A clinical study has found that adding one simple food to your diet has the power to restore health, reduce the risk of heart disease, and even reverse illness in heart disease patients. Published in the journal Atherosclerosis, researchers have confirmed that pomegranate extract may prevent and/or reverse the primary pathology associated with heart disease. (In this case, the progressive thickening of the coronary arteries, caused by the accumulation of fatty materials).
The study showed that pomegranate extract effectively:
- Reduced the amount of plaque in the arteries
- Reduced levels of oxidative stress
- Reduced a chemical messenger (chemokine) that is associated with inflammation in the arteries
- Reduced lipid accumulation in the heart muscle
- Reduced cardiac enlargement
- Reduced ECG abnormalities
This isn’t the first study of its kind. In 2004, Clinical Nutrition published the results of a three-year clinical trial, finding that the daily consumption of pomegranate juice reversed carotid artery stenosis by up to 29% within one year.
It’s no secret that cholesterol-lowering statins have been linked to many adverse health effects, so the continued research of the amazing health benefits of pomegranate may in fact lead to pomegranate juice as an alternative, natural way to unclog arteries and prevent heart disease. The natural healing effect that pomegranates provide stems from a well-rounded list of health benefits that have been proven over and over again.
The health benefits of pomegranate are many, but are perhaps less well-known than those of other fruits and vegetables. In case you needed a few more reasons to add the fruit to your diet, here are some of the other health benefits pomegranates provide:
1. Pomegranates are loaded with important nutrients
One cup of pomegranate seeds contains 144 calories, 7 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate and potassium. Pomegranates also boast an impressive level of antioxidants that help to prevent cell damage from oxidation.
2. Pomegranates contain two powerful plant compounds
Punicalagins are extremely powerful antioxidants found in the juice and peel of a pomegranate, while punicic acid (pomegranate seed oil) is the main fatty acid in pomegranate seeds. The two compounds are responsible for most of the health benefits of pomegranates.
3. Pomegranates have anti-inflammatory properties
The anti-inflammatory properties in pomegranates make them ideal for reducing inflammation in the body, helping to prevent heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and obesity.
4. Pomegranates help to lower blood pressure
One study showed that people with high blood pressure had a significant reduction in their blood pressure after consuming 150 ml of pomegranate juice daily for two weeks. Other studies have found similar results, citing that pomegranate juice can to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
5. Pomegranates can help fight bacterial and fungal infections
The plant compounds in pomegranates also have powerful medicinal properties that can help fight harmful bacteria in the body. They have been shown to be beneficial against several types of bacteria and fungal infections.