Pomegranate juice a new weapon in fight against prostate cancer : Pomegranate juice may help reduce men’s risk of developing prostate cancer, according to a new study. A research team from the University of California studies the effects of pomegranate juice on 50 men who had undergone treatment for prostate cancer. The team measured levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood, to determine the level of prostate cancer cells. It was found that in men drinking pomegranate juice it took 54 months for PSA levels to double, compared with just 15 months for men who did not drink the beverage. Lead researcher Dr Allan Pawtuck, said: “I was surprised when I saw such an improvement in PSA numbers.”In older men aged 65 to 70 who have been treated for prostate cancer, we can give them pomegranate juice and it may be possible for them to outlive their risk of dying from their cancer.” “We’re hoping we may be able to prevent or delay the need for other therapies usually used in this population such as hormone treatment or chemotherapy, both of which bring with them harmful side effects.” Pomegranate juice has long been recognized as a major source of antioxidants, in addition to having well-documented anti-inflammatory effects. The fruit also contains ellagic acid, poly-phenols, and isoflavones commonly found in soy, all of which help prevent cancer by supporting gene-nutrient interactions and antioxidation. However, the researchers freely admitted that they were unsure precisely which ingredient in pomegranate juice is so effective in fighting prostate cancer.
