Heart disease is the leading cause of death around the world, especially in the West. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It is often related to a process called atherosclerosis – thickening of arterial walls due to plaque buildup.
People usually try to combat cardiovascular problems with different pharmaceutical substances. But there is actually a completely natural substance that can be more helpful for the prevention of heart disease and cardiac mortality. It is found in the form of a pomegranate fruit.
Interestingly, pomegranate somewhat resembles a multi-chambered heart and its juice looks like blood. When studied rigorously, pomegranate’s potential was also confirmed in a scientific way.
Scientific studies about pomegranate
Back in 2000, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, provided evidence that pomegranate’s juice has potent antiatherogenic effects. In other words, pomegranate juice can protect against the formation of fatty deposits within the walls of arteries. This was connected to the fruit’s antioxidative properties. Pomegranate is rich in polyphenols and other antioxidants. These play an important role in the prevention of atherosclerotic lesions and decrease oxidation of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.
In 2004, a group of Israeli scientists examined the effect of pomegranate juice on a group of patients with an already existing carotid artery stenosis (narrowing of the arteries that supply the head and neck with blood). Ten patients were given pomegranate juice for one year and five of them continued for up to three years. The results showed a reversal in carotid artery stenosis by up to 30%. Patients’ blood pressure decreased as well. People in the control group, who did not consume pomegranate juice, had their arterial blockages increased by 9%, which gave further support to pomegranate’s heart-protecting potential.
In 2013, the journal Atherosclerosis published a pomegranate-related study. Mice with a genetic susceptibility towards spontaneous coronary artery blockages were given pomegranate extract. After two weeks, it was observed that the atherosclerotic features reduced. This study, too, confirmed that pomegranate reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the vessel walls, which protects the vessels against the formation of ominous plaque.
Pomegranate’s characteristics that help prevent cardiovascular disease
Pomegranate has the following, scientifically proven, properties:
- It has an anti-inflammatory effect – inflammation often plays a major role in the development of chronic conditions, including heart disease. You can read more about inflammation and the damage it causes in my previous article.
- It lowers blood pressure. Find here more ways to reduce you blood pressure naturally.
- It has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties – secondary viral and bacterial infections often develop due to plaque buildup, including hepatitis C and Chlamydia pneumonia.
- It is a powerful antioxidant and reduces oxidative stress in the blood.
Pomegranate both prevents and reverses atherosclerosis. It improves blood flow through the heart and promotes a healthy blood pressure, giving you an all-round protection from heart and vessel diseases. Including this fruit in your diet appears to be a good decision. Eat it fresh or get concentrated juices and extracts and enjoy its taste and health benefits. Research has shown some heart health benefits from as little as two ounces of pomegranate juice a day. Also read my article aboutmore foods to prevent clogged arteries.
Jenny Hills
Resources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23528829
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15158307
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10799367
http://www.clinchem.org/content/42/4/498.full.pdf
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Caregiver/Resources/WhatisCardiovascularDisease/What-is-Cardiovascular-Disease_UCM_301852_Article.jsp
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/can-pomegranate-keep-you-going-under-knife
http://www.crec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/pomegranates/health.shtml
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Dr. H's comments:
Pomegranate (رمان) is one of the types of plant mentioned in the Quran. In fact, it is mentioned thrice in the Quran
Pomegranate is referred to in verse (6:99) of chapter (6) sūrat l-anʿām (The Cattle):
Sahih International: And it is He who sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce from it greenery from which We produce grains arranged in layers. And from the palm trees - of its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And [We produce] gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at [each of] its fruit when it yields and [at] its ripening. Indeed in that are signs for a people who believe.
Also mentioned in the same chapter (6), verse 141:
Sahih International
And He it is who causes gardens to grow, [both] trellised and untrellised, and palm trees and crops of different [kinds of] food and olives and pomegranates, similar and dissimilar. Eat of [each of] its fruit when it yields and give its due [zakah] on the day of its harvest. And be not excessive. Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess.
In the Qur'anic verse quoted aboved, pomegranates are mentioned as one of the fruits that will be found in paradise.
No doubts it is one of the superfruits of all time..
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