Ellagic acid is a natural phenol compound found in many different fruits and vegetables with the highest levels being found in pomegranates, raspberries and strawberries. Ellagic Acid's key health benefits include its strong antioxidant, antimutagenic and natural anti-proliferative activities.
Top Health Benefits of Ellagic Acid
Antioxidant Properties
Ellagic acid is a strong antioxidant that can help to protect the body’s cells against free radical damage. Some scientists and health professionals believe that antioxidants may play a role in the treatment of a variety of 'silent inflammatory' processes, like those involved in cardiovascular disease, diabetes and unhealthy cell growth.
Protects Healthy Cell Growth
Ellagic acid is one of the major active constituents in pomegranate juice. This natural phenol acts as a strong antioxidant and has been considered an antimutagenic. Ellagic acid can directly prevent the binding of carcinogenic compounds with cellular DNA in a test tube. This is the mechanism by which ellagic acid has been thought to help prevent unhealthy cell growth. However, further research is required before we can be sure of these effects.
Ellagic Acid Supplement Varieties
When shopping for an ellagic acid supplement, you can find it as a standalone supplement in capsule form or you can reap its benefits by taking a pomegranate extract supplement which is often available as a capsule or powder.
Understanding The Bioavailability of Ellagic Acid
When it binds to a carbohydrate, ellagic acid forms ellagitannins which are strong antioxidants in a test tube. Unfortunately, when these substances are ingested, bacteria in the digestive tract convert them into inactive byproducts. This has caused some doubt as to whether ellagic acid can have strong effects on the human body.
