Pomegranate outranks cranberry, grape in health juice study

LOS ANGELES Though nutritionists still insist that the healthiest way to get your fruits and vegetables is to go straight to the source, a new study released by researchers at UCLA named pomegranate juice the most beneficial juice source of vitamins and antioxidants.

Pomegranate outranked Concord grape and black cherry juices, and even blueberry and cranberry juices, which are recognized for containing higher levels of vitamin C. Some research indicates that pomegranate juice may also help protect against some cancers, like prostate cancer, and it may also lessen the risk of heart disease.

According to Health magazine contributor and clinical nutritionist Samantha Heller, fruits with vivid coloring (most often berries) tend to be highest in antioxidants and are, therefore, a healthier juice option.

However, Heller warned that too much juice is not necessarily a good thing, as many bottled juices contain high levels of calories and sugar. Some fruit juices, such as grapefruit juice, may also create negative results from interactions with medications.