Risks and Benefits of Pomegranate Juice:

Overview

Pomegranate is a popular fruit. Pomegranate juice contains high levels of antioxidants -- greater than most other fruit juices, green tea and red wine, according to HealthCastle.com. These antioxidants include phytonutrients such as polyphenol, tannins and anthocyanins. Daily consumption of pomegranate juice is more potent in improving antioxidant function than other fruit because of its concentrated amount of phenolic compounds, according to research by C. Guo published in "Nutrition Research" in 2008.

Risk: Drug Interactions

Pomegranate juice is healthy to drink daily. However, it may interfere with some prescription drugs, such as medications that treat high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Research by A.V. Sorokin, published in the "American Journal of Cardiology" in 2006, revealed that consuming pomegranate juice may increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis -- a condition involving muscle breakdown that can cause kidney failure -- if you are taking rosuvastatin, a drug that treats high cholesterol. Before drinking pomegranate juice on a daily basis, talk with your doctor.

Risk: Increases Blood Sugar

Pomegranate juice has highly concentrated sugar content. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, or USDA, a 1-cup or 8-oz. serving of pomegranate juice has 134 calories and 31.5 g of total sugars -- approximately 50 percent from glucose and 50 percent from fructose. This is almost the same sugar content as a 16-fl. oz. size of cola soda that has 128 calories and 31.13 g of total sugar. Drinking high concentrations of sugar may increase your blood sugar.