When it comes to healthy drinks, pomegranate juice is the unsung hero we all need to revere a little more. There is plenty of hype surrounding cranberry juice, apple juice and (surprisingly) pickle juice. And while all of that is valid, pomegranate juice deserves just as much attention for its health benefits. When consumed in moderation, PJ can help promote heart health, keep your skin glowing and even help with your workouts. Check out 12 benefits of pomegranate juice below.
Extensive research has proven that pomegranate juice contains plenty of antioxidants, which help stave off inflammation within the body. For example, it's got lots of antioxidants called polyphenols, which have been known to combat unstable molecules that can cause damage to your cells and DNA over time.
In addition to being packed with antioxidants, pomegranate juice is chalk-full of vitamins. We’re talking vitamin C to help keep your blood vessels, bones and cartilage in tip-top condition, as well as vitamin K, to aid in healthy blood clotting and helping wounds to heal.
Because of its antioxidant potency, pomegranate juice can lower cholesterol if consumed regularly. This beverage has more antioxidant firepower than green tea and our other favorite red drink—red wine.
Good heart health means good blood pressure levels, and studies have shown that pomegranate juice can be an asset when fighting heart diseases. One study found that five ounces of pomegranate juice taken daily decreased blood pressure in people with hypertension within two weeks.
A 2013 study of middle-aged and older adults with mild memory complaints found that those who drank eight ounces of pomegranate juice per day over the course of four weeks had significantly improved memory than those who didn’t. The cause? The aforementioned polyphenols found in pomegranate juice.
Pomegranate juices’ plethora of antioxidants helps combat oxidative stress, which has been known to put a hamper on sperm functionality and decrease fertility in women. Moreover, pomegranate juice has the potential to boost testosterone levels in both men and women, which means a higher sex drive.
Finding tasty foods that are not detrimental to the sugar levels can be a Herculean task when it comes to managing diabetes. However, pomegranate juice might be an exception. While studies are still ongoing, there is evidence that pomegranate juice can decrease insulin resistance in diabetics and even regulate their fasting blood glucose (the blood glucose levels measured before you eat).
The effects of pomegranate juice on hair growth are well known, and since your hair and skin are all part of the integumentary system, it makes sense that PJ is a great asset for your skin as well. The drink can reduce appearance of wrinkles as vitamin C aids in collagen production; it can fight pesky acne; and it can even provide sun protection. Powerful as it is, consuming PJ doesn’t mean you abandon your skincare routine or be lackadaisical with the sunscreen application.
According to WebMD, scientists found that certain components of pomegranates may prevent and even slow the growth of certain types of breast cancer. “Phytochemicals [found in pomegranates] suppress estrogen production that prevents the proliferation of breast cancer cells and the growth of estrogen-responsive tumors,” researcher Shiuan Chen, PhD stated.
Swap that glass of milk with a glass of pomegranate juice to give your bones the boost they need. A 2013 study revealed that this multi-faceted drink has potential to prevent bone loss that comes from diseases such as osteoporosis.
Studies have also shown that pomegranate juice can relieve osteoarthritis pains due to its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, because of its positive impact on bone health, PJ can also prevent the onset of the bone condition in those who are likely to get it.
For the hardcore runners (and gym rats) out there, a bit of pomegranate in your system can combat that inevitable post-workout fatigue. A study of 19 athletes revealed that a gram of pom extract taken 30 minutes before running on a treadmill enhanced blood flow and subsequently delayed the onset of fatigue.
