The health-protective powers of Pomegranate

How are Americans faring as far as keeping their cardiovascular systems healthy? According to recent statistics reported by the American Heart Association, an estimated 79,400,000 American adults (one in three) have one or more types of cardiovascular disease (CVD), 37,500,000 of whom are estimated to be age 65 or older. Mortality data show that CVD, as the underlying cause of death, accounting for 36.3 percent of all 2,398,000 deaths in 2004, or one of every 2.8 deaths in the United States. The estimated direct and indirect cost of CVD in the United States for 2007 is $431.8 billion.

In light of these startling statistics, what is medical research doing to lower them? Most funding for research and pharmaceuticals today is going towards ‘treatment’ rather than prevention. Of course, exercise and a low-fat diet helps lower the risk for cardiovascular disease, but even this regimen may not be enough for many people. So what’s being done to find better prevention or protection against CVD?

One of the most encouraging heart-protective agents to recently emerge is pomegranate. This flavorful fruit is rich in powerful antioxidants that have been shown to provide defenses against heart disease and even cancer. In addition, studies suggest that daily consumption of pomegranate juice or pomegranate capsules may potentially help us avert a wide range of diseases including diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and may play a role in joint, dental, and liver health.

The key to maintaining your health? Increase your blood levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants reduce the harmful effects of toxic particles called free radicals. These particles are the byproducts of normal oxygen metabolism and energy production. They damage the genetic material within cells. One example of how this damage affects our heart health is the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol). Once oxidized, it turns into artery-clogging plaque, which over time, damages the walls of arteries.

This damage hampers normal blood flow and robs the arteries of their ability to properly dilate in order to accommodate changes in blood flow. In addition, pieces of hardened cholesterol can break off and create a blockage to the heart and in the brain.

In summary, pomegranates contain very powerful antioxidants that may

• Reduce oxidation of LDL(1)
• Reduce high blood pressure(2)
• Reduce inflammation and supporting brain health(3)
• Support healthy looking skin(4)

There is overwhelming evidence that pomegranate juice or extract may protect and improve cardiovascular function, inhibit inflammatory response, defend against the effects of diabetes and metabolic syndrome, reduce the risk for certain forms of cancer, and may provide a defense against Alzheimer’s disease.

References:
1. J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Jan 2;50(1):81-6.
2. Clin Nutr. 2004 Jun;23(3):423-33.
3. Neurobiol Dis. 2006 Dec;24(3):506-15.
4. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Feb 20;103(3):311-8.