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Pomegranates 'have anti-cancer properties' say researchers

Native to Iran and its neighbouring countries, pomegranates are now grown throughout the world and feature in many dishes designed to not only be healthy, but incredibly delicious. One of Earth's most ancient fruits, they feature heavily in Greek mythology and are mentioned in the Quran as one of God's good creations, found flourishing in the Garden of Paradise. 

According to Ancient Iranian Christianity, it was believed to be the real forbidden fruit rather than an apple. A global emblem of health and fertility, its anecdotal benefits are now being backed by science in a number of incredible studies, which explore the fruit's anti-cancer properties.

A select few studies have found that compounds in pomegranate fruit, juice and oil could help kill cancer cells, or at least slow their spread. Pomegranate products have also been found to help breast cancer treatment, the second leading cause of death in women worldwide.

The study showed a group of phytochemicals called ellagitannins in pomegranates, inhibited the growth of oestrogen-responsive breast cancer in laboratory tests. "Phytochemicals suppress oestrogen production that prevents the proliferation of breast cancer cells and the growth of oestrogen-responsive tumours," researcher Shiuan Chen, director of the Division of Tumour Cell Biology said.

In fact, the fruit has demonstrated anti-tumour effects in lung, prostate, skin, and colon cancers. One in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lives and in the last decade there have been positive signs pomegranate could be used to slow its growth.

Though more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness, it has been shown to slow down the period of time prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a key indicator of cancer, takes to double in the blood. The potential anti-cancer health benefits are promising, but some doctors have expressed caution and the need for more evidence before a concrete conclusion is made.

"More research on the individual components and the combination of chemicals is needed to understand the potential risks and benefits of using pomegranate juice or isolated compounds for a health benefit or for cancer prevention," Powel Brown, chairman of the clinical cancer prevention department at the University of Texas, said.