Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has been used in many different medical contexts across cultures and borders throughout history.
In this article, we have attempted to gather and present the scientific evidence that pomegranate and pomegranate juice have a real impact on human health problems.
As pomegranate juice can be used as a dietary supplement, we have also reviewed the precautions for daily consumption of the juice. At the end of the article you will also find two recipes for pomegranate juice.
Properties of pomegranate juice
Although the link between pomegranate juice's effect on human health problems is not yet known, there are several studies that suggest that pomegranate juice may have beneficial properties for human health. However, it should be emphasized that there is no scientific evidence that pomegranate juice can be used to treat the following diseases or their symptoms:
Cancer
Studies have shown that extracts from pomegranate juice, peel and oil can slow down the rate of cancer cell division and possibly speed up their death. Some extracts may also reduce blood flow to tumors, starving them and reducing their size. Most of these studies have been done on breast and prostate cancer cells. A few have also been done on lung cancer, where pomegranate juice extract was used to reduce cancer tumors in mice. What most of these studies have in common, however, is that they have been conducted in test tubes or on animals – not humans.
Prostate cancer
A study has shown that men who had undergone surgery or radiation treatment for prostate cancer could extend the time it took for their PSA to double by drinking 236 ml of pomegranate juice every day (PSA is short for prostate specific antigen and for prostate cancer patients, a short doubling period equals an increased risk of death from prostate cancer). The men in the study were able to increase the period from around 15 months to around 54 – a significant increase.
Cardiovascular disease
The high antioxidant content of pomegranates has led researchers to wonder if pomegranates can be used to cure cardiovascular disease; and pomegranate juice seems to protect against LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol).
- A study from 2000 showed that pomegranate juice can reduce the accumulation of LDL cholesterol in mice with arteriosclerosis
- Some smaller studies have shown that pomegranate juice can improve blood circulation and stop blood vessels from thickening (an essential problem in cardiovascular disease)
- Initial studies have suggested that drinking pomegranate juice daily can lower systolic blood pressure
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs when joint cartilage wears down, causing pain and stiffness in the joints. Some researchers believe that certain antioxidants in pomegranates may help block the inflammation that contributes to the deterioration of joint cartilage. In other words, antioxidants may be a possible treatment for osteoarthritis, which is a very common disease that affects up to half the population as they age.
NOTE: The above are only excerpts from medical studies and are not a basis for self-medication or the like. Similarly, they are not scientific evidence that pomegranate juice can be used to treat diseases. It is always recommended that you see a doctor if you are ill.
Precautionary measures
The use of herbal products – which includes pomegranate juice – may interact with other herbal products, supplements or medications (see section “Interaction” below). Therefore, these should only be used in consultation with your healthcare practitioner.
However, drinking 200 – 350 ml of pomegranate juice on a daily basis is considered safe (for adults). You should consult your doctor before giving pomegranate juice to children on a daily basis and under no circumstances should you exceed 170 ml per day.
In addition, the following precautions apply:
- If you have diabetes, you should consult your doctor before you start drinking pomegranate juice (or other fruit juices)
- If you have diarrhea, avoid pomegranate juice and products containing pomegranate extract completely
- Pregnant women can drink pomegranate juice, but should not take pomegranate extract as it may contain pomegranate peel
Interaction
Although little is known by experts, there is some evidence that pomegranate juice may interact (develop a negative reaction in the body) with some medications (much like grapefruit juice does, for example). If you are taking any of the following medications, under no circumstances should you drink pomegranate juice without talking to your doctor first:
- ACE inhibitors (used for high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney damage and diabetes)
- Blood pressure medication
- Statins (cholesterol-lowering medication)
- Warfarin/Coumadin (blood thinners)
Recipes for pomegranate juice
Pomegranate juice can either be bought ready-made or pressed at home. The advantage of juicing pomegranates yourself is that you avoid preservatives, sugar, etc. and also ensure that the vitamin content of the pomegranates is preserved.
Pomegranates can be juiced in several ways, but the simplest are:
- Juicer: A regular juicer – which is usually used for juicing lemons or oranges – can also be used to juice pomegranates. If necessary, remove the seeds continuously during the juicing process
- Squeezing inside the fruit: As the pomegranate peel is quite tough, you can squeeze the juice inside the fruit by rolling it against a hard surface. When you hear cracking or crunching sounds from inside the fruit, the juice has been released from the seeds and flesh. You can now cut a hole in the fruit and squeeze the pomegranate juice into a glass or bowl. Alternatively, you can drill a small hole and stick a straw into the fruit to drink the juice directly from the fruit
The pre-pressed juice can be mixed with other types of juice, such as orange, grapefruit, apple, etc. You can also add sugar (pomegranates bought in Denmark are rarely as sweet as those available in the south).
NOTE: Pomegranate juice can leave permanent stains on clothes – so be careful when pressing them!