The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. It produces fluid that enriches and protects sperm. As a man ages, the prostate is prone to enlargement that can become problematic in men over age 60. Complications associated with prostate enlargement include prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatodynia and cancer. The pomegranate fruit is purported to promote prostate health. Ongoing research shows promise that it may aid in slowing prostate cancer progression.
Prostate Complications
The prostate can swell or enlarge. As men get older the hormone testosterone decreases, which may have an impact on prostate gland growth, notes the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, prostatitis and prostatodynia all result in enlargement of the prostate that usually is not life-threatening and generally can be treated with antibiotics or a minor operation to widen the urethral passage. Prostate cancer, however, is life-threatening and results from abnormal cells that can spread and invade other parts of your body. Prostate cancer is slow to develop, but progression can be reduced with medical intervention and lifestyle changes.
Prostate and Pomegranate Research
A 2006 study published in "Clinical Cancer Research" reports the protective chemicals and antioxidants in pomegranate juice reduce the biomarker, prostate-specific antigen, that indicates the presence of prostate cancer in men. The study, conducted by UCLA Dr. Allan Pantuck and others, had such significantly positive results that there is a possibility using pomegranate juice early in life may stave off prostate cancer altogether. However, research is ongoing and researchers added that pomegranate juice is by no means a cure nor is the exact mechanism of action understood enough to make substantial claims of a cancer-protective benefit.
Daily Pomegranate Consumption
The pomegranate fruit is widely available in local markets, but it is native to India and Asian countries. The beneficial portion of the fruit is in the seeds located inside the fruit. The seeds can be consumed directly or made into a juice. No standard daily dose of pomegranate juice has been established. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests drinking at least 8 oz. of pomegranate juice daily for prostate protective benefits. If you purchase ready-made pomegranate juice opt for 100 percent juice with no added sugars.
Considerations and Precautions
Pomegranate juice may interact with medications, including those to lower your blood pressure and for high cholesterol. Consult your physician before drinking pomegranate juice daily if you are taking medications. If you experience the sudden urgent need to urinate, difficulty in urination, discomfort from urinating, blood in the urine or problems with erection a prostate check may be warranted to rule out enlargement or related prostate problems.
References
- Prostate Cancer Research Institute; Pomegranates and Prostate Health; A Research Report; Mark Dreher, Ph.D.; August 2008
- UCLA Newsroom; Pomegranate Juice Helps Keep PSA Levels Stable in Men With Prostate Cancer; Kim Irwin; July 3, 2006
- MayoClinic.com; Pomegranate Juice; A Cure for Prostate Cancer?; Erik P. Castle, M.D.; Nov. 30, 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Pomegranate
- Clinical Cancer Research; Phase II Study of Pomegranate Juice...For Prostate Cancer; Allan J. Pantuck et al; July 1, 2006
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Prostate Enlargement; Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
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