The pomegranate is a reddish-pink fruit filled with tart seeds. Many studies are looking at the edible seeds and the juice to determine their health benefits. Pomegranate juice is high in antioxidants, and you can get about 40 percent of the daily value for vitamin C in the juice of one fruit. Although more research is needed, scientists are finding many benefits to drinking pomegranate juice daily.
Osteoarthritis
Pomegranate juice may be able to ease the pain of osteoarthritis, which occurs when inflammation in the joints causes degradation of the cartilage. As the cartilage wears down, pain and stiffness result. A "Journal of Nutrition" study examined how pomegranate juice consumption affects the proteins and enzymes responsible for the cartilage destruction in osteoarthritis and found that pomegranate juice was able to limit the production of the enzymes causing the damage. This study was completed in a test tube and not in humans, so more studies are needed to draw conclusive results.
Heart Disease
The antioxidants in pomegranate juice may help you to control your heart disease. A study published in the "American Journal of Cardiology" looked at the effects of daily consumption of pomegranate juice on heart disease and showed that those drinking 8.5 oz. daily were able to improve blood flow to the heart by 17 percent. Those drinking a placebo actually decreased heart blood flow by 18 percent.
Cancer Prevention
Scientists are also studying pomegranate juice for a possible link to cancer prevention due to the large amount of antioxidants. The Proceedings of the Naval Academy of Sciences published a study of how pomegranate juice affects human prostate cancer cells. The study, which was completed in mice, found that more cancer cells died with increased doses of pomegranate extract. The cancer also progressed more slowly, and scientists found decreased levels of prostate-specific antigen.
Considerations
Pomegranate juice is a low-fat drink filled with vitamin c, dietary fiber and antioxidants. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that it is safe to drink about 8 to 12 oz. daily. However, contact your medical provider before utilizing pomegranate juice as a treatment for disease, as pomegranate juice can interact with certain medications, such as ACE inhibitors or statins.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Pomegranate
- Journal of Nutrition: Punica Granatum L. Extract Inhibits IL-1B-Induced Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases
- PubMed: Effects of Pomegranate Juice Consumption on Myocardial Perfusion
- Proceedings of the National Acacemy of Sciences: Pomegranate Fruit Juice for Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy of Prostate Cancer
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