Tag: pomegranate

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Shedding of the spike protein – a communicable prion disease risk?

There has been concern shared by un-CoV-vaccinated women about having experienced menstrual changes after being around people who had received a CoV injection. A breast fed baby died after the breastfeeding mother received a CoV injection – yes it might be random coincidence, but maybe it wasn’t, maybe something was transmitted in the mother’s breast milk.

The spike protein itself has been found to cause blood clotting problems as it can cause cells to fuse together into clumps – which would be clot like. Anemia and renal inflammation were found in a person who experienced health symptoms after a “Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine 24 days before“. (10)

This article is brief and is fact checking a claim that the Pfizer vaccine can be shed. It states that it cannot be transmitted between people: ‘Vaccine shedding’: No, COVID-19 vaccine does not spread by inhalation or skin contact (2) Well of course not, the vaccine includes a complex lipid coated nanoparticle encasing the mRNA – which of course can not be transmitted between people.

The real question, and concern is – can the spike protein be transmitted? The mRNA encodes for a slightly modified version of the spike protein, which would be produced by the person’s own cells – and have to be cleared by their detoxification system. Someone with poor detox function may have spike protein lingering in their blood plasma longer than someone with normal function.

“The consensus appears to be that we are dealing with a spike protein transmission from injected to non-injected. The Pfizer documents in particular refer to a known chance that this could occur through skin to skin contact or through exhalation. Most of the folks I know seem to lean more toward exhalation.” (6)

Then if the spike is released on a person’s skin or in exhaled air, then if someone else was exposed to enough of it, there might be symptoms. Blood clotting or other changes might be due to the stickiness, hook like effect, that clumps cells together. Spike protein is a toxin. Please stop trusting the experiment.

Other risks might involve the prion like ability of the spike protein to cause other proteins to also misfold, which may then cause others to misfold in a cascading effect. Prion like concerns about the spike protein.

Blood changes and menstrual changes may occur because it was found that the gene carrying lipid nanoparticles collect within bone marrow and ovaries – so within the injected person there would be more spike production in the bone marrow and ovaries. In someone who was just nearby a CoV injected person, it is unknown what would happen to any spike protein that was inhaled or ingested. Intestinal symptoms may also be a result of spike protein attaching to ACE2 receptors on cells lining the intestines.

People may be getting different symptoms due to personal genetic and nutritional differences. They may also have received different batches of the experimental treatments. Pfizer was testing two variations of the spike protein: “BNT162b1 (variant RBP020.3): a modRNA encoding the RBD; BNT162b2 (variant RBP020.2): a modRNA encoding P2 S.” (1)

Things that may help protect the body internally from the spike protein.

Pomegranate peel – the inner can be eaten in small amounts the outer rind is really only useful in a long steeped tea/extract (20-30 minute gentle simmer).

Part of the benefit of pomegranate juice is due to a healthy microbiome changing some of the catechins into urolithin-A, a metabolite that can cross the blood brain barrier and reduce neuroinflammation & promote neurogenesis.

“In summary, the alpha and beta diversity results indicate that the ability to convert UA from its precursors is significantly associated with a higher microbiome richness and overall composition.” (7)

Citrus peel – it is a source of quinine, (various links), quercetin, hesperidin, and other beneficial phytonutrients that may help protect against the spike protein or help with detoxification. It can also help reduce appetite, insulin resistance, and Metabolic Syndrome. Citrus peel bioflavonoids also help clear respiratory congestion and open airways; research has found it helpful for asthmatic symptoms. See: Citrus Peel, or previous posts – include some citrus & some pomegranate peel links.

Can’t find a pomegranate in season? – or have a citrus sensitivity? (MCAS/Histamine)- how about dandelion leaf tea then? (3, 4) Look for dandelions in a wild area or lawn where the owner doesn’t use herbicides or pesticides.

