Pomegranate May Reduce Inflammation Related to Arthritis

Eating pomegranate extract can reduce inflammation associated with several diseases, including arthritis. According to researchers from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, blood tests done on rabbits that were fed pomegranate showed an anti-inflammatory effect -- a reduction in the chemicals involved in the inflammatory process. About 6 ounces of pomegranate juice was given to the rabbits. Blood tests related to inflammatory activity were taken before and after the rabbits ingested the pomegranate extract. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) was among the proteins that showed significantly reduced activity in causing inflammation.

Pomegranate juice has been touted for some time as an alternative treatment for arthritis. While it is certainly no cure, there appears to be a real benefit in reducing inflammation and that may translate into less pain for some arthritis patients -- especially those with mild disease symptoms. As with any treatment -- alternative or otherwise -- keep your expectations real. Want to learn more about pomegranates? Read Everything You Wanted to Know About Pomegranates. Be sure to talk to your doctor before trying pomegranate juice -- it can cause a drug interaction with some medications.

Related Resources:

• Diet and Arthritis: The Link is Complex
• Fruits And Vegetables May Cut Arthritis Risk
• Foods With Antioxidants May Ward Off Knee Osteoarthritis
• Arthritis and Diet Quiz

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