Several potential health benefits have been associated with consumption of pomegranate juice, although these claims have yet to be proven by comprehensive scientific studies. Concentrated pomegranate juice is a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals; however, the sugar content of pomegranate juice is very high. The possible health benefits of pomegranate juice should be weighed against the negative health effects associated with high sugar consumption.
Antioxidants
Pomegranate juice--like grape juice, black tea and red wine--is rich in antioxidants. It is believed that antioxidants may help reduce cholesterol and can slow cholesterol buildup in your arteries. Cholesterol buildup is a known cause of heart disease. Pomegranate juice is particularly rich in a kind of antioxidant called polyphenols. To date, only small studies have been conducted regarding the possibility that antioxidants prevent heart disease--larger studies are needed before definite conclusions can be drawn.
Vitamins
Concentrated pomegranate juice is rich in vitamins and minerals--a single 8-oz. glass of pomegranate juice contains roughly half of the adult recommended daily allowance, or RDA, of vitamins A, C and E. Additionally, pomegranate juice provides the full RDA of folic acid in a single glass. Folic acid is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Potassium is also present in pomegranate juice, with one glass providing 214 mg or a little over one tenth of the adult RDA.
Cancer Prevention
A peer-reviewed study conducted in 2006 and published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research found that daily consumption of pomegranate juice could slow the increase of prostate-specific antigen in men who had undergone radiation therapy or surgery for prostate cancer. Prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is a protein produced by the prostate--elevated PSA levels typically indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Therefore, the ability of pomegranate juice to prevent PSA levels from rising indicates that pomegranate juice can stop the recurrence of cancer after prostate surgery or radiation therapy. Additionally, it is possible that pomegranate juice may limit PSA levels and act as a cancer preventative in healthy men.
References
- MayoClinic.com: High Cholesterol
- USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
- "Clinical Cancer Research"; Phase II Study of Pomegranate Juice for Men with Rising Prostate-Specific Antigen following Surgery or Radiation for Prostate Cancer; A.J. Pantuck et al.; 2006
- New York Times: Regulators Call Health Claims in Pom Juice Ads Deceptive
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