Dandelion plant in a garden bed, long serrated leaves that can become somewhat lettuce like if allowed to grow into a larger rosette of spikey leaves. Allowing the leaves to dry before making tea may increase the phytonutrient content. (9)

Pine needle tea may also be protective as a source of beneficial terpenes, vitamin C, and other phytonutrients. Indigenous Americans use cedar or other evergreen needles for a medicinal tea. Avoid over-heating or boiling as excess tannins are a diuretic and may be an irritant in quantity; and the oily terpenes may add too much of a taste like turpentine. (5) It is recommended to boil water, let it cool somewhat, and then steep the prepped pine needles for 15 minutes or overnight for a stronger tea. (5, 6) Please be cautious about harvesting evergreen needles from a tree you don’t own, or in a way that is overly destructive to the plant.

Social media posts have mentioned pine or evergreen needles as a source of suramin, and that is not true according to a plant scientist. Safe species of evergreens are good source of vitamin C, and also “shikimic acid [which] has been shown to hold anti-sticky platelet properties as well… very helpful in protecting against blood clots!”

“So drink pine tea… we’ll have my own formula on offer at our store… its delicious! But, please be careful, as always, when sharing information about our plants. At best, it drives a frenzy of demand on the market for foraged herbal goods… sometimes that can damage our plant communities in more ways than you can imagine. At worst, the misinformation can damage our cause and feed the idea that those of us in alternative channels don’t actually do science.” (6)

Shikimic acid is also found in Star anise and is used in the production of the anti-viral medication Tamiflu. (6)

I found Star anise very helpful while I was sick with the respiratory symptoms of COVID19, just a few pieces broken off and added to a cup of tea was soothing for my throat. I seemed to become sensitized to it though and got similar symptoms from the blue spruce tea that I tried recently (urinary urgency, and over acidity possibly). Drink plenty of water following a medicinal tea as part of the benefit can be in peeing out an increased amount of toxins – but the kidneys need the water to be able to do that without endangering the delicate renal system.

  • *Caution is deserved with trying anything new. We are all different and also vary within our own state of health and aging. So pay attention to how you feel shortly after trying something and also the next day. Some side effects of dietary supplements can occur a few hours later or the next day.

Vitamin C is also critically important for healthy blood vessels and the prevention of excessive blood clotting.

Glycine is also needed for protecting blood vessel membranes and the blood brain barrier. It is used in collagen which is a fibrous protein that adds structure to the gelatin like fluid surrounding cells and within them. Glycine – good for our extracellular matrix & for immune protection against viral infection.

Glyphosate from Roundup herbicide use may be part of the health problems and varying risk. Biofuel made from biomass grown with Roundup type herbicides is likely causing glyphosate residue in the air surrounding the production facilities and in the areas where that type of biofuel is used by many of the cars and trucks. Glyphosate is also in the food supply in the foods grown with it, ingredients from those foods, or animal products from animals fed Roundup crops. It is an amino acid that can take the place of glycine and cause misfolding of protein chains. Avoiding sources and taking extra Dimethylglycine may be helpful for health. It is available as a refined amino acid powder. See: Glycine & glyphosate & misfolded proteins – Seneff article.

Niacin and other B vitamins help with the removal of cellular debris from the extracellular matrix or pathogens, or damaged or infected cells.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the neurodegenerative disease that led to physicist Stephen Hawkings having to use a wheelchair most of his adult life. ALS can involve misfolded proteins and begins with mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction can precede Alzheimer’s dementia and Parkinson’s Disease also, and both involve misfolded proteins.

“Functional defects in mitochondria appear early before symptoms are manifested in ALS. Therefore, mitochondrial dysfunction is a promising therapeutic target in ALS. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Misfolded Proteins, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Neurodegenerative Diseases.” (8)

Our cellular debris removal system would remove misfolded proteins for reuse of the amino acids during good health. Niacin and the rest of the B vitamin team, magnesium, and vitamin C are needed for mitochondrial function.

