Lee Swanson Research Update

Pomegranate Juice Helps Cut Stress-induced Ischemia

December 2005

pomegranate juice

Daily consumption of pomegranate juice may improve stress-induced myocardial ischemia in patients who have coronary heart disease (CHD), according to a study reported in The American Journal of Cardiology. Myocardial ischemia is a cardiovascular disorder caused by insufficient blood flow to the muscle tissue of the heart.

Researchers noted that pomegranate juice contains antioxidants such as soluble polyphenols, tannins and anthocyanins and may have antiatherosclerotic properties, but said that no previous study had investigated the effects of pomegranate juice on patients who have ischemic coronary heart disease. That prompted them to go ahead with the current study.

Forty-five CHD patients took part in the three-month randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Patients were assigned into one of two groups: a pomegranate juice group (240 ml per day) or a placebo group that drank a beverage of similar caloric content, amount, flavor and color.

Participants underwent cardiac testing at the beginning and end of the study. Researchers found that blood flow to the heart improved by 17% in the pomegranate juice group and declined by 18% in the placebo group. Researches also pointed out that the benefits were realized without any negative effects on lipids, blood glucose, hemoglobin, body weight, or blood pressure.

The American Journal of Cardiology 96(6):810-814, 2005

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