Pomegranate juice has joined the ranks of super foods in recent years due to the antioxidant-rich plant phytochemicals found in this ruby red juice that some say beats other fruit juices and teas for disease-fighting potential. Eating the fruit fresh is a messy endeavor as there may be up to six hundred little seeds well tucked into the folds of the fruit. Buy it as a juice for a refreshing and healthy beverage with a tangy taste.
Breast Health
According to encouraging preliminary studies, drinking pomegranate juice may support breast health. A 2009 study by the Breast Cancer Research Program at City of Hope in Duarte, Calif. showed evidence that the phytochemicals found in pomegranate seeds have a suppressive effect on estrogen production; thus, it may prevent the growth of breast cancer cells. More studies involving humans are needed, however. Check with your health practitioner if you are taking any prescription medications before drinking pomegranate juice.
Prostate Health
The majority of the male population in America doesn't know what a pomegranate is according to the "Harvard Men's Health Watch" publication, but the latest cancer research findings relating to the prostate gland may encourage men to add this tasty, mouth-puckering fruit to their diet. The July 2006 "Clinical Cancer Research" journal reported the findings of the first clinical trial using pomegranate juice on men with prostate cancer. It showed significant prolongation of the prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, in the men drinking pomegranate juice, thereby indicating slower disease progression. MayoClinic.com suggests consulting your doctor before adding pomegranate juice to your diet as it may affect the metabolism of certain medications.
Heart Health
A cup of pomegranate juice each day may help keep the heart doctor away. According MayoClinic.com cardiologist, Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D. the higher than average level of antioxidants in pomegranate juice is believed to reduce the bad LDL cholesterol in the blood and may block or slow the build-up of cholesterol in your arteries, thereby preventing or delaying heart disease. Check with your doctor before adding pomegranate juice to your diet as it might interact negatively with some prescription medications, such as high blood pressure medications and statins.
Vitamin Source
Get the vitamins C, K, B-6 and pantothenic acid the fun and fruity way by drinking pomegranate juice every day. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the juice from one pomegranate supplies 40 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C.
References
- HealthCastle.org: Top Five Super Foods-The Next Generation
- American Association for Cancer Research: Natural Compounds in Pomegranates May Prevent Growth of Hormone-dependent Breast Cancer
- Harvard Health Publications: Health Benefit of Pomegranate Juice on Prostate Cancer and the Heart
- Clinical Cancer Research: Phase II Study of Pomegranate Juice for Men with Rising Prostate-Specific Antigen following Surgery or Radiation for Prostate Cancer
- Organic Facts: Nutritional Value of Pomegranates
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