WHAT ARE PUNICALAGINS?
The punicalagins are a group of phytonutrients (plant based chemical compounds that have numerous health benefits in the human body) which are mainly found in pomegranates. They are powerful antioxidants which may also have further health benefits in humans. In this article I will be taking a detailed look at the punicalagins.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF PUNICALAGINS?
It is not known when the punicalagins were discovered but awareness of their potential health boosting properties dates back thousands of years with pomegranates being used as an ingredient in Indian Ayurveda medicine.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF PUNICALAGINS?
The punicalagins are powerful antioxidants that can protect your body’s cells from dangerous free radicals (harmful by-products that are released into your cells during oxygen related reactions). Early evidence suggests that they may also have further health benefits but more research is required before these can be confirmed. These potential punicalagin health benefits are listed below:
– Possibly acting as an antibacterial (a substance that slows down the growth of bacteria).
– Possibly acting as an antifungal (a substance that treats fungal infections).
– Possibly preventing atherosclerosis (a condition where hard plaques form in the artery walls and restrict the flow of blood which ultimately increases your heart disease risk).
– Possibly preventing cancer.
– Possibly preventing diabetes.
– Possibly preventing gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).
– Possibly preventing heart disease (by preventing atherosclerosis and reducing blood levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol)
– Possibly preventing the accumulation of dental plaque.
– Possibly protecting against ultraviolet (UV) damage (which can damage the skin cells and cause skin cancer).
– Possibly reducing blood levels of LDL cholesterol (a type of cholesterol which causes blockages in the arteries and increases your heart disease risk).
– Possibly stimulating the regeneration of skin cells.
HOW MUCH PUNICALAGINS DO YOU NEED?
The punicalagins are not classed as essential nutrients so no official recommended daily allowance (RDA) has been established. However, some sources recommend consuming between 300 milligrams (mg) and 600mg per day.
WHICH FOODS CONTAIN PUNICALAGINS?
Pomegranates and pomegranate juice are the only natural food sources of punicalagins. However, the exact amounts they contain are not known. Punicalagins can also be found in various health and fitness supplements.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CONSUMING TOO MANY PUNICALAGINS?
Currently there are no reported overdose symptoms associated with consumption of the punicalagins.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FAILING TO CONSUME ENOUGH PUNICALAGINS?
The punicalagins are not classed as essential nutrients so no deficiency symptoms have been established.
PUNICALAGINS SUMMARY
Pomegranates are rapidly becoming recognised as a super food. Although the research is still in the very early stages, the punicalagins seem to have a bright future when it comes to health. So next time you fancy snacking on something a little different, give pomegranates a try.
Sources:
List of Phytochemicals in Food (Wikipedia)
Pomegranate (Life Extension Magazine)
Punicalagins and the Pomella Natural Spectrum (Pomella)