Of the super foods, few are able to pull ahead of the multifunctional benefits of pomegranate. Renowned since ancient times, pomegranate has been featured prominently in Greek mythology and even the Bible. This beautiful fruit might be difficult to eat, but it is worth the effort to reap such a well-rounded result.

 Perhaps the most famous benefit of pomegranate is its superior antioxidant power. Pomegranate has approximately three times as much antioxidant effect as either wine and green tea. By neutralizing these unpaired electrons in the body, the incidence of premature aging and chronic disease can be greatly reduced. This potent free radical fighter has been shown to inhibit several different types of cancer. Notably, pomegranate juice at a five percent concentration was shown to significantly reduce the incidence and growth of skin cancer in lab mice. Even the ruby red color of the pomegranate’s skin is caused by anthocyanins (water soluble plant pigments which are known to have potent antioxidant properties).

Pomegranate has many other benefits aside from antioxidant protection. It is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, C, E, B5, B3 and niacin, iron, folic acid, and potassium as well as important amino acids. The seeds of the pomegranate contain punicic acid, which has been shown in a clinical study to significantly reduce cholesterol levels in lab rats. The pomegranate plant intelligently converts the ellagic acid into polyphenol antioxidants called ellagitannins. This resulting nutrient boasts high bioavailability and aids in the presence of good bacteria within the body. These ellagitannins also contribute to the overall, positive alkalinizing properties of the fruit. Pomegranate peel extract is an effective wound healer, making it great for the care of acneic clients. The beneficial properties of pomegranate for mature skin are numerous as well. Pomegranate has been shown to increase circulation as well as protect and improve cell renewal in the epidermis. The small molecular size makes pomegranate oil ideal for delivering nourishment and hydration to dry or aging skin. This multifunctional fruit is also currently being studied for its possible ability to increase the life of fibroblasts in the skin, resulting in improved collagen and elastin production.

Finally, one of the more intriguing benefits of using pomegranate topically is its natural sun protection properties. Pomegranate extract has shown protective effects against UVA and UVB induced cell damage. Additionally, the ellagic acid found in pomegranates has been shown to aid in tyrosinase inhibition, resulting in reduced skin pigmentation from sun exposure.

Although the most natural way to gain the benefits of pomegranate may be to eat one, more and more skin care products contain pomegranate as a way to directly improve the health of the skin. Even more exciting is coupling the benefits of pomegranate with the results derived from other proven anti-aging ingredients such as peptides and lactic acid. Blending the nourishing attributes of pomegranate alongside the collagen supporting attributes of peptides is a winning combination in any beauty regime. So, whether you incorporate pomegranate into your diet or your skin care regimen, the many benefits or this beautiful fruit are sure to leave you feeling better than ever.