What are the benefits of POM Wonderful?
POM Wonderful is a brand of pomegranate juice made from fresh pomegranates. It first launched in 2002 and quickly became popular due to its bold taste and purported health benefits. But what exactly are the benefits of drinking POM Wonderful? Let’s take a closer look.
Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants
Pomegranates contain powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. These include tannins, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid. Antioxidants help protect your body from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and disease.
In fact, pomegranates contain over 100 different types of antioxidants. Some of the most abundant include:
| Antioxidant | Potential Benefits |
|---|---|
| Punicalagins | The most abundant antioxidants found in pomegranate juice, may help reduce inflammation in the body. |
| Anthocyanins | Plant pigments that give pomegranates their red color. May help protect against heart disease. |
| Ellagitannins | Break down into ellagic acid in the body. May help fight cancer cells. |
The punicalagins, anthocyanins, ellagitannins, and other antioxidants in POM Wonderful work together to combat free radicals and protect your cells.
May help protect against chronic diseases
The powerful antioxidants in pomegranate juice have been linked to health benefits, including:
- Heart health: Pomegranates may help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and reduce plaques in the arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
- Prostate cancer: Compounds in pomegranates may slow cancer cell reproduction and even induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.
- Breast cancer: Early research shows extracts of pomegranate may inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.
- Alzheimer’s disease: The antioxidants in pomegranates may help fight inflammation in the brain that contributes to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
- Obesity: Extracts of pomegranates may help reduce fat accumulation and weight gain.
- Diabetes: Some studies show pomegranate extracts can lower blood sugar, increase insulin sensitivity, and reduce other diabetes risk factors like inflammation.
More research is needed, but the potential health benefits of pomegranate juice are promising. POM Wonderful provides an easy way to get these benefits in juice form.
Rich in vitamins and minerals
In addition to antioxidants, pomegranates also supply a range of important vitamins and minerals, including:
| Vitamin | Percentage of Daily Value |
|---|---|
| Vitamin K | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 12% |
| Folate | 6% |
| Mineral | Percentage of Daily Value |
|---|---|
| Potassium | 12% |
| Phosphorus | 2% |
Vitamin K is important for blood clotting, while vitamin C boosts your immune system and helps produce collagen. Folate (vitamin B9) is crucial for cell growth and development. The minerals like potassium and phosphorus also play key roles in bone health, fluid balance, nerve transmission, and metabolism.
Contains beneficial plant compounds
In addition to vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, pomegranates contain other beneficial plant compounds such as:
- Punicic acid: An omega-5 fatty acid that may help reduce inflammation.
- Ursolic acid: Found in the peel, may help decrease cancer cell growth and insulin resistance.
- Punicalins: Found in the juice, have strong antioxidant activity.
Early research suggests these plant compounds may be responsible for many of the health benefits linked to pomegranate consumption.
Low in calories and sugars
Compared to some fruit juices and sodas, POM Wonderful is relatively low in calories and natural sugars:
| Beverage (8 oz) | Calories | Total Sugars (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple juice | 114 | 28 |
| POM Wonderful | 100 | 21 |
| Orange juice | 112 | 22 |
| Coca-cola | 96 | 26 |
With 100 calories and 21 grams of sugar per 8 oz serving, POM Wonderful provides the benefits of pomegranate juice without a big impact on your daily calorie intake.
Easy way to get pomegranate benefits
Drinking pomegranate juice is one of the simplest ways to take advantage of the health benefits of pomegranates. POM Wonderful makes it even easier by doing the work of juicing whole pomegranates for you.
It takes anywhere from 3-4 whole pomegranates to produce one 8 oz bottle of POM Wonderful juice. That would be a lot of work to accomplish on your own!
Bottled POM Wonderful juice retains most of the nutrients found in fresh pomegranates, including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It’s an effortless way to get these beneficial compounds into your diet.
Tips for buying and storing
Here are some tips for buying and storing POM Wonderful:
- Check the expiration date and choose bottles with the latest date.
- Make sure bottles are sealed properly to maintain freshness.
- After opening, store unused juice in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Drink bottles within 2-3 days for the best taste and potency.
- Avoid leaving opened bottles at room temperature or exposing them to sunlight, as this can degrade nutrients.
Following these storage tips will help preserve the flavor and maximize the antioxidant benefits of your POM Wonderful juice.
Possible downsides
POM Wonderful juice is generally considered safe, but there are a few potential downsides to consider:
- Contains natural sugar. People with diabetes or weight concerns may need to limit intake.
- High in oxalates. Individuals prone to kidney stones may want to moderate consumption.
- May interact with certain medications like blood thinners. Check with your doctor.
- Not a substitute for whole fruits and vegetables. Should be part of an overall healthy diet.
Drinking more than 1 cup (8 oz) per day is not recommended, as larger amounts have not been safety tested. As with any food, moderation is key.
The bottom line
POM Wonderful offers an easy and delicious way to get the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals found in fresh pomegranates. Regularly drinking this juice may provide health benefits related to heart disease, prostate cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, diabetes, and more.
However, keep in mind that POM Wonderful is still a sugary fruit juice that should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Look for 100% juice varieties without added sweeteners for the most benefits.
Overall, the research suggests pomegranate juice delivers key nutrients and plant compounds that can positively impact health. If you enjoy the tart, refreshing flavor of pomegranates, POM Wonderful is a nutritious beverage option.
