For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, fountains and springs that flow out of valleys and hills; a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates a land of olive oil and honey. - Deuteronomy 8:7-8
 

After reading this verse in my studies recently, I was inspired to write about the goodness of God and the gift he's given us in pomegranates.

Just because something has not been proven scientifically does not mean it is not true. I use the Bible as my authority, and science is proving the truths in the Bible. Pomegranates are an excellent example.

Scouts brought to Moses the abundance of the Promised Land. God was bringing His people something good and pomegranates were on that list. 

Pomegranates are mentioned more than twenty times in scripture and have been referenced in literature throughout the centuries. The image of pomegranates has been seen on paintings, coins, fabrics, and religious symbols. It is a symbol of abundance. There is something special about this fruit.

This shrub can grow as high as 30 feet and can live up to 200 years thriving in dry areas. The shrubs have flowers and fruit. Within the fruit are seeds called, arils. There may be from 200-1400 seeds in a pomegranate aril. The pomegranate seed and pigmentation have phytochemicals. These chemicals include anthocyanins, other tannins, and punicic acid. Why are pomegranates mentioned as part of the good land?

Within this plant are many chemicals having health benefits:

• Punicic acid and the other phytochemicals help decrease inflammation in the body and serve as powerful anti-oxidants. This helps arthritis, dementia, bowel problems and conditions with immune system activation. Anti-oxidants also slow genetic aging.
• Studies in Phytotherapy Research in 2013 and Pharmacology Res in 2017 have shown that pomegranate juice reduces blood pressure.
• By lowering blood pressure, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, pomegranates decrease heart disease.
• Research in Applied Phys. Nutrition in 2019 has shown pomegranates can improve exercise  performance by increasing nitrate production in the body.
• Pomegranate research shows this plant might be a valuable treatment to slow prostate cancer.

Pomegranates are special. Science is proving the many benefits. As technology advances we will learn more. I am going to try to eat and drink pomegranates. As you read the Bible, remember that just because something has not been proven by science does not mean it is not true. Faith is where I stand while waiting for God to act.

James L. Marcum, M.D. FACC
Author, Biblical Prescriptions for Life
 

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