Pomegranate juice, made from pomegranate seeds, has a naturally sweet flavor, a vibrant ruby red color, and a variety of impressive health benefits.
Pomegranates have demonstrated the ability to have a positive effect on high cholesterol, inflammation, high blood pressure, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and other diseases. Pomegranate juice contains even higher levels of antioxidants than red wine or green tea. It has proven cancer-fighting capabilities and powerful anti-inflammatory effects as well.
Direct squeezing – directly squeezed juice is a juice made directly from fresh fruits or vegetables through mechanical processing and pressing.
Seek out only a 100 percent pure organic directly squeezed juice, while buying pomegranate juice in the store, not a blend.
And we are going to tell you about plenty useful benefits of the product – 7 (seven) amazing benefits of pomegranate juice – below
1) Boosts memory
Studies have demonstrated that pomegranate juice can be beneficial in terms of improving mental function. The polyphenols contained in pomegranate juice have been found to help protect neurons.
An interesting study was conducted in 2013. Participants were asked to consume 230 g pomegranate juice every day for four weeks. In this case, half of them drank a placebo – colored liquid with flavor and smell of juice – instead of juice. The participants who drank the placebo were randomly selected. It should be noted that the participating subjects were older and had memory complications typically associated with age. Researchers concluded that the 28 participants who had memory issues, notably improved both their verbal and visual memory after drinking juice daily. The study suggested that pomegranate juice boosts memory function by positively impacting brain activity.
There is also scientific evidence that suggests pomegranate juice is capable of fighting Alzheimer’s disease. This unique ability allows confidently put pomegranate juice in the first place of the list of products useful to the brain.
2) Helps Combat Cancer
Pomegranate fruit contains polyphenols and other compounds that have demonstrated positive effects on a variety of cancers.
Studies have shown that pomegranate is capable of slowing the spread of cancer cells, encouraging the death of cancer cells, and reducing inflammation. Each of these three effects is crucial in successfully battling cancer. In 2014, the University of Albany led a study that specifically demonstrated how pomegranate extract prevented the spread of certain cancer cells.
Pomegranate juice has also shown beneficial effects against prostate cancer. The Clinical Cancer Research published the results of the first clinical trial of pomegranate juice fighting against prostate cancer in 2006. Subjects (men with prostate cancer or men that had received treatment for prostate cancer) drank one cup (230 g) pomegranate juice and their condition was continuously monitored. Researchers discovered that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time was noticeably increased in the subjects.
To simplify, it is important, because PSA doubling time is a way of determining the life expectancy of a patient. The longer the time of doubling PSA, the more optimistic the forecast. In 2012, another study confirmed that pomegranate extract reduces the formation of human prostate cells. All of these studies once again confirm that pomegranate juice deserves a spot at the top of the list of cancer-fighting food.
3) REDUCES INFLAMMATION
Inflammatory processes accompany almost any disease. Pomegranates as well as pomegranate juice have proven anti-inflammatory capabilities.
In 2012, the American medical journal Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine published a study result that clearly demonstrated the activity of pomegranate juice in the gut. The study utilized all portions of the whole fruit, including the peel, juice, and flowers. Ultimately, the researchers confirmed the powerful antiulcer effect of pomegranate.
Another study examined the effect of pomegranate juice on patients with type 2 diabetes. In conclusion, pomegranate’s ability to reduce inflammation levels was confirmed. Researchers proved that regular consumption of pomegranate juice (a little over a cup per day for 12 weeks) reduces the inflammatory markers in participants. In particular, such markers as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein decreased by 32% and the stimulation factor of B cells reduced by 30%.
4) SAVES HEART HEALTH
Since pomegranate juice has a beneficial effect on blood pressure, it is logical that it boosts heart health. A high content of antioxidants helps support the health of the heart.
The journal Clinical Nutrition published the results of a research that studied the effect of pomegranate juice on the stenosis of the internal carotid artery – the narrowing of two key arteries located in the neck that carries blood from the heart to the brain. Participants suffering from this disease with the help of pomegranate juice reduced their blood pressure by 12% and reduced their formation of atherosclerotic plaques by 30%. Plaque in these two key arteries actually increased by 9 percent in patients who did not consume pomegranate juice over the same period.
Overall, the study discovered that pomegranate juice significantly lowers the risk of plaque formation in the carotid arteries, reduces blood pressure, and reduces low-density lipoproteins (LDL) oxidation.
5) Improves Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common disorders that result in joint degeneration. Certain studies have shown that pomegranate juice may help protect cartilage by decreasing inflammation. This protective ability is thought to be a result of pomegranate’s high levels of antioxidants.
In 2016, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of pomegranate juice on patients with osteoarthritis. A total of 38 subjects with osteoarthritis of the knee took part in the study. They consumed daily a cup of pomegranate juice and some of them drank a placebo instead of juice during the six weeks. Researchers noted that the consumption of pomegranate juice improved mobility, decreased ossification, decreased the concentration of substances destroying the cartilaginous tissue, and boosted antioxidant status.
