Pomegranate juice may protect against prostate cancer

September 27, 2006 in Cancer Prevention, Men's Health, Nutrition Topics in the News

Pomegranate juice may protect against prostate cancer

Recent study findings from researchers at the University of California add to the growing evidence of the health benefits associated with drinking pomegranate juice. The preliminary findings suggest that pomegranate juice slows the return of aggressive tumours.

In the study, researchers recruited 46 men who still had detectable PSA levels after undergoing surgery or radiation therapy for a prostate tumour -- a sure sign of aggressive cancer.

This prostate specific antigen, or PSA -- is made in the prostate gland. Elevated levels in the blood may signal cancer, or the return of a prostate tumour after previous treatment.

Study participants were assigned to drink eight ounces (237 ml) of pomegranate juice daily until their symptoms progressed.

At the start of the study, the average time it took for the men's PSA levels to double, which is a key indicator of disease progression was 15 months. Researchers found that after treatment with pomegranate juice, this increased to 54 months.

While researchers do not indicate that drinking pomegranate juice can prevent or cure prostate cancer, the data suggests that daily use of this fruit drink may inhibit the progression or growth of the disease. Further studies are needed to identify the exact mechanism by which pomegranate juice may offer health benefits.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.