Pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice PomegranateThe pomegranate is native to the region from Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan and has been cultivated and naturalized over the whole Mediterranean region and the Caucasus since ancient times. In the functional food industry, pomegranate is included in a novel category of exotic fruits called superfruits.Pomegranate aril juice provides about 16% of an adult's daily vitamin C requirement per 100 ml serving, and is a good source of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), potassium and antioxidant polyphenols.The most abundant polyphenols in pomegranate juice are the hydrolyzable tannins called punicalagins which have free-radical scavenging properties. Punicalagins are absorbed into the human body and may have dietary value as antioxidants.In preliminary laboratory research and human pilot studies, juice of the pomegranate has been found effective in reducing heart disease risk factors, including LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation, all of which are steps in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Tannins such as punicalagins have been identified as the primary components responsible for the reduction of oxidative stress which led to these risk factors. Pomegranate has been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure by inhibiting serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).Containing polyphenols which inhibit estrogen synthesis, pomegranate seed oil was effective against proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro.The juice may also have antiviral and antibacterial effects against dental plaque.Metabolites of pomegranate juice ellagitannins localize specifically in the prostate gland, colon and intestinal tissues of mice, leading to speculation that pomegranate juice or fruit extracts may be effective against prostate cancer, lung cancer or osteoarthritis.In 2008, 10 clinical trials in the United States, Israel and Norway were underway to examine the effects of pomegranate juice consumption on various diseases, such as prostate cancer or prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes or lymphoma. Nine studies have not concluded (April 2008) but interim reports released to the public media were that pomegranate juice may slow onset or development of prostate cancer (above). Additionally, a 461 patient phase III clinical study of the potential benefits of 16 weeks of consuming pomegranate juice concentrate against the influenza virus and common cold completed in June 2007, with no results yet reported.

In the functional food industry, pomegranate is included in a novel category of exotic fruits called superfruits.