Which Is Better for Blood Pressure and Urinary Health?
Pomegranate and cranberry juice are both packed with nutrients and antioxidants that may support and protect overall health, including the health of your heart and urinary system. However, pomegranate juice is better for helping to reduce blood pressure, while cranberry juice is better for urinary health.
Due to its higher levels of potassium, pomegranate makes a better choice for those trying to manage their blood pressure. Potassium helps control blood pressure levels by relaxing blood vessels and promoting sodium excretion through the urine.
Pomegranate juice’s high polyphenol levels may also help lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the short- and long-term.
Studies indicate these effects are linked to the juice’s antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic properties, which together support overall cardiovascular health. Pomegranate juice protects against atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in the arteries, the main driver of heart disease.
Cranberry juice is also rich in polyphenols that can help improve blood vessel function in your heart, and studies suggest it may modestly reduce blood pressure in the short term. However, if your main goal is to support heart and blood pressure health, pomegranate juice may be the best choice.
Cranberries contain powerful plant compounds called A-type proanthocyanidins, which help protect against urinary tract infections (UTIs).
These antioxidants work by preventing harmful UTI-causing bacteria, like E. coli, from adhering to the walls of the bladder and urinary tract.
Studies show that regularly drinking cranberry juice may significantly reduce the risk of UTIs, particularly in women who frequently experience them.
Though pomegranate juice hasn’t been shown to offer the same benefits for urinary health, it’s also been studied for that purpose much less. Pomegranate juice’s high levels of antioxidants may support overall urinary tract health by reducing inflammation and protecting against oxidative damage.
| Pomegranate juice | Cranberry juice | |
| Calories | 134 | 116 |
| Carbohydrates | 32.6 grams (g) | 30.9 g |
| Sugar | 31.4 g | 30.6 g |
| Fiber | 0.25 g | 0.25 g |
| Vitamin C | 0.24 milligrams (mg) | 23.5 mg |
| Potassium | 533 mg | 195 mg |
Both cranberry juice and pomegranate juice are nutrient-rich, but they differ in their sugar, calorie, and antioxidant content.
Here’s how a cup of pomegranate juice and cranberry juice compare:
Pomegranate juice contains slightly higher amounts of calories, carbs, and sugars, than cranberry juice. However, the differences are small.
Pomegranate juice is a better source of potassium, with a cup covering 11% of the DV, while cranberry juice is higher in vitamin C, offering 26% of the DV per cup.
Both are high in polyphenol antioxidants, like anthocyanins and ellagitannins, which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
While both juices offer health benefits, there are a few potential downsides to keep in mind:
- High sugar content: A single cup of either juice provides about 30 grams of natural sugar, which can impact blood sugar levels, especially if they’re consumed on their own. Additionally, some juice products contain added sugars, which can harm health if consumed in excess.
- Caloric density: Liquid calories from fruit juice don’t provide the same satiety as whole fruit, due to their lack of fiber. This is why juices are easier to overconsume.
- Medication interactions: Cranberry juice may reduce the blood levels and effectiveness of certain drugs, such as proton pump inhibitors and histamine type 2 (H2) blockers. Pomegranate juice may interfere with the activity of certain liver enzymes that metabolize medications, such as antidepressants and pain medications.
To reduce added sugar and calorie intake, choose unsweetened juices or dilute your juice with water or sparkling water.
It’s recommended to consult your healthcare provider before adding either juice to your diet, especially if you’re planning on consuming them in large amounts.
