- Pomegranate juice, blended with seeds, can help reduce plaque in arteries.
- Beta-sitosterol in pomegranate seeds aids in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
- Pomegranate juice also lowers oxidative stress and improves cholesterol levels.
Can Pomegranate Juice Really Prevent Heart Attacks?
Heart attacks are increasingly affecting people under 50, often due to poor diet and sedentary lifestyles. According to the Mayo Clinic, heart attacks occur when blood flow to the heart is blocked by the buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the coronary arteries. This buildup, known as plaque, can lead to a condition called atherosclerosis, which is a major contributor to heart attacks.
With cardiovascular diseases being the leading cause of death globally, accounting for 17.9 million deaths annually according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is crucial to take preventative measures. In India alone, cardiovascular diseases account for 27% of all deaths. To combat this, diet plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases.
How Does Pomegranate Juice Help?
Ryan Fernando, a nutritionist and health coach, recently shared on Instagram the benefits of drinking pomegranate juice daily. He emphasizes that blending pomegranate seeds and consuming the juice can significantly help in preventing heart attacks. The seeds of the pomegranate contain beta-sitosterol, a compound that reduces plaque in the arteries.
Plaque buildup in the arteries can lead to high blood pressure and eventually heart attacks. Beta-sitosterol helps remove this plaque, reducing cholesterol and preventing scarring in blood vessels. Fernando likens the process to cleaning a drainage system, with pomegranate juice acting as the cleaning agent.
Scientific Support for Pomegranate Juice
Research supports the health benefits of pomegranate juice. A study published in the Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal highlights that pomegranates are rich in potent antioxidants like tannins and anthocyanins. These antioxidants help protect against free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and prevent the oxidation of both LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol), thus mitigating the development of atherosclerosis.
Fernando recommends consuming 100 grams of pomegranate juice with seeds daily to maintain cardiovascular health. This simple dietary addition can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and promote overall heart health.
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