Pomegranate juice could help beat stress at the office, research claims.

It has been shown to lower workers' heart rates and make them feel more enthusiastic about their jobs.

Scientists studied a group of volunteers who drank 500ml of the juice every day for two weeks.

At the beginning and end of the study their pulse rate was measured and they filled in a questionnaire describing their mood and feelings about their job.

The research – funded by the Pomegreat juice company – showed almost all of the workers reported being more enthusiastic, inspired, proud and active.

They were less likely to describe their feelings as distressed, nervous, guilty and ashamed compared with the beginning of the fortnight and most had lower pulse rates.

Experts claim increasing numbers of Britons are affected by work-related pressures.


Figures from the charity Mind show around a fifth of employees called in sick at some point last year as they were stressed.

Lead researcher DrEmad Al-Dujaili, of Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, said: 'On the basis of these findings there is a justified argument for busy workers to drink pomegranate juice to help alleviate chronic stress and maintain good health.

Lead researcher DrEmad Al-Dujaili, of Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, said: 'On the basis of these findings there is a justified argument for busy workers to drink pomegranate juice to help alleviate chronic stress and maintain good health.

'There is growing evidence that pomegranate juice delivers wide-ranging health benefits that merit further research.

'It is very rare indeed for an all-natural juice to offer the range of health benefits that we are seeing in pomegranate juice.'

Last year the same researchers claimed that pomegranate juice could help to combat middle-aged spread.

After just one month, volunteers who drank a bottle of pomegranate juice every day were found to be less likely to develop fatty cells around their abdomen.

They also had lower blood  pressure, reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease.

Scientists also claim pomegranate juice can help to fight cancer, heart disease and the aging process.

It is high in antioxidants, chemicals which help neutralise harmful oxygen molecules – called free radicals.