Can pomegranate peel prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s?
Editorial Team Aug 23, 2014 at 05:52 pm
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Do not throw that pomegranate peel in the garbage bin. In the near future, it may be a source of drugs for two incurable diseases that affect the elderly.
Two years of research by a Nigerian scientist has shown that sufferers of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease could be helped by punicalagin, a compound extracted from pomegranates.
Olumayokun Olajide from the University of Huddersfield in West Yorkshire showed how punicalagin could inhibit inflammation in specialised brain cells known as micrologia.
He also found the painful inflammation that accompanies illnesses such as rheumatoid arthritis and Parkinson’s disease could be reduced using the same drug.
‘We do know that regular consumption of pomegranate has a lot of health benefits, including prevention of neuro-inflammation related to dementia,’ Olajide added.
He recommended juice products that have real pomegranate that will have nearly 3.4 percent of the wonder compound punicalagin.
‘Most of the anti-oxidant compounds are found in the outer skin of the pomegranate and not in the soft part of the fruit,’ Olajide added.
Alzheimer’s has no cure and sufferers get progressively worse but the new compound could prevent it or slow down its development, he said.
The research was published in the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research.
Here are some health benefits of pomegranates
1. Prevents heart disease
A single glass of pomegranate juice has more antioxidants and polyphenols than green tea and red wine. It is also a rich source of dietary fibre along with a compound found only in pomegranates called punicalagins. These nutrients make it a potent fruit that’ll reduce your cholesterol levels and keep heart disease at bay. You could also try these 8 natural cholesterol busters to keep your heart healthy.
2. Prevents cancer
Several studies have proven that the antioxidants and polyphenols present in pomegranate can help prevent the growth of cancer cells and stop them from spreading. Cancer can be a tough condition to handle for both the patient and the caregiver, and if it isn’t detected early then it can even prove fatal.
3. Aids digestion
You need to consume at least 20-35g of fibre everyday according to dietary guidelines prescribed by Harvard School of Public Health. Pomegranate is a rich source of this vital nutrient that not only helps prevent constipation and keep your digestive system in good health, it also helps you absorb other nutrients more efficiently. Here are 8 reasons why you should start eating pomegranates.
Image source: Getty images
With inputs from IANS
You may also like to read:
- Parkinson’s Disease – what you need to know
- How to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease
- Another reason to exercise – it could help prevent dementia!
For more articles on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, visit our Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.
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