Pomegranate juice may help people suffering from coronary heart disease

19/09/05 Men and women with coronary heart disease who drink one glass of pomegranate juice daily may improve blood flow to their heart, according to a new study.

This research is the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial showing that pomegranate juice may affect the progression of coronary heart disease, which is the #1 cause of death in the U.S. and in most of the world. Promising results from this research will be published in the September 16th issue of the American Journal of Cardiology, one of the leading peer-reviewed cardiology journals (www.ajconline.org).

Researchers from the non-profit Preventive Medicine Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, and California Pacific Medical Center studied patients with coronary heart disease who had reduced blood flow to the heart. These 45 patients were randomly assigned into one of two groups: one group who drank a glass of pomegranate juice each day (240 ml/day, which is approximately 8.5 oz/day) or to a placebo group, who drank a beverage of similar caloric content, amount, flavor and color.
 
After only three months, blood flow to the heart improved approximately 17% in the pomegranate juice group but worsened approximately 18% in the comparison group (i.e., a 35% relative between-group difference). These differences were statistically significant. This benefit was observed without changes in cardiac medications or revascularization in either group. Also, there were no negative effects on lipids, blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, body weight or blood pressure.
 
Pomegranate juice is rich in polyphenols and other naturally-occurring antioxidants. It demonstrates high capability in scavenging free radicals and inhibiting low-density lipoprotein oxidation in vitro and in vivo. Other studies have shown that pomegranate juice has a number of important health benefits.
 
Pomegranate juice from POM Wonderful was used in this study.
 
POM Wonderful is the largest producer of California Wonderful pomegranates, and the company exclusively grows and sells this variety. POM Wonderful's pomegranates are grown in Central California, in the sunny San Joaquin Valley. Known for its exquisite sweet flavor, health benefits, large size and plentiful juice, the Wonderful variety is popular with consumers throughout the country. POM Wonderful's pomegranates promise consistent quality. POM Wonderful prides itself on the quality of its farming operation, the sensitivity with which the fruit is hand picked and carried to their sorting and modern juicing facilities, and ultimately delivered to your table. Only fruit that meets the company's strict quality standards appears in store produce sections.

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