Written by Guest Contributor, Denise Gerlach. Denise has worked in the oncology industry for over 10 years and holds certificates from Cornell University in Nutrition and Healthy Living as well as Plant-Based Nutrition.
Whether or not pomegranate juice is good for breast cancer patients is a question that has floated around the internet for a while now. While some lab and animal tests have proven promising, the jury is still out.
Nutritional Benefits of Pomegranate Juice
We know that pomegranate juice contains phytochemical compounds, including flavonoids, which are known antioxidants. Pomegranates also contain a unique enzyme called punicalagin that may reduce the synthesis of estrogen in post-menopausal women – which may, in turn, reduce the risk of developing certain types of breast cancer.
Scientists are also studying the effect of pomegranate juice on other types of cancer, as well as many other health issues. In studies on rodents, pomegranate juice was shown to reduce the development, growth, and spread of prostate cancer cells. Other studies have indicated that pomegranates and their juice may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, boost digestion, support joint health, and reduce insulin resistance.
It’s important to remember that while these studies do show promise, more extensive, well-controlled studies are needed for us to really understand the impact of pomegranate juice on breast cancer and other diseases.
What we do know for sure is that pomegranates and pomegranate juice have lots of nutritional value! They are a good source of vitamins C, K, and E, as well as iron, calcium, folate, magnesium, and potassium.
How to Incorporate Pomegranate Juice into your Diet
Looking for ways to add some pomegranate to your diet? Add pomegranate juice to your smoothies or mix with seltzer water for a refreshing mocktail. You can also make a simple salad dressing by combining pomegranate juice with white balsamic or red wine vinegar and olive oil – and throw some pomegranate seeds in the salad while you’re at it for an extra boost of flavor, color, and nutrition!
Pomegranates and pomegranate juice may interact with some medications. Be sure to ask your doctor if you plan to add them to your diet. You’ll especially want to ask your doctor if you have any surgeries scheduled, as pomegranates and juice may affect blood pressure and interact with blood thinners.
So is pomegranate juice good for breast cancer patients? As with all foods, moderation is the key. Pomegranates may not be the cure-all for everything that ails us. However, including some in your diet (with your doctor’s permission, of course) might just give your health a little boost!
