By Charlotte Smith

Copyright dailyrecord

Research has shown that a red-coloured beverage could help clear your arteries and help with other cardiovascular issues. Pomegranate juice, known for its tangy taste and vibrant hue, is not only tasty but also brimming with health benefits due to its high antioxidant content. These antioxidants help protect ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol from further damage and potentially prevent plaque build-up. Too much plaque in the arteries is a serious issue as it narrows and hardens them, limiting blood flow and increasing the risk of significant health issues such as heart attacks and strokes. Plaque can also rupture, leading to blood clots that obstruct blood flow. Scientists suggest that pomegranate may be one way to tackle cardiovascular disease, alongside 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 crucial roles in supporting a healthy cardiovascular system, managing blood pressure, and enhancing blood circulation to various organs and tissues. Meanwhile, stopping the oxidation of LDL cholesterol is a good thing because oxidised LDL can lead to inflammation and plaque buildup in arteries. Studies suggest that the antioxidants in pomegranates may prevent the formation of plaque in the arteries and might even reduce existing deposits. This finding, for example, is credited to Michael Aviram, DSc, a biochemistry professor at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology . His research demonstrates that the antioxidants found in pomegranates can effectively combat oxidised cholesterol that leads to arterial blockages. Additional research highlights that pomegranate juice can enhance blood circulation . It has also been discovered to stop arteries from hardening, which is vital in preventing heart disease. Small-scale studies suggest that routine intake of pomegranate juice might reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Pomegranates are claimed to support heart health, although the National Institutes of Health says that investigations into the fruit remain relatively early. The antioxidants found in pomegranates could contribute to decreasing inflammation, which benefits arterial health. One study found significant reductions in arterial plaque among participants consuming pomegranate juice over several months. Results revealed that those drinking 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 said: “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 said: “These effects could be related to the potent antioxidant characteristics of pomegranate juice polyphenols.” The polyphenols present in pomegranate juice are thought to drive these encouraging outcomes. These polyphenols, praised for their powerful antioxidant qualities, may also enhance the performance of the heart’s endothelium and its surrounding blood vessels. The researchers observed that their study’s results “suggest that pomegranate juice consumption by patients with carotid artery stenosis decreases carotid intimal-media thickness and systolic blood pressure”. A 2017 analysis in Pharmacological Research , examining eight clinical trials, discovered that pomegranate juice might lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, irrespective of the amount consumed. The authors suggested incorporating this juice into a heart-healthy diet as a positive step. Whilst present research shows promise, further studies are required. Some experts contend that the drink has a minimal influence on cholesterol levels. A 2019 analysis in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, which examined 17 trials, revealed no substantial effect on cholesterol. The researchers highlighted the challenge in comparing these studies owing to their varied approaches and inconsistent pomegranate quantities. Pomegranates contain abundant antioxidants, including tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which fight free radicals and shield cells from damage. These antioxidants might help prevent and repair DNA damage, potentially lowering cancer risks. Pomegranates could potentially help prevent the thickening of arteries and build-up of plaque, thus promoting healthy blood circulation. They may also help reduce blood pressure, a crucial element in maintaining heart health. These fruits are loaded with compounds that can help alleviate inflammation throughout the body. This makes them a beneficial choice for people with inflammatory conditions or those seeking to minimise overall inflammation. Additional benefits include their ability to boost stamina during workouts and aid recovery post-exercise, as well as the role they may play in preventing bone deterioration. Some studies also suggest that pomegranates may enhance memory and cognitive abilities. They are also rich in fibre, which supports digestion and gut health. While pomegranates can potentially offer numerous health benefits, if you’re dealing with hypotension or are on medication for hypertension, it’s wise to consult with your doctor before adding pomegranate to your diet. This drink is a supportive measure and should not be seen as a replacement for prescribed medical treatments for high cholesterol or atherosclerosis. This cautionary note also applies to those on heart-related medications or cholesterol management drugs. It’s worth noting that 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, diminishing its effectiveness and increasing the risk of clot formation. It’s recommended to seek advice from a healthcare expert before making pomegranate fruit or juice a staple in your diet. Pomegranate juice is packed with sugar, which can increase calorie consumption and potentially counteract some of its heart-healthy benefits—moderation is key. To protect your health, it’s crucial to ensure its compatibility with your current regimen before regularly incorporating pomegranate juice into your routine. Pomegranate juice has natural sugars. A single cup of 100% pomegranate juice has approximately 31-33 grams of sugar, derived from the fruit rather than added sugars. Pomegranate juice does not contain the fibre present in whole pomegranates, which can lead to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. It should be consumed with care, particularly by those with diabetes or kidney issues.