Did you know that something as simple as drinking pomegranate juice could help protect you against heart disease – the #1 cause of death in developed countries?
In today’s video, we take a close look at FIVE cardioprotective properties of pomegranates that work together to lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and even prevent atherosclerosis.
And the first on the list has to do with a unique compound found in pomegranates that’s responsible for the majority of its health benefits.
Number 5. Pomegranate juice reduces oxidative stress.
When it comes to cardiovascular disease, reducing damage caused to blood vessels by oxidative stress and inflammation is vital.
Pomegranates contain a unique compound known as punicalagins, which has been found to be cardioprotective thanks to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Not only is this the most abundant antioxidant in pomegranate, but it’s also responsible for more than half of the antioxidant activity of pomegranate juice.
In one study, researchers compared pomegranate juice to other potent antioxidants like grape juice, cranberry juice, green tea, vitamin C and vitamin.
The results showed that pomegranate juice outperformed all other sources in reducing the damaging effects of free radicals on cell membranes.
Number 4. Pomegranate juice promotes nitric oxide activity.
Nitric oxide is a molecule that your body produces naturally.
Its main function is vasodilation which means it helps the blood vessels relax, making it easier for the blood to flow.
Having inadequate levels of nitric oxide has been found to be associated with heart disease, diabetes and erectile dysfunction.
Nitric oxide helps prevent LDL oxidation and plaque buildup within the endothelial cell lining, which often leads to clogged arteries.
Combined, these effects help slow down the progression of atherosclerosis.
Many studies have found that consuming pomegranate juice can help enhance the biological actions of nitric oxide, while also protecting it from oxidative damage.
In one study, researchers found that pomegranate juice and pomegranate fruit extract were able to increase production levels of nitric oxide.
Number 3. Pomegranate juice prevents LDL oxidation.
LDL oxidation is one of the well-documented causes of heart disease.
That’s because oxidized LDL promotes atherosclerosis through inflammatory and immunologic responses that lead to the formation of plaque in the arteries.
LDL oxidation also reduces the production of nitric oxide in blood vessels, which reduces blood flow throughout the whole body.
In one study, researchers treated human coronary artery cells with pomegranate juice and found a strong increase in levels of nitric oxide production, which is beneficial in preventing heart attacks.
Number 2. Pomegranate juice lowers blood pressure.
Pomegranates contain key nutrients that can help prevent high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
An old study from 2012 found that consuming 1 cup of pomegranate juice daily for 28 days helped lower high blood pressure in the short term.
Another 2017 review of eight human trials found evidence that drinking pomegranate juice consistently lowered blood pressure.
Researchers believe that pomegranates help lower blood pressure by reducing levels of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in the body.
That’s because angiotensin converting enzymes increase blood pressure by producing the hormone angiotensin II, which constricts blood vessels.
To learn about a “10-Second Trick” to erase plaque from your arteries, click the link below after you finish watching this video.
Number 1. Pomegranate juice may help reverse atherosclerosis.
In a 2004 study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, researchers administered pomegranate juice to patients over the course of a year.
This reversed plaque accumulation in the carotid arteries of patients with severe carotid artery stenosis, which is defined as 70–90% blockage in the internal carotid arteries.
The carotid arteries in the neck are responsible for more than 80% of blood flow to the brain, and narrowing of these major vessels is a major risk factor for stroke.
Among patients given daily pomegranate juice, atherosclerotic lesions in the common carotid artery decreased by 35% in size.
Patients who drank pomegranate juice daily also saw total antioxidant activity increase by 130% compared to before-treatment values.
Another study from the California-based Preventive Medicine Research Institute looked at the effects of pomegranate juice in human patients suffering from cardiac ischemia or insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle.
A total of forty-five patients were randomly assigned to consume 8 ounces of pomegranate juice or a placebo beverage daily.
At the end of the three-month study, scientists found that patients who drank the pomegranate juice daily showed significant improvements in blood flow to the heart muscle compared to the placebo group.
Next, How to Eat Pomegranate Without Making a Mess.
Removing the edible arils from a pomegranate can be a messy task, but it’s actually easy when you know how to do it.
All you have to do is cut it in half around the diameter and then hit the back of the fruit with a large spatula or serving spoon. The edible arils should fall off on their own.
When selecting pomegranates, look for a ripe, deep-colored fruit with a red to reddish-brown outer rind that is heavy for its size.
The best time to enjoy fresh pomegranates in the United States is between the end of September through November.
For those living in other countries, you can also just buy frozen pomegranate arils as they store well in the freezer.
To discover a “10-Second Trick” to erase plaque from your arteries, and cut your risk of heart attack and stroke, click the link below now.
As always, this video is educational and does not constitute medical advice. We are not doctors.
If you enjoyed this video, Like, Share, and Subscribe, and Click on the Bell icon, so you never miss a video!
And now over to you! Are you taking pomegranates or pomegranate juice regularly? What benefits have you experienced?
Leave your comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
Click the link below to learn about a “10-Second Trick” to erase plaque from your arteries.