Can Pomegranate Actually Reverse Atherosclerosis?

Pomegranates are not only delicious, they may save your life. Research suggests that pomegranates can actually reverse atherosclerosis. . . .

This study was small, and it was not blinded, but the resuts are impressive and strongly suggest that drinking pomegranate juice can not only halt the progression of atherosclerosis but actually reverse it.

Nineteen people with atherosclerosis that had already caused severe narrowing of the arteries were given either 50ml of concentrated pomegranate juice–which is the equivalent of 250ml of 100% pure pomegranate juice–or no juice at all. The study lasted for one year.

The main measurement in the study was intima-media thickness (IMT). The IMT is the middle part of the artery that becomes inflamed and clogged up in atherosclerosis. As IMT thickens, blood pressure goes up. Eventually, the artery can become blocked.

Even though everyone in the study was being treated with cardiovascular medication, IMT in the people in the control group continued to get worse. Disappointingly, despite receiving conventional medical treatment, their IMT increased by another 9% over the course of the year. Impressively, though, IMT decreased by 35% in the pomegranate group. The pomegranate juice not only stopped the progression of atherosclerosis–which would be impressive enough–it actually reversed it by a third.

Though there was no change in blood pressure in the control group, systolic blood pressure went down by 21% after a year.

Pomegranate juice also improved antioxidant status. The main benefit of that for the cardiovascular system is that oxidized LDL-cholesterol decreased significantly. It is when LDL cholesterol becomes oxidized by free radical damage that it becomes truly dangerous for the heart.

This exciting study provides promise that pomegranate is a safe, delicious, effective way to reverse atherosclerosis.

An earlier study also found that pomegranate can significantly reduce systolic blood pressure in people who already have high blood pressure (Atherosclerosis 2001;158:195-8).

Clin Nutr 2004;23:423-8

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