Pomegranate juice has been in vogue for a while due to its antioxidant property. Studies have shown that it is beneficial for maintaining heart health, reducing inflammation, and slowing down the aging process.

In recent years, research has suggested its benefits to fight against prostate cancer. This article explains the power of pomegranate juice against prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer and Its Prevalence

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men. In the year 2020, approximately 191,930 new cases were estimated in the United States. There were 33,330 deaths due to prostate cancer in the same year.

The prostate gland is present only in men and is responsible for secreting a fluid that forms a part of semen. Prostate cancer is caused when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the prostate gland.

Its symptoms are difficult to spot as there are no early warning signs. A person may face urination problems, including pain while urinating, interrupted flow, frequent urination at night, or blood in urine, along with discomfort around the pelvic area and back pain.

These symptoms may not show up until the cancer has advanced. Hence, screening is essential, and men above 50 are advised to get screened yearly for prostate cancer.

Pomegranate Juice – A Prostate Cancer Fighter

Pomegranate juice is an excellent source of antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids that act as an anti-inflammatory agent.

The antioxidants neutralize free radicals whose accumulation in the body can cause damage to cells, leading to inflammation, DNA damage, and cancer. A higher intake of pomegranate juice can supplement antioxidant enzymes that reduce oxidative stress levels and prevent cellular damage.

Research on Pomegranate Juice and Prostate Cancer

A few studies have shown that the polyphenols and flavonoids contained in pomegranate have an inhibitory effect on the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.

Different strains of prostate cancer cell lines were treated with varying doses of pomegranate juice, revealing a considerable decrease in cancer cell growth and metastasis.

A study conducted in 2005 showed that after 30 days of drinking pomegranate juice, PSA levels (a protein in the blood produced by the prostate gland) decreased in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Lowering PSA levels, especially in cancer patients, suggests that the treatment is working. Another study conducted in 2013 revealed that pomegranate could inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells by modulating the expression of certain genes that are responsible for cancer growth.

Pomegranate Juice as a preventative measure against prostate cancer

Pomegranate juice has properties that help prevent the development of prostate cancer. It inhibits prostate tumor growth and cell migration, reducing the chances of cancer spreading to the surrounding tissues.

Lowering PSA levels provide an excellent indication that the prostate gland is healthy and free of cancer.

Pomegranate as a supplement to cancer treatment

Pomegranate juice can be an excellent supplement to prostate cancer treatment. It helps patients recover from surgery to remove the prostate gland by reducing inflammation in the reproductive tract.

Additionally, the anti-inflammatory property of the antioxidant helps ease post-surgery complications and pain contributing to a speedy recovery.

Dosage of Pomegranate Juice

While there is no clear-cut guideline on how much pomegranate juice to drink, studies suggest consuming eight ounces of the juice daily, or consuming 500mg of the fruit extract.

However, people with diabetes or high blood sugar should discuss their intake with a doctor as pomegranate juice is high in natural sugars.

Conclusion

Pomegranate juice is an excellent food supplement to fight prostate cancer.

It is a natural antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress levels, helps prevent prostate cancer’s development, and lowers PSA levels to ensure the prostate gland’s health. When combined with standard treatments, it can contribute to healthy recovery from treatment.