Your favorite pomegranate juice… and a weedkiller linked to Parkinson’s?

What You Need to Know About Paraquat, POM, and Protecting Your Family’s Health

Most people reach for pomegranate juice because they believe it’s a healthy choice — full of antioxidants, heart-supportive, and great for overall wellness. But findings from an Environmental Working Group (EWG) investigation reveal a troubling reality behind one of the most popular brands on the market.

The report shows that The Wonderful Company — the maker of POM pomegranate juice, Fiji Water, and Landmark Vineyards — is one of California’s leading users of paraquat, a toxic herbicide banned in more than 60 countries because of its severe health risks.

And yes… paraquat is being sprayed on the fields where your pomegranates, pistachios, and almonds are grown.

Let’s break this down in a clear, real-world way — because what’s happening on our farms ends up happening inside our bodies.

What Is Paraquat, and Why Is It So Dangerous?

Paraquat is not your average weedkiller. It’s one of the most toxic herbicides still legally used in the United States, despite being outlawed in countries across Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond.

Decades of research have linked paraquat exposure to:

• Parkinson’s disease

• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

• Childhood leukemia

• Neurological decline

• Lung damage

• Increased risk for farmworkers and families living near agricultural areas

Unlike many chemicals that break down quickly, paraquat can remain in soil for years. It also drifts easily through wind and dust — meaning exposure doesn’t require living next to a sprayed field. Simply driving through agricultural zones, walking near farms, or handling contaminated foods can increase exposure risk.

How Does This Involve POM Juice?

According to state records analyzed by EWG, The Wonderful Company sprayed over 56,000 pounds of paraquat in 2021 on their California fields where they grow:

• Pomegranates (used for POM juice)

• Pistachios

• Almonds

This made them the second-largest paraquat user in the entire state.

It’s a sharp contrast to the brand’s marketing, which emphasizes purity, wellness, and “better-for-you” choices.

While a clean-looking label can make us feel comfortable, it tells us nothing about how the crop was grown. And this is where many consumers get blindsided.

Why This Matters for Your Health — and Your Family’s

Pomegranates are good for you. Their antioxidants are fantastic for heart health, inflammation, and immune support.

But the benefits of the fruit cannot outweigh the risks of agricultural toxins.

Here’s why this matters:

1. You may be unknowingly consuming residues

Paraquat is not meant for direct consumption, but herbicide residues can cling to fruit skins or drift onto crops during spraying.

2. The damage starts long before harvest

Farmworkers, neighboring families, and entire rural communities are impacted — often with the highest exposure levels occurring in low-income and Latino communities.

3. Toxins accumulate

Chronic low-level exposure adds up over time. In functional and natural medicine, we know that toxic burden is one of the biggest contributors to modern disease.

4. Kids are especially vulnerable

Developing nervous systems are far more susceptible to chemical exposure, which makes this issue a major concern for parents.

Why Is Paraquat Still Used in the U.S.?

Although scientific evidence is strong, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has historically downplayed paraquat’s risks. Meanwhile, Syngenta — paraquat’s manufacturer — has been exposed for hiding internal research showing a clear link to Parkinson’s disease.

While other countries follow the science, the U.S. continues to allow its use on major crops, including almonds, citrus, cotton, peanuts, soybeans, and yes — pomegranates.

California lawmakers have introduced legislation to ban paraquat statewide by 2026.

So… What Can You Do?

This information isn’t meant to scare you — it’s meant to empower you.

Here are steps you can take today to lower your exposure and make cleaner decisions for yourself and your family:

1. Choose certified organic pomegranate juice and produce

Organic farming prohibits paraquat and many other high-risk herbicides.

2. Support regenerative and transparent brands

Look for companies that share how they grow and harvest their crops — not just pretty marketing.

3. Follow EWG for pesticide updates

Their research is one of the most reliable sources for understanding what’s really happening in our food system.

4. Detox daily through nutrition

Your body naturally detoxifies, but it needs support to keep up with modern toxin exposure:

• Leafy greens

• Sulfur-rich veggies

• Antioxidant-rich foods

• Clean hydration

• Herbal support when appropriate

5. Reduce toxin load anywhere you can

Even small reductions add up. Swap one household item, one snack, or one beauty product at a time.

TCM Food Therapy

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, both pomegranates and pistachios have therapeutic qualities that support the very systems affected by pesticide exposure and modern stress. Pomegranates are considered sour and astringent, helping to secure and hold fluids while gently moving Blood. They benefit the Heart and Liver systems, support circulation, and can help counter the stagnation that often arises from emotional stress. Pistachios, on the other hand, are warming and nourishing. They gently tonify Qi, support the Spleen, and help build the foundational energy needed for digestion and detoxification. Together, these foods reflect the TCM approach of using nature’s offerings to restore balance, strengthen resilience, and nourish the body’s innate healing capacity.

Why I’m Sharing This

My passion is helping families feel better from the inside out — not just with acupuncture but with education, nutrition, detoxing, and empowering tools.

These kinds of hidden exposures are exactly why so many people struggle with fatigue, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, neurological symptoms, and chronic health challenges.

It’s not just what we eat — it’s what we’re being exposed to without even realizing it.

Awareness helps us make better choices.

And better choices help us feel better.

The Bottom Line

Pomegranate juice can absolutely be a healthy part of your life — but what matters most is how it’s grown.

A beautiful label doesn’t equal clean farming.

If a toxin banned in over 60 countries is still being sprayed on U.S. crops, it’s up to us to protect our families, stay informed, and choose products aligned with long-term health.

If you want help navigating clean nutrition, detoxing, or creating a healthier home lifestyle, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Check out my Ultimate Lifestyle Transformation Program if you want an easy way to get started on detoxing and creating healthy habits today!