Research carried out at the University of Liverpool shows that the seeds of the fruit contain high levels of a steroid, betasitosterol. When the researchers added this natural extract to uterus tissue in laboratory tests, they found it increased muscle activity.

More than half the Caesareans performed are emergency procedures due to problems during labour. It's thought that the increasing number of obese women may be partly to blame.

The Liverpool team hope that the pomegranate- seed extract could help reduce the number of Caesareans. However they stressed there is no evidence that drinking pomegranate juice will have the same effect.

The Power of Pomegranate
And increasing numbers of studies are confirming what it appears many cultures have known for some time: pomegranates are indeed a wonder fruit. If you don't regularly eat pomegranates or drink their juice, you should start because it:

1. Is rich in disease-fighting antioxidants that fight off damaging free radicals in the body
2. Prevents hardening of the arteries and related diseases such as heart attacks and strokes
3. Helps inhibit cartilage deterioration and osteoporosis
4. Fights the return of prostrate cancer
5. Helps lower bad cholesterol
6. Helps lower blood pressure
7. Is rich in vitamic C, folic acid, fibre, potassium, niacin, vitamins A and E

Pic: Natalie Singh