Pomegranate (Punica granatum, Punicaceae) juice has shown benefits in lowering blood pressure in people with hypertension,¹ improving myocardial perfusion in patients who have ischemic heart disease,² lengthening prostate-specific antigen double time in men with prostate cancer,³ and improving oxidative stress and diabetic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes.⁴

While pomegranate juice can be consumed on its own, the juice can also be added to mineral water with a bit of lime to make a refreshing fizzy drink. The juice can be made into ice cubes providing a splash of color to other beverages. It can provide the liquid ingredient in various smoothie recipes, used to make pomegranate/yogurt popsicles, and added to various alcoholic drinks as well.

Pomegranate juice can be used in baking also, such as in the following Orange and Pomegranate

Flourless Cake:

2 large oranges with peel 6 eggs 1/4 cup pomegranate juice 1 cup honey 1 1/4 cup almond meal 1 tsp baking powder

Preheat oven to 350. In a large pot, cover oranges with water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Simmer for 45 minutes. Remove oranges from water, cut in half, and remove seeds. In a blender, process oranges until smooth and add pomegranate juice. Mix eggs and sugar with whisk or whisk attachment until pale and stiff (5 min with mixer, 10 by hand). Fold in orange and pomegranate juice puree; then fold in baking powder and almond meal. Pour into greased and floured 10 inch cake pan, and bake for 40 min or until knife comes out clean.

References

¹Asgary S, Sahebkar A, Afshani MR, Keshvari M, Haghjooyjavanmard S, Rafieian-Kopaei M. Clinical evaluation of blood pressure lowering, endothelial function improving, hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects of pomegranate juice in hypertensive subjects. Phytother Res. March 2013; [epub ahead of print]. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4977.

²Sumner MD, Elliott-Eller M, Weidner G, et al. Effects of pomegranate juice consumption on myocardial perfusion in patients with coronary heart disease. Am J Cardiol. 2005;96(6):810-814.

³Pantuck A, Leppert J, Zomoraodian N, et al. Phase II study of pomegranate juice for men with rising prostate-specific antigen following surgery or radiation for prostate cancer Clin Cancer Res. 2006;12(13):4018-4026.

⁴Rosenblat M, Hayek T, Avairam M. Anti-oxidative effects of pomegranate juice (PJ) consumption by diabetic patients on serum and on macrophages. Antherosclerosis. 2006;186(2):363-371.