry juice contain antioxidants that may protect against certain types of cancer, heart disease and other chronic illness. Only 5 percent of harvested cranberries are sold fresh, the remaining 95 percent are processed into juice drinks, sauce, and sweetened dried cranberries. Although fresh cranberries are too bitter and sour to eat, beware of heavily sweetened cranberry juice cocktails and snacks. A better alternative: make a compote or chutney using fresh berries paired with a sweeter fruit such as apples or pears. Or add unsweetened cranberry juice to club soda for a tangy yet refreshing cocktail.

Kidney Beans
Named for their resemblance to the human organ bearing the same name, kidney or red beans rank number one on the USDA's list of 20 high antioxidant foods (as measured by their total antioxidant capacity per serving size). The soluble fiber in kidney beans helps regulate blood sugar levels, and like all beans, they are an excellent source of protein and iron. With less fat than meat, these legumes are a healthy, versatile, and affordable protein alternative. Toss into soup or a salad or make a big batch of vegetable chili to warm you on the chilliest days.

Cocoa
Unsweetened cocoa is number 10 on ORAC value list, an antioxidant content rating scale developed by the USDA. High in phenols and flavonoids, cocoa has twice as many antioxidants as red wine and almost three times as many as green tea according to researchers at Cornell. While not unique to winter, what's better than a frothy cup of hot cocoa when the temperature dips?




Pecans

Loaded with protein, unsaturated fats, fiber, phytonutrients and antioxidants, these scrumptious nuts are available year round, but harvested in the late fall and early winter. A diet rich in nuts helps to lower cholesterol and keep blood vessels strong. Eating pecans daily may also delay age-related muscle nerve degeneration. Choose raw over roasted and salted (or worse yet, candied) and try to stick to a one-ounce serving, or about 20 halves, a day as the calories add up fast.