How Pomegranate May Protect Against Cancer
By Lynn Dicurie
Pomegranates are best known for their ability to improve arterial health.
Accumulating data have demonstrated that pomegranate has cancerprotective properties as well.1-3
Some of the most promising findings on pomegranate extracts show their ability to impede progression of prostate cancer. Additional studies indicate that pomegranate may protect against breast and colon cancer as well.4,5
Dietary factors are increasingly recognised as playing a role in cancer development. More than 70% of certain malignancies—like colorectal cancer—are related to diet and lifestyle factors.6
Studies show that high fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with lower cancer incidence.6 That’s especially true when diets include large amounts of polyphenols from specific plant foods.7
The challenge is that, while adding polyphenol-rich foods to our diets is beneficial, it doesn’t always provide enough polyphenols to exert a meaningful effect on prevention.6 That’s where pomegranate extracts may play a crucial role.