Thiamin (B1) is commonly available in the diet but is needed in much greater quantity when an infection or inflammation is present. Vitamin C is also needed in greater amounts than during typical health along with magnesium and many nutrients. When the body has to do more work – it needs more fuel and tools that are single use or limited use. Some nutrients can be recycled while others need to be replaced for each chemical reaction.

Phytonutrients are numerous in fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and many beverages made with plant products. Eating a rich variety of foods provides the body nutrients and phytonutrients that have anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and immune system promoting benefits.

In Nepal many herbs and spices are used in daily cooking, including “turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic, onion, pepper, corm, fenugreek, and chili,” and even more variety of spices may be used on special occasions, or in pickles and other home-made dishes. (9)

  • Garlic: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, immunomodulatory, cardioprotective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, etc. (Batiha, 2020a)
  • Onion: Antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic properties, beneficial against hyperlipidaemia and hypertension, etc. (Marrelli et al. 2019)
  • Black Cumin – Bunium persi: Antibacterial, antifungal, anticonvulsant effects, antihistaminic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, , antioxidant, etc. (Hassanzadaza et al. 2018; Shah et al. 2019) * may be helpful for MCAS/Histamine excess
  • Black Cumin – Nigella sativa, Antidiabetic, analgesic, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, spasmolytic, gastro-protective, etc. (Ahmad et al. 2013). *These seeds are used for Black Seed Oil, it may be helpful against SARS-CoV-2.
  • Chili: Antioxidant, cancer chemopreventive, antidiabetic, gastroprotective, and antimicrobial activities, pain relief, treatment of metabolic syndrome, etc. (Salehi et al. 2018)
  • Coriander: Antioxidant, diuretic, antidiabetic, sedative, antimicrobial, anti-convulsant, hypnotic, anthelmintic, antimutagenic, etc. (Nadeem et al. 2013)
  • Cumin: Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, hypotensive, antiosteoporotic, tyrosinase inhibitory effects, etc. (Al-Snafi 2016; Gangadharappa et al. 2017).
  • Fennel: Antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antitumor, activities, etc. (Rather et al. 2016).
  • Flax: Antifungal, antioxidant, antihypertensive, cholesterol lowering, antidiabetic, antithrombic, antiobesity activities, etc. (Goyal et al. 2014, Tavarini et al. 2019).
  • Licorice: Anticoagulant, expectorant, antidemulcent, antiulcer, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiviral, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, etc. (Batiha et al. 2020b). The whole root as an herbal preparation may have anti-viral benefits against SARS-CoV-2. It is an herb I happen to use anyway so was using it while sick, March 2020.
  • Star anise: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anthelmintic, insecticidal, expectorant, sedative, gastroprotective and antinociceptive, etc. (Patra et al. 2020, Wang et al. 2011). I also used Star anise in tea and it did sooth my sore throat. Citrus peel had a stronger mucus thinning (expectorant) effect for me.
  • Spearmint: Antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, biopesticidal, larvicidal, anticancer, radioprotective effect, genotoxicity, and antidiabetic activities, etc. (Mahendran and Rahman 2020).
  • Mango powder: Antimicrobial, antitumor, antidiabetic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities, antipyretic, antiallergic hepatoprotective, etc. (Gupta et al. 2010, Kabir et al. 2017)
  • See the article pdf (Khanal et al, 2021, (9)) for more herbs, spices and foods and their phytonutrient content and their medicinal benefits. (9)

Nicotine? maybe yes.

Nicotine itself may have health benefits, especially for some genetic types – it is the smoking that is particularly a cancer risk. Nicotine may help block the spike protein. – more to this – will add later. link of interest: Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Involvement in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Interactions with Gut Microbiota. (11)

Disclaimer: Opinions are my own and the information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes.

