Pomegranate juice

Possible health benefits and risks

Various primary studies have been conducted into possible health benefits derived from drinking pomegranate juice, but there is no strong evidence to suggest any effect in blood pressure management, cancer treatment, glucose and insulin management, or heart disease. Any potential benefits also need to be balanced against its high caloric content derived from its natural sugars.

Marketing

The health benefits of pomegranate juice were promoted by POM Wonderful, a pomegranate products manufacturer. As of September 2010, the company and its principals were the subject of a false advertising complaint by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In May 2012, after a hearing, the administrative law judge issued an opinion upholding certain false advertising allegations in the FTC’s complaint—based on implied as opposed to express claims—and finding for Pom Wonderful on other points. Pom Wonderful's action in the U.S. District Court has been pending since May 23, 2012.

Pomegranate molasses

Pomegranate molasses is a fruit syrup made from pomegranate juice, not sugarcane-derived molasses. It is a reduction from the juice of a tart variety of pomegranate, evaporated to form a thick, dark red liquid. It is used in Iranian fesenjān and Turkish dolma and various salads such as çoban salatası. It is called رب انار (rob e ænar) in Persian, دبس رمّان (dibs rumman) in Arabic, nar ekşisi in Turkish, narşərab in Azerbaijani.