How pomegranates can delay aging, strengthen the heart and lower your LDL cholesterol

Pomegranate is a good source of potassium, an important electrolyte for healthy muscle function and the regulation of heart rate, says Shabana Parveen, nutritionist, and dietitian at Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram

Pomegranates may feature on your breakfast platter for boosting immunity, haemoglobin, diabetes and heart health but given that latest research finds them anti-ageing, you should make them a staple in your morning menu. Agreed, the fruit requires a bit of an effort to eat, prying open and scooping out the bulbous pearls, but its high antioxidant value is worth the splattering of its juice.

Its muscle-strengthening properties makes pomegranate a superfood for heart health. Pomegranate juice is a good source of potassium, an important electrolyte for healthy muscle function and the regulation of heart rate. It contains tannins and anthocyanins, which have anti-atherogenic properties and slow down the oxidation of low density lipoprotein or LDL, the bad cholesterol, preventing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. Pomegranates increase the activity of HDL (high density lipoprotein)-associated Paraoxonase 1, which breaks down harmful oxidised lipids in lipoproteins.