The Many Health Benefits of Pomegranates
Keeping the heart healthy is a primary
concern for us all, but it isn't always an easy thing to do. Despite
increased, widespread understanding of its dangers and causes, heart
disease remains the biggest killer in the western world, accounting for 1
in 4 adult deaths in the USA every year.
For this reason, scientists continue to
search for new ways to treat and prevent the problem. Some of these
studies find that the key to prevention can be found in the kitchen, not
the medicine cabinet. And now recent research has suggested that one
super fruit could prevent and even help reverse the rate that fatty
acids build up in the arteries, which is a common cause of heart attacks
and strokes.
Here's how the pomegranate could be your new best defense against heart
disease.
Fatty Acids & the Arteries
The arteries are blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart to
other parts of the body as part of the circulatory system. They are
vital for sustaining life and the human body cannot function unless they
are in good health. However, over time, our arteries can become clogged
with cholesterol, fat and other materials which begin to line the
vessel walls.
As this layer of material becomes thicker, it also begins to harden.
This combination forces the arteries to become more narrow, meaning
blood cannot pass through as easily, putting more stress on the heart
which has to pump harder to force more blood through. If left untreated,
the blockages can close the arteries altogether, causing a heart
attack.
How Can Pomegranates Help?
Recent studies have suggested that pomegranates could have a remarkable
ability to reduce the progressive thickening of the coronary arteries by
these fatty acids. Here we will have a look at the findings, as well as
some other benefits of this super fruit.
Introducing the Pomegranate
Pomegranates are one of the oldest known fruits in the world and feature
in ancient literary works of many cultures and religions. It's a red
fruit, with a hard outer skin housing a series of red seeds which can be
eaten or juiced. They have a long shelf life and can last for up to two
months in the fridge as long as they are covered but most importantly
of all, they are absolutely packed with nutrients. Pomegranates have
been revered by many cultures as a symbol of health, fertility and life;
and now modern research suggests that this reputation is deserved.
Recent Studies
Mice who were genetically prone to sudden artery blockages were provided
with pomegranate juice via their drinking water over a period of two
weeks. Although the treatment was found to increase cholesterol levels
associated with artery blockage initially, it noticeably reduced the
size of the harmful build ups in the aortic sinus, an opening above the
aortic valve which lets blood exit the heart. It was also shown to
reduce the number of coronary arteries that had accumulated the plaques
and blockages that cause heart problems.
pomegranate seeds.
Further research suggests that Punicalagin, a compound found in
pomegranates, can not only lower both cholesterol and blood pressure
levels, but also help increase the speed at which blockages of the
arteries melt away. Blockages can therefore be removed before they
harden and grow.
In another study, patients with severe carotid artery blockages drank
pomegranate juice every day for a year. The results were remarkable -
showing a 12% average reduction in blood pressure across the study's
participants, along with a 30% reduction in plaque build up in the
arteries. Patients who did not participate in the test saw their plaque
levels rise by 9% over the same period.
Discussion
There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that pomegranates really
can have a significant impact upon blockages in your arteries and in
doing so reduce your susceptibility to a heart attack. Experts recommend
that you add them to your regular diet to strengthen your body's own
defenses against heart disease. Their benefits are not confined to their
ability to help clear your arteries. Evidence based research has
suggested that their value to heart health is broad:
They can help lower blood pressure.
They are strong anti-inflammatories.
They are one of the most potent anti-oxidants found among fruit,
helping protect the body against cell damage.
They are anti-infective.
Ways of Adding Pomegranates to Your Diet
Pomegranates can be consumed in a variety of ways, you can juice them
and drink 1 glass a day to benefit from their health giving properties.
Here are some other ideas that can help you add them to your diet:
Make a pomegranate smoothie, adding beetroot and orange for added
goodness and flavor.
Add pomegranate seeds to your salad for a tasty, healthy boost!
Mix with chicken and yogurt for a delicious main meal