Pomegranate Protects Prostate

Studies in the past year from the US are showing compelling evidence that consumption of pomegranate may be able to fend off prostate cancer. In 2005, researchers at the University of Wisconsin discovered that when human prostate cancer cells were exposed to pomegranate juice, they died. This study was confirmed in humans in Clinical Cancer Research in 2006 by researchers at the University of California. Fifty men, who had undergone surgery or radiation therapy for prostate cancer, but who had been identified at risk for further recurrence, were selected for the trial. Researchers measured the rate of time it took for the prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels to double. An increased PSA indicates the potential for advancement of the condition; shorter doubling times indicate that the cancer is advancing quickly. Although a standard doubling time is 15 months, men consuming just 8 ounces (250 mL) of pomegranate juice daily increased their average doubling time to 54 months. Some men in the study had suppressed PSA levels after three years, despite having received no other treatment beyond the daily pomegranate juice.