Reference List

  1. A Phase 1/2/3, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized, Observer-Blind, Dose-finding Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Immunogenicity, and Efficacy of SARS-COV-2 RNA Vaccine Candidates Against COVID-19 in Healthy Individuals. Nov 2020, Pfizer – BioNTech, PF-07302048 (BNT162 RNA-Based COVID-19 Vaccines) Protocol C4591001 https://media.tghn.org/medialibrary/2020/11/C4591001_Clinical_Protocol_Nov2020_Pfizer_BioNTech.pdf
  2. Associated Press Staff, ‘Vaccine shedding’: No, COVID-19 vaccine does not spread by inhalation or skin contact. May 19, 2021, ChicagoTribune.com, https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavirus/vaccine/ct-aud-nw-vaccine-shedding-20210519-iqi4fskovrcnfnsb5suaodd7n4-story.html
  3. Dr. Liji Thomas, MD, Dandelion extract inhibits SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. March 23, 2021, medical.net https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210323/Dandelion-extract-inhibits-SARS-CoV-2-in-vitro.aspx
  4. Hoai Thi Thu Tran, Nguyen Phan Khoi Le, Michael Gigl, Corinna Dawid, Evelyn Lamy. Common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) efficiently blocks the interaction between ACE2 cell surface receptor and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein D614, mutants D614G, N501Y, K417N and E484K in vitro. bioRxiv 2021.03.19.435959; doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.03.19.435959 https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.03.19.435959v1
  5. Eric Orr, Pine Needle Tea – Natural Source of Vitamin C. wildedible.com https://www.wildedible.com/pine-needle-tea-natural-vitamin-c
  6. MockingbirdMeadows, Pine Needle Tea, Suramin, and COVID Shots. May 11, 2021, mockingbirdeadows.com, https://mockingbirdmeadows.com/2021/05/11/pine-needle-tea-suramin-and-covid-shots/
  7. Singh, A., D’Amico, D., Andreux, P.A. et al. Direct supplementation with Urolithin A overcomes limitations of dietary exposure and gut microbiome variability in healthy adults to achieve consistent levels across the population. Eur J Clin Nutr (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-021-00950-1 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-021-00950-1
  8. Wenzhi Tan, Piera Pasinelli, Davide Trotti, Role of mitochondria in mutant SOD1 linked amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Molecular Basis of Disease, Vol 1842;8, 2014, pp 1295-1301, ISSN 0925-4439, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbadis.2014.02.009. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925443914000489
  9. Asmita Khanal, Hari Prasad Devkota, Sammodavardhana Kaundinnyayana, Prakash Gyawali, Ravindra Ananda, Rameshwar Adhikari. Culinary herbs and spices in Nepal: A review of their traditional uses, chemical constituents, and pharmacological activities. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, Vol 21, 2021 http://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/2753
  10. Me64_p71, Analysis of a Covid-19 vaccinated person. June 12, 2021, substack.com, https://me64p71b7e.substack.com/p/analysis-of-a-covid-19-vaccinated?r=hjhk4&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&utm_source=copy
  11. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/3/1189/htm
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Pomegranate health benefits, serving size and extract recipe summary

For ease of use, a summary of the links and information available about health benefits of pomegranate seeds, juice and peel; serving size information that is based on animal based research studies and my own use of different pomegranate ingredients; and a concise recipe for the pomegranate peel extract recipe that I’ve developed.

Health benefits of pomegranate:

Pomegranate extract has been studied in animal based research to examine in more detail how it helps hypertensive blood pressure problems and reduce oxidative stress. The mechanism was found to involve increasing Nrf2. The formation of mitochondria increased, and their function improved. Before treatment the hypertensive animals had fewer of the specialized proteins that are involved in production of mitochondria. Mitochondria are the cellular organelles primarily responsible for turning blood sugar/glucose into usable energy. (5)

