Pomegranate Lowers Cancer Risk
“Pomegranate Lowers Cancer Risk” A January 2025 study published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition found that pomegranates deserve a regular spot in your diet. Researchers from various countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Africa, Bangladesh, Korea, and Nigeria, have highlighted the potential benefits of incorporating diverse vegetables and fruits into one’s diet. According to the study, this could prevent at least 20% of cancer cases and approximately 200,000 cancer-related deaths annually.
Potent Anti-Cancer Properties
The study emphasized the particularly potent pomegranate. Extensive research on pomegranate extract, fruit, oil, and juice revealed promising findings regarding their potential anti-proliferative, anti-tumorigenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. These benefits are achieved by modifying various signalling pathways related to cancer, demonstrating the potential of pomegranate as a preventive and therapeutic agent against cancer.
Inhibiting Cancer Growth
The researchers reviewed animal and laboratory studies and concluded that pomegranates can potentially prevent and treat various cancers, including prostate, bladder, breast, skin, lung, and colon. This is largely due to the cytotoxic and anti-proliferative properties of the antioxidants in pomegranates, which inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Polyphenol Content
Pomegranates’ benefits come primarily from their high polyphenol content, which protects cells through antioxidant effects. Flavonoids and tannins in pomegranates can lower cancer risk by suppressing chronic inflammation, halting tumour development (tumorigenesis), preventing tumours from securing a blood supply (angiogenesis), and slowing rapid cell growth (hyperproliferation).
Preventing Metastatic Disease
These mechanisms could also reduce the risk of developing metastatic disease. This means that people diagnosed with cancer who frequently consume pomegranates could be less likely to see their cancer spread to other body parts.
Broader Health Benefits
Beyond their impact on cancer risk, pomegranates offer broader health benefits. They can improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, reduce chronic inflammation, prevent muscle damage, and correct abnormal hormone levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Modern Science
In modern times, one serving of pomegranate seeds, technically called “arils,” is half a cup, while one cup or eight ounces, of pomegranate juice, is one cup.
Thanks to their diverse and potent properties, incorporating pomegranates into your diet could contribute to overall health and well-being. Ultimately, “Pomegranate Lowers Cancer Risk” provides numerous health benefits supporting a healthier lifestyle.
