Pomegranate has garnered increasing popularity as a super food. Research on pomegranate and its juice have shown promising health benefits, from anti-aging to slowing the spread of some cancers. To gain the full benefit of pomegranate juice, make sure to buy 100 percent juice with no sugar, fructose, corn syrup or other fillers.
Pomegranate Research
According to a review of pomegranate research published in the December 2010 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Plants Research," benefits of pomegranate juice include antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. This review highlighted more than 100 studies. Although most studies were performed in vitro or in animals, clinical studies in humans supporting the benefits of pomegranate in therapeutics, such as the prevention of infection, inflammation, anti-aging and cancer, are increasing.
Prostate Cancer Prevention
Manuela Martins-Green and her research team from the University of California, Riverside, have identified components in pomegranate juice that could lead to new therapies for preventing cancer metastasis. The Martins-Green lab applied pomegranate juice on laboratory-cultured prostate cancer cells. The research showed pomegranate juice inhibits a protein required for cancer cells to move and metastasize. In fact, pomegranate juice markedly inhibits the function of this protein, and thus this juice has the potential of preventing metastasis of the prostate cancer cells to the bone.
Inflammation
Pomegranate juice might help in treating inflammatory diseases. Research published in the January 2009 issue of the "Journal of Inflammation" showed that pomegranate juice suppresses mast cells and basophils. These cells play a key role in inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory arthritis. In the case of arthritis, drinking pomegranate juice is suggested to prevent cartilage breakdown. Eight to 12 oz. per day is recommended. Drinking pomegranate juice might be of value for the treatment of other inflammatory diseases in which mast cells play an active role.
Skin
Pomegranate juice is full of antioxidants, including calcium, iron, folic acid, potassium and vitamins C, E and A. Antioxidants help fight the effect of free radicals, harmful molecules that cause damage on a cellular level. This damage can present itself as signs of aging and the development of chronic disease. Antioxidants help extend the life of cells and aid in the body's ability to heal.
References
- "Journal of Medicinal Plants Research"; Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.): A medicinal plant with myriad biological properties - A short review; Miguel et al.; 2010
- Natural News; Fight prostate cancer with pomegranates; Benson; 2010
- Science Daily; Pomegranate Juice Components Could Stop Cancer from Spreading, Research Suggests; 2010
- "Journal of Inflammation"; Polyphenol-rich pomegranate fruit extract (POMx) suppresses PMACI-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the activation of MAP Kinases and NF-κB in human KU812 cells; Rasheed et al.; 2009
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