When it comes to men’s health, pomegranates might not be the first fruit that comes to mind. However, they’re packed with nutrients and health benefits, making them a valuable addition to any man’s diet. From a nutritional standpoint, one 4-inch pomegranate delivers 27% of the daily value of folate, 48% of vitamin C, and a whopping 58% of vitamin K. In the mineral department, it provides 22% of copper, 19% of potassium, and 17% of manganese. With 11 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein per fruit, pomegranates are an excellent choice for men who want to improve their overall health.
Pomegranates, Diabetes, and Metabolic Syndrome
Pomegranates have long been used as a folk remedy for diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and recent scientific research has begun to support these claims. A study in Food and Function explains that pomegranate can increase insulin sensitivity, inhibit an enzyme that plays a major role in high glucose levels, and improve glucose transport. Additionally, it can help reduce total cholesterol levels, improve blood lipid profiles, and reduce inflammation – all advantages to individuals at risk for diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
These health benefits are attributed to the presence of plant chemicals in pomegranates, such as ellagitannins, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids. In fact, the researchers noted that ellagitannins “may be responsible for certain benevolent characteristics associated with pomegranate.”
Pomegranates and Prostate Cancer
Pomegranates might also provide benefits for men fighting prostate cancer. Ellagitannins found in pomegranates have been shown to inhibit the growth of new blood vessels, which are needed to nourish prostate tumors. In a two-year study at the University of California, Los Angeles, 46 men who had undergone surgery or radiation for prostate cancer were given one cup of pomegranate juice daily. By the end of the study, the average PSA doubling time had increased from 15 months to 54 months, prostate cancer cell death increased by 17%, and the spread of cancer cells declined by 12%.
Pomegranates and Erectile Dysfunction
Several studies have suggested that pomegranate or pomegranate juice can be beneficial for erectile dysfunction. In a rabbit study, investigators found that pomegranate significantly improved penile blood flow, erection ability, and smooth muscle relaxation when compared with a placebo. A separate trial involving 53 men with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction found that erectile function improved in 42 men, with 25 of them experiencing improvement after drinking pomegranate juice.
Enjoying Pomegranates
There are multiple ways to enjoy the health benefits of pomegranates. While eating fresh pomegranate is the best way to get all the fruit’s nutrients, you can also try 100% pomegranate juice or take pomegranate supplements. However you choose to incorporate pomegranates into your diet, you’ll be reaping the rewards of this nutritional powerhouse and supporting your overall health.