This study uses a pomegranate extract that incorporates the peel, seeds and juice as all contain the bioactive phytonutrient, punicalagin, thought to be most helpful for anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-diabetic effects. The animals who received the extract were found to have better blood pressure, reduced heart hypertrophy ( a sign of worse heart health) and a lower heart rate. Neuronal/nerve cell activity and oxidative stress markers were decreased in the experimental treatment group compared to the control group which received a saline solution and no pomegranate extract. Angiotensin converting enzyme which is involved in blood pressure control was lower in the experimental group  that received pomegranate extract and may be the mechanism for the lower blood pressure. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were reduced in the experimental group after treatment, an indication that hypertensive inflammation was reduced. The pomegranate extract treatment led to increased levels of phosphorylated AMPK which then leads to an increase in Nrf2 and its resulting increases in antioxidant proteins which protect against injury and inflammation from oxidative stress chemicals. (5)

Serving size that might be needed for general health or for special health needs:

Animal based research used a range  of 1 – 10 grams/kilogram for 8 weeks was found to be beneficial for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (6); which for a human sized person might be equivalent to a  a quarter to a half cup to a couple cups per day. (See this post for more details) The larger dose would likely be most beneficial used in smaller amounts throughout the day or in a couple portions. For example: Half a cup per day might be used for someone who is less ill and someone with more severe illness or genetic needs such as myself (I can’t make phospholipids and the pomegranate seeds and peel are a source) might use up to a half a cup every three to four hours throughout the hours spent awake – or whatever helped the symptoms. If every cell of the body needs the substances, every hour of the twenty-four, then one dose one time per day might leave the body under-treated for most of the 24 hours and only relieve symptoms for a few hours. The peel extract has a diuretic effect so using it earlier in the day and having a few extra glasses of water is mentioned in more detail later in this section.

I have found 1/3 to 1/2 cup of fresh seeds or pomegranate juice per day to help relieve my symptoms of anxiety and finger numbness (similar to Raynaud’s Disease but no diagnosis). Other patient forum feedback suggests one capsule of commercially available pomegranate juice concentrate was also helpful for Raynaud’s disease finger numbness or pain. (Avoiding letting the hands get too cold also can help prevent the condition from feeling as painful rather than just being a constant numbness in the fingertips.)

If I have pomegranate extract on hand I use a few tablespoons to about  1/3 cup per day and find it even more beneficial for relieving symptoms of anxiety or nerve numbness. However it has a diuretic effect so it is better to use it earlier in the day rather than at dinnertime and to have plenty of water or other water based beverages early in the day so sleep isn’t interrupted with a need to relieve the bladder. It is important to drink a little extra water or the urge to urinate can be painful and produce little flow. The body removes acidity by making a more concentrated urine – so add water yourself or a dilute juice or herbal tea and the kidneys will also be removing other toxins too which may increase health benefits.

Dried powdered pomegranate seeds are available at some India food grocery stores or websites look for a small box labeled Anardana. It seems to be a dried powder of the whole seeds and it is gritty and tart with a fruit flavor. I added a couple tablespoons to a batch of soup and that seemed to soften the gritty effect. It was good added after cooking, giving a nice tartness but there was a slight gritty texture occasionally, not too noticeable though. Anardana Powder, dried pomegranate seed powder – an example of the product is available online:

  • Yogijis.co.nz      Phone:  (03) 390 3434      Email: orders@yogijis.nz
  • Anardana Powder, Powder of Dried Pomegranate Seeds: net Wt. 100 g//3.5 oz for $3.99

An organic pomegranate juice concentrate is also available in the same quantity for a larger price. That seems like a lot of money for a 3.5 oz package which is slightly less than a half cup amount, unless you were comparing it to prepared capsules of a pomegranate product which might cost 20 to 30 dollars for one bottle of capsules:

  • Matakanasuperfoods.com, PO Box 18, Matakana 0948 New Zealand / Physical address: 108 Omaha Flats Rd. Auckland, New Zealand, Phone: 09 422 9618    Outside New Zealand:  +64 9 422 9618
  • Organic Pomegranate Juice Powder, 100g, $NZ 29,95

Sumac and Za’atar

A spice commonly used in Middle Eastern cooking and readily available at Middle Eastern grocery market may provide some similar health benefits to pomegranate. It is a dried powdered form of Sumac that has a lemony flavor. it is typically sprinkled on food individually at the table alone or in a mix with salt or with a few other spices and sesame seeds in a mixture called za’atar (link). I have found that using more than a half teaspoon  can cause the diuretic effect similar to the pomegranate extract’s effects. Studies on health benefits of Sumac have found benefit for a number of inflammatory conditions so using some in small amounts daily may have preventative health benefits against oxidative stress.

