pomegranate, (punica granatum l in latin), belongs to the family punicaceae which includes only one genus and two species. the tree is native from iran to the himalayas in northern india and has been cultivated since ancient times throughout the mediterranean region of asia, africa and europe.

pomegranate offers abundant benefits for the cardiovascular system by preventing damage to arterial walls, promoting healthy blood pressure levels, improving blood flow to the heart, and preventing or reversing atherosclerosis.

pomegranate may benefit people with diabetes and those at risk for the disease. it helps lower after-meal blood sugar levels and protects the cardiovascular system from diabetes-induced damage.

pomegranate shows promise in killing prostate cancer cells, whether the cells are hormone-sensitive or not. pomegranate also helped halt the progression of prostate cancer in men who had undergone surgery or radiation for the disease.

pomegranate may fight the degeneration of joint tissue that leads to painful osteoarthritis, and may protect the

brain against oxidative stress-induced changes that can lead to alzheimer’s. pomegranate extracts—alone or in combination with the herb gotu kola—help kill the bacteria that contribute to dental plaque, while helping to heal gum disease. pomegranate also appears to protect the health of the skin and liver.