This tropical fruit, which offers up brilliant red edible seeds, is showing up in finer restaurants as a special blend in cocktails. But pomegranates (Punica granatum) are not just trendy, they're good for your health.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, tested pomegranate juice and found that it thwarted osteoarthritis. It appears that the antioxidant chemicals in pomegranates reduce levels of the inflammatory chemical called interleukin-1b. The antioxidants also reduce the number of enzymes that erode cartilage. When cartilage breaks down, the exposed bones are more susceptible to pain and inflammation.

This is only the first finding of the potential of pomegranate juice to fight osteoarthritis, but researchers are optimistic and plan further trials.

For more information on this research, go to: WebMDHealth.

(Photo courtesy of Cornell University)