C-Force: Some Juicy News on Health

The juice of the pomegranate, so uniquely sweet yet tart, is derived from a fruit that long ago cropped up throughout the Mediterranean and is steeped in ancient Greek and Roman mythology. Now, in 2024, it seems to be having its day. Articles are sprouting up everywhere praising the virtues of this beverage that "lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, combats inflammation, and prevents hyperglycemia," reports USA Today.

As reported recently by UCLA Health, the pomegranate is "a resilient plant known to adapt in diverse climates. ... Domestically, California and Arizona are the two states that produce the largest amount of pomegranates."

"Pomegranate juice contains a plethora of vitamins and minerals that support your immune and cardiovascular systems," USA Today reports.

"The juice contains boatloads of vitamin C, antioxidants and flavonoids, all of which help to prevent excess inflammation and keep cells running smoothly on all cylinders," says Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, a registered dietitian and author.

Studies show that pomegranate juice is high in ellagitannins, which are found primarily in citrus fruits. "Similar to vitamin C, ellagitannins contain antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties," reports USA Today.

"Stress, lack of sleep, and exposure to smoke, pollutants, and the sun, are all factors that can impede the efficiency of your cells to 'transport nutrients, deliver oxygen (and) clot wounds,' (Beckerman) explains," according to USA Today. "Antioxidants found in pomegranate juice might counteract some of the 'negative damage or inflammation that has been done to your cells,' ensuring your immune system functions as it should,' Beckerman says. ... Antioxidants similarly work to preserve nitric oxide, a compound that has a role to play in moderating blood pressure, per Healthline."

The folks at Organic Facts take it even further: The health benefits of pomegranate juice might also include delaying the effects of aging. Its properties might help slow the aging process "by preventing UV exposure from destroying collagen and mitigating the body's inflammatory response," as well as promoting "the regeneration of healthy skin cells." For good measure, "Its antioxidant properties help strengthen hair follicles," says the report. "Pomegranates are a good source of vitamin E, which helps with hair growth."

There are said to be no outright negatives to drinking pomegranate juice, but "it may interfere with some prescribed medicines, especially the ones that are used for treating blood pressure, and high cholesterol," cautions Organic Facts. "Therefore, before consuming this juice, it is always best to consult your doctor."

Because it is digested faster than pomegranate in its natural form, "there's an increased possibility of a blood sugar spike, which 'can lead to insulin resistance and even sugar cravings throughout the day,' (Beckerman) explains," according to USA Today. "'However, if you pair it with a meal that has protein, like eggs, avocado or nuts,' this becomes less of a concern, she says. ... If you're drinking pomegranate juice every day, you'll want to be careful of the tannins that it contains, she says. ... Tannins found in pomegranate juice may stain your teeth over time. To prevent the possibility, 'be sure to swish your mouth out afterwards with water to set it back to neutral and rid yourself of any lingering juice,' she recommends."

While that's a lot to consider and unpack, pomegranate juice is not the only popular beverage out there with a growing list of surprising health benefits. Another one I have in mind is said to contain more than 100 different chemical compounds, and lots of folks can't imagine starting their day without it.

The interesting part of this is that its most prominent component has long been viewed as a detriment to health. But, according to the American Medical Association's Sara Berg, it is in fact a "silent hero fueling our daily lives," and "about 85% of adults consume 135 milligrams" of it daily. That's right, we're talking about caffeine, an active ingredient in coffee and tea.

Berg is currently overseeing a series of articles titled "What Doctors Wish Patients Knew." The series is intended to provide physicians with a platform to "share what they want patients to understand about today's health care headlines." While concerns about potential health risks and excessive consumption remain, "most people (consume) safely under 400 milligrams a day, which is what the Food and Drug Administration considers safe," says Dr. Shannon Kilgore, pointing to the beverage's powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

"Coffee and tea are true feel-good stories in nutrition -- we like them, and they like us back," notes Dr. Stephen Devries. "Both coffee and tea are linked to a host of health benefits, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, lower risk of type 2 diabetes and improved longevity."

"In low doses, caffeine may help depression," says Dr. Nicole Clark, as caffeine "stimulates dopamine, which is a chemical in your brain that plays a role in pleasure motivation and learning."

"It can also have positive effects on alertness, cognitive function and athletic function," Berg writes.

"Doctors once thought people (with heart disease) should cut down on tea and coffee, because of the caffeine, but now it seems they may help protect you from it," writes Dr. Zilpah Sheikh in a WebMD report. "In one study, people who drank 3 to 5 cups of coffee a day were less likely to have a buildup of calcium in the vessels that bring blood to your heart muscle. That could mean a lower chance of heart disease.

"Despite the health benefits of coffee and tea, too much caffeine can make you anxious or irritable and make it hard to sleep. It also can make you less able to hold onto calcium, which can lead to bone fractures (calcium keeps bones strong). Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how much is too much for you."

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Follow Chuck Norris through his official social media sites, on Twitter @chucknorris and Facebook's "Official Chuck Norris Page." He blogs at http://chucknorrisnews.blogspot.com. To find out more about Chuck Norris and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.