The pomegranate has been used for medicinal purposes since the times of the ancient pharaohs of Egypt. The fruit was mentioned in the Bible and the Koran, was used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine in India, and can today can be found even at Starbucks!

Pomegranate seed oil has been shown to be protective against skin cancer in a study of mice. This is probably due in part to the ellagic acid, a polyphenol antioxidant found in high quantities in pomegranates as well as strawberries and raspberries. Ellagic acid has been shown to inhibit the growth of skin and other cancers.

Pomegranate juice is said to have more antioxidant properties than comparable quantities of green tea or red wine. It is this antioxidant property that helps soak up damaging free radicals which cause fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, and other signs of aging.

Most recently pomegranate fruit extract also seems to mediate ultraviolet light damage, enhancing sunscreens. Look for more skin products featuring this ancient fruit in the future. Until then, enjoy fresh ones on your salad while they are in season.