Taking care of prostate health is an important health issue that men should definitely keep in mind. The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system and surrounds part of the urethra. Age is a major factor when it comes to prostate health as the older a man gets the more likely prostate health problems are. A common condition that occurs in men once they reach a certain age is an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia. This is a noncancerous condition whose symptoms include difficulty in urinating which can result in some painful trips to the bathroom.
While there are several medications you can take in order to improve prostate health there is one natural method that you can also try out. Pomegranate juice, with multiple health benefits, is currently considered a viable remedy for enlarged prostate.
Causes of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Studies are still being conducted as to what truly causes BPH. Medical researchers are looking at age as the main factor of BPH but DNA can also be a driving force for this condition. Symptoms of BPH include difficulty urinating and blood in the urine. This can lead to other health risks such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) and prostate cancer. Severe cases of BPH are also known to cause hip discomfort and pain during ejaculation. It is best to consult your doctor in order to get a proper diagnosis of your condition and to start treatment as soon as possible.
What is Pomegranate?
Pomegranate is a fruit that also goes by the name of Chinese apple. This fruit is native to Iran but is found in numerous countries around the world. The fruit juice has a deep red or pinkish color to it and contains several healthy nutrients such as polyphenols, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid. These compounds puts it among the most important of fruits that offer medicinal properties.
Pomegranate Health Benefits
One of the factors that cause BPH in men is the production of estrogen in the body that far surpasses the amount of testosterone produced. Pomegranate juice helps slow down and stop enzymes in the body that produces estrogen. Pomegranate also contains high levels of antioxidant that can help flush free radicals out of the body. Studies have also put forth the potential of pomegranate juice when it comes to preventing cancer.
Another study showed that men who underwent surgery or radiation treatment for prostate cancer and drank at least 8 oz. of pure pomegranate juice showed a significant reduction of cancer cells.
Final Thoughts
You can buy pure pomegranate juice at your local supermarket or you can choose to get fresh pomegranates and get the juice yourself by squeezing the seeds. The recommended dosage of pomegranate juice is around 8 to 12 ounce per day. However, please be aware that drinking excessive pomegranate juice can lead to diarrhea and could also react negatively with certain medications including cholesterol lowering and hypertension drugs.
