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Pomegranate Juice helps fight
Heart Disease among Diabetics

Written by Gloria Tsang, RD
last updated: August 2006

A new study showed pomegranate juice may help fight heart disease in people with diabetes

Israeli researchers studying the effect of pomegranate juice on heart disease parameters in patients with diabetes. They found that those patients who consumed 50 milliliters of pomegranate juice for three months had a reduced uptake of oxidized bad low density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol by the body as well as reduced levels of other heart disease indicators. In addition, sugar present in pomegranate juice did not appear to worsen blood sugar levels in these patients. The researchers concluded that pomegranate juice may help halt the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in people with diabetes. The results of this study were published in the Atherosclerosis journal in August 2006.

Editor's Note: Pomegranate Juice - a rising star

Pomegranate has quickly become one of the most talked about health foods in the past two years. We reported previously that results of a small study published in June 2004 issue of Clinical Nutrition. Preliminary evidence suggested that drinking concentrated pomegranate juice may reduce cholesterol. It was further suggested that drinking a glass of pomegranate juice a day for one year reduced blood pressure (particularly systolic pressure) and slowed down LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) oxidation.

Pomegranate fruits contain polyphenols, tannins and anthocyanins - all beneficial antioxidants. Interestingly, pomegranate juice contains high levels of antioxidants - higher than most other fruit juices, red wine or tea.

Bottom Line: Many studies so far were small, thus more research is needed to fully evaluate the possible health benefits of pomegranate. Pomegranate juice is generally safe to drink. Most studies have administered a daily helping of 1.5 ounces (~45 mL) of pomegranate juice with no significant side effects.

For a sensible heart smart diet, emphasize fruits & vegetables, whole grains, fatty fish and choose skinless lean meats. Antioxidants are generally found in bright colored fruits and dark green vegetables as well as whole grains.