Lowers blood pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood flowing through the arteries in the body is too high. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to severe health issues, including heart disease. However, making changes to your diet and lifestyle, such as consuming low-sodium foods and engaging in regular exercise, can help lower blood pressure. Research has found that pomegranate is particularly effective in reducing blood pressure due to its anti-atherosclerotic and anti-oxidative properties. In fact, a study demonstrated that consuming pomegranate juice for two weeks resulted in a remarkable 36 percent decrease in serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels and a 5 percent decrease in systolic blood pressure.
Reduces cholesterol
Pomegranate is known for its ability to reduce cholesterol and improve heart health. It achieves this by reducing platelet aggregation, which are mini blood clots that impede blood flow, as well as lowering levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol. When cholesterol levels are high, it leads to the formation of plaque on the walls of arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. In fact, a study found that pomegranate juice supplementation resulted in a 20% reduction in the uptake of LDL cholesterol. Moreover, the size of atherosclerotic lesions, which are fatty deposits in the arteries, decreased by 44%. This study concluded that pomegranate juice possesses powerful anti-atherogenic effects due to its potent antioxidative properties.