Pomegranate Extract vs. Juice

You may have heard about some of the health benefits of consuming pomegranate, a fruit that is rich in antioxidants. With all of the interest in pomegranate, there are now different ways to consume it, such as in the form of juice or as extract in liquid and dry powder forms. Read on to find out more about the benefits of the different options.

Pomegranate extract benefits

Pomegranate extract, derived both from the seed and peel, may be consumed as a dietary supplement and has been shown to have a number of potential health benefits. Pomegranate peel extract is rich in polyphenols, as the peel contains 10.4%–21.3% tannins.^[1] Pomegranate seeds are about 18% oil, and pomegranate seed oil may be consumed.^[2]

Pomegranate extract has been shown to be anti-inflammatory, mainly due to the ellagitannins and ellagic acid it contains.^[3] For example, a study in rats demonstrated that administration of pomegranate extract led to a decrease in inflammation after a surgical procedure.^[4] As inflammation is associated with a number of chronic conditions, pomegranate extract holds promise when it comes to disease prevention.

Research also points to the numerous benefits of all of the different polyphenol compounds in pomegranate peel extract. These compounds include ellagic acid, which has lots of functions in the body, including:

• Anti-oxidation
• Anti-tumor
• Anti-inflammatory
• Neuroprotection
• Anti-viral
• and anti-bacterial.^[5]

Some of the research on pomegranate extract relates specifically to conditions affecting women. In a study performed in rats, the use of pomegranate juice extract was found to lead to an improvement in endometrial function and structure in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. ^[6]The research suggests that consumption may provide some benefits for those suffering from this illness.

Pomegranate extract has also been shown to have some potential health benefits particularly for men. Some studies have supported its use in the prevention or management of prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, and benign prostatic hyperplasia.^[7] For example, one study showed that pomegranate extract was effective at preventing testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia, which could be due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate.^[8]

These are a few examples of potential health benefits of pomegranate extract, as there has been additional research on other conditions.

Pomegranate Juice health benefits

Among the benefits of pomegranate juice is its antioxidative nature. Antioxidants play a role in prevention of chronic disease. Pomegranate juice contains punicalagin, a substance that makes up part of the polyphenol family ellagitannins and accounts for more than half of the antioxidant activity of pomegranate juice.^[9]

Pomegranate juice also has been shown to have antimicrobial properties. It has demonstrated both antibacterial and antiviral activities, which is of interest particularly given the possibility of widespread global virus pandemics.^[10] Pomegranate juice holds promise in terms of the prevention and treatment of infection.

There are also anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranate juice. Some studies have shown that pomegranate juice can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat chronic inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disorders.^[11] Additional studies in humans with larger samples are needed to further understand the benefits.

Some studies have focused on particular diseases such as type 2 diabetes. One such study showed that consumption of pomegranate juice helped with control of blood glucose levels.^[12] Another study in diabetics did not show benefits for blood glucose, but did demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects.^[13]

These are a few examples of potential health benefits of pomegranate juice, as there has been additional research on particular conditions.

Does pomegranate extract have more benefits than the juice?

While both pomegranate juice and extract have been shown to have health benefits, some studies that have drawn comparisons between the two have revealed differences in their effects. Other studies have not revealed such differences. Of note, there may be a good deal of variability in the activity of pomegranate juice and extract in the body depending on the source or type of preparation, making it more difficult to draw conclusions.^[14]

One example of these differences is with regards to the ability of pomegranate juice, but not pomegranate extract, to lower the glycemic response of a high-glycemic index food when consumed together. This is of importance when it comes to reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Pomegranate juice consumed with bread was able to reduce blood glucose spikes, whereas pomegranate extract containing the husk, internal membranes, and remaining seed, did not show the same benefit.^[15]

Another study focused on gut bacteria showed similar beneficial effects of pomegranate juice and extract. Both enhanced the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. The authors suggest that pomegranate in these forms may work as a prebiotic, which has a beneficial effect on the gut.^[16]

Urolithin A molecule

Pomegranate supplement vs Urolithin A

Urolithin A is a compound that results from the breakdown of polyphenols in pomegranates in the body and has been shown to play an important role in slowing the aging process. While it is possible to take a pomegranate supplement as a source of polyphenols, an alternative is Mitopure, which is Urolithin A in supplement form. Consuming this in supplement form ensures that you are getting the necessary Urolithin A benefits to support healthy aging.

Final words

Both pomegranate extract and juice have been shown to have potential health benefits that relate to functions such as anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial. Studies have been conducted that relate to particular aspects of health, and additional studies are needed to further understand these benefits. Urolithin A resulting from the breakdown of polyphenols in pomegranates is an important part of the rationale for consumption of juice and supplements and should be considered in the discussion of healthy aging.

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