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Trendy Pomegranates Have a Downside, Too

The trendy fruit has some drawbacks

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 22, 2008 8:21 PM CDT

(Newser) – Those five bottles of pomegranate juice you drink per day to help you live longer? Turns out they could be hurting you, reports the Chicago Tribune. Pomegranates, which have reached “superstar status” because of their alleged health benefits, can interfere with a number of drugs, including Crestor and Lipitor. "I do not recommend this product at this time," said one pharmacy professor.

Advocates of the “it” fruit cite studies showing the juice can decrease cholesterol and slow cancer. One large pom-juice maker spent millions on research, including a study seeming to disprove claims of the fruit’s danger. Doctors warn, however, that more study is needed. For now, you should keep your intake low: health benefits can be attained from one 8-ounce glass daily.

POM Wonderful, makers of POM Tea, funded one study to show that pomegranates do not decrease the effectiveness of prescription drugs.
POM Wonderful, makers of POM Tea, funded one study to show that pomegranates do not decrease the effectiveness of prescription drugs.   (PRNewsFoto)
Pomegranates have gained popularity due to claims of their health benefits, but doctors are warning consumers to be cautious. A sliced pomegranate is shown in this photo from S. Katzman Produce.
Pomegranates have gained popularity due to claims of their health benefits, but doctors are warning consumers to be cautious. A sliced pomegranate is shown in this photo from S. Katzman Produce.   (AP Photo)
More and more consumers are eating pomegranates, but doctors recommend limited consumption until more studies are completed.
More and more consumers are eating pomegranates, but doctors recommend limited consumption until more studies are completed.   (Flickr)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
YetAnotherCollegeKid
Feb 6, 2010 3:25 AM CST
So...it interferes with drugs most people aren't taking. How is this a problem to most of us?
finkster
Feb 5, 2010 10:56 PM CST
Moderation is the key to everything in life and what we eat reflects that advice.

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