Can Drinking Pomegranate Juice Benefit Your Health?

Pomegranate juice has become a popular drink, in large part due to much-trumpeted health claims. Pomegranates are the fruit of the Punica granatum tree. The fruit itself is bitter, so only the seeds are eaten. One pomegranate has nearly 30 milligrams (mg) of vitamin 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.

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:

• Calories: 134
• Total Fat: < 1 g
• Protein: < 1 g
• Carbohydrate: 32 g
• Fiber: < 1 g
• Potassium: 533 mg
• Magnesium: 17 mg
  

Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

Much of the research on pomegranate and pomegranate juice is preliminary. Studied conditions included:

• Heart health
• Inflammation
• Infection
• Dental plaque
  

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.

Authors of a 2024 review noted that individuals with baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) greater than 130 mmHg had a significantly greater reduction in SBP compared to individuals with baseline SBP less than 130 mmHg. They also noted that additional high-quality studies are still needed.

Other research suggested pomegranate juice had an impact on the following heart health indications:

• Blood pressure
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) ("bad") cholesterol
• Triglyceride levels
• Hypertension
• Atherosclerosis (fatty plaque build-up in the insides of your arteries)
• Coronary artery disease
• Peripheral artery disease

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 control dental 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 to periodontitis (an inflammatory gum disease).

Other Uses

Research is ongoing into other health effects of pomegranate, including:

• Cancer prevention
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
• Diabetes
• Erectile dysfunction
• Kidney disease

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:

• Itching
• Swelling
• Runny nose
• Difficulty breathing
• Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction)

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.

Interactions

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:

• Lipitor (atorvastatin)
• Mevacor (lovastatin)
• Zocor (simvastatin)

The combination of pomegranate and statins may cause rhabdomyolysis, 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:

• Antiarrhythmics: Drugs for irregular heart rhythms, including Cordarone (amiodarone), Norpace (disopyramide), and quinidine
• Anticoagulants: Drugs that affect blood coagulation, like Jantoven (warfarin)
• Calcium channel blockers: Drugs that lower blood pressure, including Plendil (felodipine), Cardene (nicardipine), Procardia (nifedipine), Nimotop (nimodipine), and Sular (nisoldipine)
• Immunosuppressants: Drugs for autoimmune disease, including Sandimmune (cyclosporine), Neoral (cyclosporine), and Prograf (tacrolimus)
• Protease inhibitors: Anti-retroviral drugs, including Norvir (ritonavir)

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, liquify pomegranate seeds in a blender. Then strain the juice to remove any unwanted roughage.

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.