6) Decreases Blood Pressure
The high level of antioxidants in pomegranate juice can lower high blood pressure (hypertension) naturally. A meta-analysis (examination of data from several studies) of pomegranate juice in 2016 made it possible to evaluate its effect on the regulation of blood pressure. In particular, it concluded that the consumption of pomegranate juice has a permanent positive effect on blood pressure. Researchers added, “it makes sense to include this juice in the diet of heart patients.”
7) Provides High Levels of Antioxidants
Pomegranate juice contains the highest concentration of antioxidants, which help fight diseases and improve health. Pomegranates are one of the best choices those who are looking to include more high-antioxidant foods in their diet. Pomegranate juice contains a tannin called punicalagin as well as several other powerful antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, polyphenols, ellagic acid derivatives, and hydrolyzable tannin.
The American Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry published a study that clearly shows a number of antioxidants in pomegranate juice is much higher than their concentration in red wine and green tea.
Is Pomegranate Juice the Healthiest?
Pomegranate juice is made from pomegranates – fruits that grow on stunted trees. Pomegranates were first grown in southeastern Europe and Asia. Eventually, missionaries transported pomegranates to Mexico and California. From one large pomegranate, you can get a quarter or a half glass of juice. The most nutritious part of the fruit is the seeds, so the juice is made from them. One cup of pomegranate juice contains about:
- 135 calories;
- 33 grams of carbohydrates;
- 0.2-gram fiber
- 0.4 gram of protein
- 0.7 gram of fat
- 3 percent of daily value of niacin
- 3 percent of daily value of copper
- 3 percent of daily value of calcium
- 3 percent of daily value of phosphorus
- 4 percent of daily value of magnesium
- 5 percent of daily value of Vitamin E
- 32 percent of daily value of Vitamin K
- 12 percent of daily value of manganese
- 15 percent of daily value of folate
- 15 percent of daily value of potassium
Pomegranate Juice Compared to Other Types of Juices
There are plenty of juices that are made from fruits easy to eat, such as grapes or oranges. Alternatively, pomegranates are not very easy to eat. Not everyone knows how to properly cut and clean this hard-to-get round fruit. Although the inclusion of pomegranate seeds in the diet is extremely important, it is much easier to use this product in the form of juice. The added convenience of the juice means it is easier to incorporate it into your diet rather than the seeds.
A recent study from UCLA determined the top 10 healthy juices. Of course, exactly pomegranate juice was the winner (with a 20 percent higher antioxidant content than any of the other juices). The juices were ranked according to their antioxidant content, ability to stop LDL oxidation, and total polyphenol content.
The rankings of the juices are as follows:
- Pomegranate juice
- Red grape juice
- Blueberry juice
- Black cherry juice
- Acai berry juice
- Cranberry juice
- Orange juice
- Apple juice
What Amount of Pomegranate Juice Is Considered Healthy?
Although there is no single recommendation on this matter, around 200-300 grams of pomegranate juice per day is considered safe and healthy for most people. This dosage of juice is completely safe and useful. Again, only 100% pure natural juice with no added sugar should be consumed.
In special conditions, the following dosages are used:
- Atherosclerosis: 50 g per day
- Prostate cancer: 230 g per day
Fresh pomegranate seeds or juice typically last up to five days when stored in the refrigerator. If you are unable to use it up within that time, you can freeze it to keep it fresh.
How to choose the best pomegranate juice?
If you do not have the time or desire to make your own pomegranate juice from fresh pomegranates, buy 100% natural directly squeezed pomegranate juice, for example, Grante. It has the following benefits:
- it is 100% pure, not from concentrate
- has all the necessary quality certificates
- each bottle contains juice made from 3 (three) kg pomegranates squeezed by cold pressing method
- Available in non-toxic environmentally friendly glass bottles.
- relatively inexpensive
Precautions and Drug Interactions of Pomegranate Juice
Most people will not experience any negative side effects from consuming pomegranate juice. However, it is possible that some may have an allergy to pomegranates. Like any other juice, pomegranate juice should be taken with caution to diabetics and people with high blood sugar. Fruit juice contains a fairly large amount of sugars. Diabetics should discuss with their physician. If you have low blood pressure, be aware that pomegranate juice may lower it a bit more. Since pomegranate juice affects blood pressure, it is recommended to avoid pomegranate juice, or fresh pomegranate for at least two weeks prior to surgery.
Similar to grapefruit, pomegranate can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications.
Final Thoughts
Since fresh pomegranates provide the same health benefits as pomegranate juice with less sugar and more fiber, it is recommended sometimes to replace the juice with fresh pomegranate seeds. However, given that the use of pomegranate in the form of juice is much easier, in most cases you can limit it to.
Drinking pomegranate juice is a convenient way to reap the benefits of pomegranate on a regular basis. As long as you stick to 100 percent pure, unsweetened pomegranate juice, you cannot be afraid that you overdoing with sugar. At the same time, you will enrich your diet with the most important nutrients – antioxidants, potassium, vitamin K, folic acid, and more.
Scientific research confirms that pomegranate juice can lead to a wide range of health benefits. It helps fight cancer, lower high blood pressure, strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves osteoarthritis, boosts memory, and fights against inflammatory processes.