Pomegranate Juice Cuts Cardiovascular Risks

[victorygallop]

Il ike to drink this stuff before I play poker or while I am reading the form.
It really sharpens my senses.

HealthDay
Pomegranate Juice Cuts Cardiovascular Risks


By Serena Gordon
HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, March 22 (HealthDay News) -- A large glass of pomegranate juice a day may help keep the heart doctor away.




Italian and American scientists report that pomegranate juice helped keep fatty deposits from collecting on artery walls in mice, and kept human heart cells healthier.

"Mice that drank pomegranate juice were able to significantly reduce the progression of atherosclerosis, [by] at least 30 percent," said study co-author Dr. Claudio Napoli, a professor of medicine and clinical pathology at the University of Naples School of Medicine in Italy.

The findings appear in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (news - web sites).

Pomegranates, a native Middle Eastern fruit, are finding their way into more and more homes in the United States. The fruit contains crunchy seeds surrounded by juicy pulp and is a good source of potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (news - web sites) (USDA).

"Pomegranates are fun to eat, but messy," noted Samantha Heller, a senior clinical nutritionist at New York University Medical Center. For that reason, she said, "juice may be a better option."

Napoli and his colleagues tested the effects of pomegranate juice in mice that were bred to have high cholesterol and on human heart cells in culture.

Previous studies, according to Napoli, have suggested the antioxidants found in pomegranate juice might reduce plaque buildup on artery walls and reduce oxidative stress on endothelial cells, the cells that line blood vessels. These cells produce nitric oxide, a substance that helps the blood vessels relax.

The researchers found that heart cells treated with pomegranate juice had a 50 percent increase in nitric oxide production, and that mice given pomegranate juice reduced the rate of plaque buildup by about 30 percent.

"The protective effects of pomegranate juice were higher than previously assumed," Napoli noted.

The researchers don't know the exact reason why pomegranate juice appears to protect artery walls from fatty deposits, but they suspect that the increased nitric oxide production may play a role, and that polyphenols -- powerful antioxidants contained in pomegranates and other foods -- may directly protect the arteries by reducing oxidative stress.

Other fruits and juices that contain polyphenols include blueberries, cranberries, oranges and grapes. Red wine also contains polyphenols, Napoli said.

Heller pointed out that while pomegranates are very healthy and high in antioxidants, they can be expensive and aren't always easy to find. Plus, she said, "all fruits and vegetables are just packed with healthy phytochemicals." Examples she cited as being high in antioxidants include berries, beans, apples, pecans and artichokes, just to name a few.

Heller also noted that the study was done primarily on mice and that data from mice don't always extrapolate to humans. But, she added, "the phytochemicals in pomegranates, which are also present in other fruits and vegetables, are really very good for us, and do help prevent certain chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer."

Napoli said that while it is hard to extrapolate data from mice to humans, an equivalent amount of pomegranate juice for humans would be the equivalent of about 16 ounces daily.

More information

To learn more about antioxidants, visit the American Heart Association.

[jjgold]

thans for tip

[victorygallop]

[Railbird]

old news been drinking it for years

[Buck Swope]

Was doing shots of Pama last weekend - this new pomegranate liquor

Not sure if it going to keep me alive until 100 but I thought they were delicious (and I hate shots)

[Uncle B]

'Pomegranate and Gin Cocktails' - video recipe

[KoolPappyPD]

wow, my wife buys the stuff and tries to get me to drink it...i have been making fun of her...it's in my frig right now and i have never had it...think i'll give it a try...

[KoolPappyPD]

i gave it a swig...not crown royal on the rocks, but pretty good...

[truckman]

Pap, try mixing it with the crown. Or better yet with Grey Goose.

[KoolPappyPD]

Originally Posted by truckman

Pap, try mixing it with the crown. Or better yet with Grey Goose.

Goose and Cherry Pomegranate...that sounds tasty Truck...I'm on it...

[Rogthedodger]

Pom also helps with erections, both duration and firmness :)

[cash]

Originally Posted by Rogthedodger

Pom also helps with erections, both duration and firmness :)

btw: pumpkin seeds along with regular kegel exercising also helps

[Uncle B]

Eh?

You guys are sick.


I don't care what it's supposed to help..I ain't stickin my jimmy-stick in a cup of Pomegranate Juice...