Pomegranate - the miracle super juice
The explosion of pomegranate juice has sent the natural health industry into an excitable spin. Supermarkets and health food stores appear to be struggling to keep up with demand with empty boxes and out of stock notes on shelves. Not only is it a delicious and refreshing drink, it is also rich in antioxidants and has potential for providing an array of health benefits, including slowing the progression of prostate cancer and lowering the risk of heart disease. Pomegranates contain more protective bioflazanoids than green tea or grapes.
The first clinical trial following a 3-year long pilot study has just been published. It found that one glass of pomegranate juice per day could slow the progress of prostate cancer. The men recruited in this latest study had a rising PSA (prostate-specific antigen) progression following primary therapy. They were treated with one glass of pomegranate juice daily and over 3 years scientists measured their PSA levels to calculate how fast they were taking to double. Prostate cancer patients who have short doubling times are more likely to die from the disease. This study showed that drinking daily pomegranate juice increased doubling time by almost four-fold.
Which juices are best?
Canned or boxed juices tend to be pasteurised, which compromises nutrients. Therefore to get maximum benefit buy them fresh, cut in half, and put straight in to a juicer. Two pomegranates or two fresh 250ml glasses of fresh juice per week provides overall health benefits.
