Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNutritionHealth BenefitsSide EffectsInteractionsStorage
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Nutrition
Health Benefits
Side Effects
Interactions
Storage
Pomegranatejuice has become a popular drink, in large part due to much-trumpeted health claims. Pomegranates are the fruit of thePunica granatumtree. The fruit itself is bitter, so only the seeds are eaten. One pomegranate has nearly 30 milligrams (mg) ofvitamin C, about 40% of the daily recommendation.
Pomegranate has been studied for its effects on lowering inflammation, improving heart health, and more. Research supports some health claims but has also found some safety concerns.
This article reviews research on pomegranate juice’s uses, benefits, side effects, and interactions.
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Nutrients in Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice contains more than 30 nutrients and biologically active substances, including antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and minerals like potassium and magnesium.
A one-cup serving of pomegranate juice contains:
Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice
Much of the research on pomegranate and pomegranate juice is preliminary. Studied conditions included:
Heart Health
A review of research says pomegranate juice may lower blood pressure and improve high blood pressure (hypertension) risk factors.
A recent randomized controlled trial similarly demonstrated that eight weeks of pomegranate juice consumption showed beneficial effects on blood pressure.
Another review showed pomegranate juice lowered systolic blood pressure when 10 ounces was consumed daily, but more pomegranate juice showed no effect and the blood pressure benefit was lost after two months.
Other research suggested pomegranate juice had an impact on the following heart health indications:
It’s important to note that most studies have not been done on humans, so it’s challenging to say what benefits there are without further human studies. More research is needed to confirm pomegranate juice’s benefits.
Inflammation
A review of studies suggests pomegranate may help fight chronic inflammation. It may have use in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
A more recent meta-analysis and systematic review also revealed the potential of pomegranate products to fight inflammation.
Finally, a study assessed the effects of 500 mL (about 16 ounces) of pomegranate juice on inflammatory markers and complete blood counts (CBC) in people hospitalized with COVID-19. The results indicated pomegranate juice might slightly improve the inflammatory status and CBC outcomes of COVID-19.
However, more extensive and better-designed trials are needed.
Infection
Inflammation is part of the immune response to infection. Studies suggest pomegranate juice may help ward off infections. In one study, people undergoing dialysis had fewer hospitalizations for infections and fewer signs of inflammation.More research is needed to confirm these claims.
Dental Plaque
Limited evidence suggests pomegranate juice may help controldental plaque.
In a small study, 30 people used either a pomegranate dental rinse, an antiseptic dental rinse, or water. Researchers found the pomegranate solution performed just as well as the antiseptic solution. It had no adverse side effects.
It also appeared to inhibit the growth of germs that contribute toperiodontitis(an inflammatory gum disease).
Other Uses
Research is ongoing into other health effects of pomegranate, including:
More research is needed to determine whether pomegranate is safe and effective for these conditions.
What Are the Side Effects of Pomegranate Juice?
Pomegranate juice consumed in moderate amounts is most likely safe for most people. But certain people should exercise caution.
It’s possible to be allergic to pomegranate, which can cause:
If you have oral allergy syndrome, you may be sensitive to pomegranate.This condition involves allergies to birch pollen and many fruits.
Some people have digestive side effects from pomegranate, such as diarrhea, which is the most common. Pomegranate root, stem, and peel contain substances that may be harmful in large amounts.
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your needs.
Pomegranate juice may also interact negatively with some medications. Some early evidence suggests combining pomegranate with statins (cholesterol-lowering drugs) is dangerous.Statins include but are not limited to the following:
The combination of pomegranate and statins may causerhabdomyolysis, a serious condition involving the breakdown of muscle fibers and possibly kidney failure.This may be due to pomegranates blocking an enzyme in the intestines, allowing you to absorb more medication.Grapefruit juice is better known for this effect, and many medication labels warn against drinking it.
Pomegranate juice may interact with other medications, such as:
It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Review any supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Pomegranate Juice
You’ll find pomegranate juice at most grocery stores. It may be in the juice aisle or alongside whole fruit.
Organic juice may help you avoid harmful chemicals. Check the label to see if other juices or sweeteners are added.
Consider whether you want pasteurized juice. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria, but it may also kill other nutritional compounds in the juice.
Some people choose to make their own fresh pomegranate juice. To do this, liquifypomegranate seedsin a blender. Then strain the juice to remove any unwanted roughage.
Buying Fresh PomegranatesYou’ll find the best pomegranates when the fruit is in season, from late summer to early winter. Here are some other tips for buying whole pomegranates:A ripe pomegranate should feel heavy.The skin should be bright or deep red and feel firm and leathery.Browning means it’s likely past its prime.Abrasions on the skin don’t affect its quality.
Buying Fresh Pomegranates
You’ll find the best pomegranates when the fruit is in season, from late summer to early winter. Here are some other tips for buying whole pomegranates:A ripe pomegranate should feel heavy.The skin should be bright or deep red and feel firm and leathery.Browning means it’s likely past its prime.Abrasions on the skin don’t affect its quality.
You’ll find the best pomegranates when the fruit is in season, from late summer to early winter. Here are some other tips for buying whole pomegranates:
Summary
Some early evidence suggests pomegranate juice may improve heart health, fight inflammation and infection, and prevent dental plaque. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Ask your healthcare provider if pomegranate juice is safe for you. It may cause side effects, like diarrhea, allergies, or adverse drug interactions in some people.
27 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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