Red juice that 'unclogs arteries' helps prevent many heart issues

 Research has shown that a crimson-coloured beverage may help cleanse your arteries and address other heart-related concerns. Pomegranate juice, celebrated for its tart flavour and vibrant hue, is not only delicious but also brimming with health benefits due to its high antioxidant content.

These antioxidants may help shield 'bad' LDL cholesterol from further harm and potentially prevent plaque build-up. Excessive plaque in the arteries is worrisome as it constricts and hardens them, limiting blood flow and increasing the risk of severe health issues such as heart attacks and strokes.

Plaque can also rupture, leading to blood clots that obstruct blood flow. Scientists suggest that pomegranate could be one way to fight cardiovascular disease, alongside maintaining a healthy diet, weight, and lifestyle.

The fruit and its juice can help reduce oxidative stress, stimulate nitric oxide, and stop the oxidation of potentially harmful LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.

Nitric oxide is beneficial for your body as it plays a crucial role in supporting a healthy cardiovascular system, regulating blood pressure, and improving blood circulation to various organs and tissues. Meanwhile, stopping the oxidation of LDL cholesterol is advantageous because oxidised LDL can lead to inflammation and plaque accumulation in arteries.

What do studies prove?

According to Michael Aviram, Dsc, a biochemistry professor at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, the antioxidants found in pomegranates could help prevent the accumulation of plaque in arteries and even diminish existing deposits. His research indicates that these antioxidants are effective in combating oxidised cholesterol, which is responsible for arterial blockages.

Additional studies suggest that pomegranate juice can enhance blood circulation and prevent the hardening of arteries, both crucial factors in preventing heart disease. Preliminary studies indicate that regular intake of pomegranate juice could reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

Pomegranates are often hailed as beneficial for heart health, although the National Institutes of Health emphasises that research into the fruit is still in its infancy. The antioxidants in pomegranates may help reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for arterial health.

One particular study observed significant reductions in arterial plaque among participants who consumed pomegranate juice over several months. The findings revealed that those who drank pomegranate juice experienced 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 revealed: "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 added: "These effects could be related to the potent antioxidant characteristics of pomegranate juice polyphenols."

Scientists believe the polyphenols in pomegranate juice are responsible for these encouraging findings. These compounds, recognised for their powerful antioxidant properties, may also enhance the performance of the heart's endothelium and its surrounding blood vessels.

The researchers highlighted that their study's outcomes "suggest that pomegranate juice consumption by patients with carotid artery stenosis decreases carotid intimal-media thickness and systolic blood pressure".

In 2017, an analysis published in Pharmacological Research examined eight clinical trials and found that pomegranate juice could lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, regardless of the amount consumed. The authors suggested that incorporating this juice into a heart-healthy diet would be a wise decision.

Whilst existing research appears promising, further studies are required. Some experts contend that the beverage has minimal impact on cholesterol levels.

A 2019 review in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, which analysed 17 trials, found no significant effect on cholesterol levels. The researchers highlighted the challenge of comparing these studies due to their varied methodologies and inconsistent quantities of pomegranate used.

What makes pomegranates so good for you?

Pomegranates are loaded with antioxidants, such as tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which help fight free radicals and protect cells from damage. These antioxidants could help prevent and repair DNA damage, potentially lowering cancer risk.

Pomegranates may help prevent arterial thickening and plaque accumulation, thereby promoting healthy blood circulation. They might also help lower blood pressure, a crucial factor in maintaining heart health.

These fruits are rich in compounds that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. This makes them an excellent choice for individuals with inflammatory conditions or those seeking to minimise overall inflammation.

Pomegranates are not only tasty but also offer a wealth of health benefits. They can enhance your stamina during exercise and facilitate recovery afterwards.

They might even help prevent bone degradation. Some research suggests that these fruits could improve memory and cognitive functions. Additionally, they're high in fibre, which supports digestion and gut health.

According to Heart.org, half a cup of arils (the juicy red seeds in pomegranates) has 72 calories, 16 grams of carbohydrates and three grams of fibre. Pomegranates also have a lot of folate, potassium and vitamin K.

Important considerations:

However, before you begin incorporating pomegranates into your diet, there are several factors to bear in mind. Firstly, if you have low blood pressure or are on medication for high blood pressure, it's crucial to consult your doctor. This fruit should be viewed as a supplementary aid, not a substitute for prescribed medical treatments for conditions such as high cholesterol or atherosclerosis.

The same caution applies if you're taking heart-related medications or cholesterol-lowering drugs. Pomegranates may slow the liver's ability to metabolise certain medications, including statins used to lower cholesterol.

They could potentially disrupt the effectiveness of the blood-thinning drug warfarin, heightening the risk of clot formation. Therefore, it's always prudent to seek advice from a healthcare professional before making pomegranate fruit or juice a regular feature of your diet.

Pomegranate juice is rich in sugar, which can increase calorie intake and potentially counteract some of its heart-healthy benefits - moderation is essential. To protect your health, ensure it aligns with your current regimen before regularly adding pomegranate juice to your routine.

Pomegranate juice contains natural sugars. A single cup of 100% pomegranate juice contains approximately 31-33 grams of sugar, derived from the fruit rather than added sugars. Pomegranate juice, lacking the fibre present in whole pomegranates, can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. It should be consumed with care, particularly by people with diabetes or kidney issues.