Pomegranate Extract Recipe  and Spicy variation:

Pomegranate Extract, basic recipe:

  • Peel and inner membrane of two pomegranates
  • Two to three cups of water
  • Two Tablespoons of Coconut oil
  1. Rinse the pomegranates before separating the seeds from the peel. Cutting the rind about a quarter inch deep in six sections can make it easier to open and remove the seeds. Save the juicy seeds for use fresh or place in a freezer container and store in the freezer for later use. Trim the peel to remove any spoiled or discolored spots on the outer peel or inner membranes. Discard. Rinse the remaining peel and chop into quarter to half inch sections.
  2. In a soup or stock pot place the chopped peel, water and coconut oil and bring to a gentle simmer and turn down the heat to continue at a gentle simmer. Try not to reach a vigorous boiling point. Simmer the mixture for 20-30 minutes while stirring occasionally to prevent the fibrous slightly sweet membrane particles from sticking to the pan.
  3. Remove from heat and strain the liquid into another large pan or bowl. The peel and membrane fiber is pulpy and can be rinsed with additional water to increase yield of the pulpy extract. Add one cup warm water and stir and strain the pulp and then add another one cup warm water, stir and strain, and maybe one or two more cups until the liquid seems more water like instead of a slightly thickened pale pinkish or creamy yellow color.
  4. Store the pomegranate extract in the refridgerator if it will be used in other recipes within a few days or freeze the excess in small containers for gradual use.
  5. It is very acidic and using a couple spoonfuls per day added to a soup or salad in place of lemon juice or vinegar can be a tasty way to use it. Diluting a few spoonfuls to 1/3 cup with an additional 2/3 cup of water or regular juice of some sort and adding a pinch of baking soda  can make it tolerable as a beverage. One third cup per day should provide adequate health benefits for someone using it for that purpose.

Pomegranate Extract made with dehydrated pomegranate peel

Repeat the above steps using pomegranate peel and membrane that had been prepared and diced into 1/4-1/2 inch sections and dehydrated for long term storage – planning ahead for when pomegranates were no longer in season. One pomegranate peel/membrane produced approximately 30 grams of dried peel and which measured at slightly less than a 1/2 cup of dried pieces loosely packed. Per one pomegranate amount of peel, add one tablespoon of coconut oil and 2 cups of water, and  simmer for 20-30 minutes on low heat. After straining the heated peel I rinsed the peel with two cups of water poured over it gradually while stirring. The yield was three cups of pomegranate extract.

Spicy Pomegranate Extract, Slightly less acidic and slightly thickened and emulsified Spicy:

  • 6 cups of pomegranate extract  (previous post)
  • 2 Tablespoons Cardamom powdered spice
  • 1 teaspoon Gumbo File powdered spice (Sassafras Leaves, powdered and used in Gumbo soups or stews in Creole style cooking)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  1. Add the Cardamom and Gumbo File to the Pomegranate Extract and stir well to break apart any dry lumps of the powdered spices. The Gumbo File acts as an emulsifier and is a digestive aid and the Cardamom adds flavor, phytonutrients and would help alkalize the mixture in addition to the alkalizing power of the Baking Soda.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Add the Baking Soda and stir. Remove the mixture from the heat and keep stirring. It will froth up and stirring helps keep it from frothing over the top of the pan. The color changes from pinkish to brown from the Cardamom spice.
  4. To drink as a beverage dilute with equal parts water to Pomegranate Extract.

