Nutritional Value Of Pomegranate Juice

According to MayoClinic.com, pomegranate juice is one of the best sources of antioxidants. When the cells of the body break down, or when the body is exposed to environmental stress, toxins called free radicals are produced. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as pomegranate juice, can fight these free radicals.

Calories and Sugar

One cup of pomegranate juice contains 134 calories. Nearly all of these calories come from carbohydrates, of which there are 32.7 g. The majority of the carbohydrates in pomegranate juice are sugar. One cup contains 31.5 g of sugar, half of which is glucose, the single sugar that is the main source of energy for cells. The other half of this sugar is fructose, also a single sugar, or monosaccharide. Pomegranate juice contains very little fiber -- only 0.2 g per serving.

Protein and Fat

Like most juices, pomegranate juice is low in both protein and fat. One serving contains only 0.37 g of protein and 0.72 g of fat. Pomegranate juice contains no cholesterol.

Minerals

Pomegranate juice contains many essential minerals, although most are present in only small amounts. One mineral present in larger amounts is potassium. One serving contains 533 mg, which is 27 percent of the dietary reference intake, or DRI, which is the recommended intake per day. Potassium is one of the minerals classified as an electrolyte. Electrolytes are essential for proper fluid balance and muscle contraction. Because they are lost through sweat, electrolytes must be replaced through the diet. One cup of pomegranate juice also contains more than 10 percent of the DRI for manganese. Although manganese is needed by the body in only small amounts, it is necessary for nervous and immune system health. Manganese also helps keep the blood sugar stable.

Water-Soluble Vitamins

Although many fruit juices are high in vitamin C, pomegranate juice contains only a trace amount of this nutrient. One cup contains only 0.2 mg, which is less than 1 percent of the DRI. Pomegranate juice is also low in all of the water-soluble B vitamins except folate and pantothenic acid. One cup provides 14 percent of the DRI for pantothenic acid, or B5. One cup also contains 60 mcg folate, which supplies 15 percent of the DRI. Folate assists in the production of new cells. It is also important for pregnant women, as it helps to prevent birth defects.

Fat-Soluble Vitamins

One cup of pomegranate juice contains no vitamin A, no vitamin D and less than 10 percent of the DRI for vitamin E. One cup does, however, provide more than 20 percent of the DRI for vitamin K. Vitamin K produces proteins that build strong bones and teeth. Proteins necessary for blood clotting are also produced by vitamin K.