Antioxidant is defined as any substance that, when present at low concentrations compared with those of an oxidizable substrate, significantly delays or prevents oxidation of that substrate. The antioxidants in fruits can help reduce levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), a type of free radical, in the body.
The body produces ROS during metabolism and other processes. Unstable reactive oxygen species react rapidly and destructively with biomolecules such as protein, lipid, DNA and RNA in the body. Exposure to toxins, such as tobacco smoke, can also increase ROS levels.
High levels of ROS can lead to oxidative stress, resulting in cell damage and inflammation. Oxidative stress may play part in cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other diseases of aging. Antioxidants help remove ROS from the body.
In Pomegranate fruit, antioxidant properties may be related to diverse phenolic compounds present in different parts of Pomegranate, including punicalagin isomers, ellagic acid derivatives and anthocyanins.
Pomegranates have a good amount of polyphenol compounds called punicalagins or ellagitannins. These antioxidants benefit cardiovascular system, helping it to keep artery walls from thickening and reducing the buildup of cholesterol and plaque.
Pomegranate juice has also been shown to contain significant amounts of anthocyanins and anthoxanthins that support good heart health. Anthocyanins have an array of biological activities, showing antioxidant properties, acting as immunostimulants, modulating inflammatory response and chelating iron ions, which may contribute to the reduction of LIP (labile iron pool).
Like all fruit components, pomegranate seeds also contain antioxidants. However, they’re not as rich in antioxidants as the arils.
Antioxidants in pomegranate fruit
