The juice is packed with health benefits, thanks to its high antioxidant content. Here’s how it can help unclog your arteries and improve heart health/
Pomegranates are a rich source of potent antioxidants (Image: Getty )
Research has revealed that a ruby-hued drink could help cleanse your arteries and assist with other heart-related issues. Pomegranate juice, renowned for its tangy taste and vibrant colour, is not only flavoursome but also packed with health benefits due to its high antioxidant content.
These antioxidants may help protect ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol from further damage and potentially prevent plaque accumulation. Excess plaque in the arteries is a concern as it narrows and hardens them, restricting blood flow and heightening the risk of significant health problems such as heart attacks and strokes. Plaque can also rupture, leading to blood clots that block blood flow.
Scientists propose that pomegranate may be one method of combating cardiovascular disease, alongside a healthy diet, weight, and lifestyle. The fruit and its juice can help reduce oxidative stress, stimulate nitric oxide, and halt the oxidation of potentially harmful LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.
Nitric oxide is beneficial for your body as it plays a pivotal role in supporting a healthy cardiovascular system, managing blood pressure, and enhancing blood circulation to various organs and tissues. Meanwhile, halting the oxidation of LDL cholesterol is a positive thing because oxidised LDL can lead to inflammation and plaque buildup in arteries, reports the Daily Record.
What do studies prove?
According to Michael Aviram, Dsc, a biochemistry professor at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, the antioxidants in pomegranates could help prevent plaque build-up in arteries and even reduce existing deposits. His studies show that these antioxidants can effectively fight oxidised cholesterol, which leads to arterial blockages.
Further research indicates that pomegranate juice can improve blood circulation and prevent arteries from hardening, crucial for warding off heart disease. Small-scale studies suggest that regular consumption of pomegranate juice could lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Pomegranates are touted as beneficial for heart health, although the National Institutes of Health states that research into the fruit is still in its early stages. The antioxidants found in pomegranates may help reduce inflammation, which is good for arterial health.
One study noted significant reductions in arterial plaque among participants who drank pomegranate juice over several months. The results showed that those consuming pomegranate juice saw up to a 30 per cent reduction in carotid artery thickness, compared with a nine per cent increase in the control group.
The research team stated: “Systolic blood pressure was reduced after one year of pomegranate juice consumption by 12 per cent and was not further reduced along three years of […] consumption”. They also noted: “These effects could be related to the potent antioxidant characteristics of pomegranate juice polyphenols.”
It’s believed that the polyphenols found in pomegranate juice are responsible for these promising results. These polyphenols, known for their strong antioxidant properties, may also improve the function of the heart’s endothelium and the blood vessels surrounding it.
The researchers pointed out that their study’s findings “suggest that pomegranate juice consumption by patients with carotid artery stenosis decreases carotid intimal-media thickness and systolic blood pressure”.
In 2017, analysis in Pharmacological Research, which looked at eight clinical trials, found that pomegranate juice could reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, regardless of the quantity consumed. The authors recommended adding this juice to a heart-healthy diet as a beneficial move.
While current research shows potential, more studies are needed. Some experts argue that the drink has a negligible effect on cholesterol levels.
A 2019 review in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, which looked at 17 trials, found no significant impact on cholesterol. The researchers pointed out the difficulty in comparing these studies due to their different methods and inconsistent amounts of pomegranate used.
Pomegranate juice has some positive effects on cholesterol levels, though evidence is mixed (Image: Getty)
What makes pomegranates beneficial for your health?
Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants, including tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which combat free radicals and protect cells from harm. These antioxidants could help prevent and repair DNA damage, potentially reducing cancer risks.
Pomegranates might help prevent artery thickening and plaque build-up, promoting healthy blood flow. They could also help lower blood pressure, a key factor in maintaining heart health.
These fruits are brimming with compounds that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This makes them a good choice for people with inflammatory conditions or those looking to minimise overall inflammation.
Pomegranates are not just delicious; they also pack a punch when it comes to health benefits. They can boost your stamina during workouts and aid recovery afterwards.
They may even help prevent bone deterioration. Some studies suggest that these fruits could enhance memory and cognitive abilities. Plus, they’re rich in fibre, which is great for digestion and gut health.
The drink may help alongside a healthy weight, diet and lifestyle (Image: Getty)
However, before you start adding pomegranates to your diet, there are a few things you need to consider. First, consult with your doctor if you have low blood pressure or are on medication for high blood pressure.
This fruit should be seen as a supportive measure, not a replacement for prescribed medical treatments for conditions like high cholesterol or atherosclerosis.
This warning also applies if you’re on heart-related medications or drugs to manage your cholesterol. Pomegranates might slow down the liver’s ability to process certain medications, including statins used for cholesterol reduction.
They could potentially interfere with the blood-thinning drug warfarin, reducing its effectiveness and increasing the risk of clot formation. So, it’s always wise to seek advice from a healthcare expert before making pomegranate fruit or juice a regular part of your diet.
Pomegranate juice is laden with sugar, which can boost calorie intake and potentially negate some of its heart-healthy benefits – moderation is key. To safeguard your health, it’s vital to ensure it fits in with your current regimen before regularly adding pomegranate juice to your routine.
Pomegranate juice contains natural sugars. A single cup of 100% pomegranate juice has roughly 31-33 grams of sugar, derived from the fruit rather than added sugars.
Pomegranate juice lacks the fibre found in whole pomegranates, which can lead to a swift rise in blood sugar levels. It should be consumed cautiously, especially by those with diabetes or kidney problems.