 

Disclaimer: Opinions are my own and the information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes.

References:

  • Claude Prigent, Editor, Protein Phosphorylation, Publisher: InTech, Chapters published November 29, 2017 under CC BY 3.0 licenseInTechOpen.com, https://www.intechopen.com/books/protein-phosphorylation (4)
  • Wenyan Sun, Chunhong Yan, Bess Frost, Xin Wang, Chen Hou, Mengqi Zeng, Hongli Gao, Yuming Kang,and Jiankang Liu,

    Pomegranate extract decreases oxidative stress and alleviates mitochondrial impairment by activating AMPK-Nrf2 in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of spontaneously hypertensive rats., Sci Rep. 2016; 6: 34246.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5054377/ (5)

  • Anupam Bishayee, Deepak Bhatia, Roslin J. Thoppil, Altaf S. Darvesh, Eviatar Nevo, and Ephraim P. Lansky.,  Pomegranate-mediated chemoprevention of experimental hepatocarcinogenesis involves Nrf2-regulated antioxidant mechanisms., Carcinogenesis. 2011 Jun; 32(6): 888–896. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3314278/ (6)
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Ellagitannins and red raspberries

Prior to the research on pomegranates and ellagitannins research was being performed on the use of red raspberries for their health and anticancer benefits. The summary points are that the whole fruit, the mixture of a variety of phytonutrients provides the benefits and that an isolated singe phytonutrient may be less bioavailable and less bioactive – less chemically likely to provide benefits as the mixture of phytonutrients that the whole food provides. An article from 2001 discusses this in more detail and mentions that early work on pomegranates suggested they would be an even better source of the group of ellagitannins and other polyphenols.

The compounds when working together within the body seem to help make cancer cells stop dividing and start dying by apoptosis like normal cells would – and without having any toxic effects on other normal healthy cells. The ellagitannins and other phytonutrients in red raspberries also seemed to prevent precancerous cells from becoming cancerous – dividing at above average rate of growth.

Other health benefits of the whole fruit used as a fruit puree equivalent to eating one cup of red raspberries per day, providing 40 mg of ellagitannins, included:

“European medical studies also demonstrate that red raspberry ellagitannins lower the incidence of birth defects, promote wound healing, reduce heart disease, and may reduce or reverse chemically induced liver fibrosis. In addition, the ellagic acid produced from the ellagitannins has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.”

Read more: The Truth About Ellagic Acid and Red Raspberries,    https://jonbarron.org/article/truth-about-ellagic-acid-and-red-raspberries

Ellagitannins and pomegranates was a discussion begun in a previous post: Pomegranate polyphenols and Microglia M2 Activation. I didn’t include the information in my summary but one of the links mentions that whole pomegranate juice / juice made with the peel / provides about 2 grams per liter of ellagitannins which would be many times more than 40 milligrams. Two grams would be 2000 milligrams and a liter is slightly less than a quart which is four cups, so roughly the whole pomegranate juice/extract is providing 500 milligrams per cup. A cup of juice would be more concentrated, being a liquid, compared to a cup of loosely packed whole red raspberries with seeds and air space, so a cup of raspberry puree or red raspberry juice would likely provide more than 40 milligrams.

Black raspberries are a dark purple color were not mentioned in the 2001 article but a more recent study on cancer therapy from 2016 mentions them as a source of ellagic acid so they may have an equivalent amount of the beneficial phytonutrients.

Read more: Black raspberries in cancer clinical trials: Past, present and future.   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5008867/

Blueberries and blackberries and other berries are good sources of a variety of beneficial phytonutrients. Many types have the most prevalent phytonutrients listed and extraction methods that are typically used for commercial products are discussed in this research review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5384171/

A shorter article discussing phytonutrients found in blueberries, blackberries and raspberries in a more general way:   http://berryhealth.fst.oregonstate.edu/symposium/lukehowardabstract.htm

Disclaimer: Opinions are my own and the information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes.