It is a well-known fact that fruits are great for health. However, do you know that there is one fruit in general that is excellent for your heart? We are talking about pomegranates, or the humble anaar. The term “superfruit” is apt for pomegranate, because it delivers multiple health advantages which benefit heart health specifically. Clinical Dietitian Sakina recently took to her IG handle to talk about the many benefits of pomegranate, especially for heart patients. Take a look…
Excellent for the heart
Pomegranate provides heart health advantages through its polyphenol compounds, that include tannins, anthocyanins and other powerful antioxidants. The antioxidants in pomegranate fight free radicals that exist throughout the body to stop heart cells and blood vessels from suffering oxidative stress damage. The diverse range of antioxidants in pomegranate exceeds other fruits, which enables it to effectively neutralise multiple free radicals. The antioxidants in pomegranate defend artery walls from damage, which helps prevent the development of atherosclerosis that causes arteries to become hardened and blocked.
How to consume
Sakina advises everyone to consume 250ml pomegranate juice every day for 3-4 weeks for the best benefits
Protects LDL from oxidation
The antioxidants in pomegranate defend LDL cholesterol from oxidation, which prevents the formation of dangerous artery plaque. The process of LDL oxidation creates a more dangerous form of cholesterol, that leads to artery plaque development. The antioxidants in pomegranate slow down the oxidation process, which safeguards arteries from damage and decreases the chances of arteries narrowing because of fatty plaque buildup. The dual mechanism of pomegranate enhances HDL (good) cholesterol performance, while safeguarding LDL cholesterol from damage which leads to better cholesterol management for heart disease patients.
Anti-inflammatory properties
The development of heart diseases occurs through inflammation, which leads to blood vessel damage and new plaque formation. The anti-inflammatory elements in pomegranate work to decrease existing inflammation markers, which are present inside the human body. The antioxidants in pomegranate help maintain blood vessel health and enhance their flexibility. Studies demonstrate that regular pomegranate juice consumption results in decreased readings of both systolic, and diastolic blood pressure. The blood pressure lowering effects of pomegranate are crucial because elevated blood pressure causes damage to heart tissue and arteries, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke and heart failure.
Enhances blood circulation
The heart requires proper blood circulation to function properly, and pomegranate helps maintain vascular health to enhance blood flow. The antioxidants present in pomegranate enhance blood vessel endothelial lining function, which enables better vessel flexibility and contraction. The heart functions optimally when blood flows efficiently which results in decreased heart damage potential and reduced chest pain symptoms. Research indicates that heart patients who consume pomegranate juice experience enhanced arterial elasticity throughout longer periods of time.
Safe for diabetics
The medical condition of heart disease patients becomes more complex when they develop diabetes. The antioxidants in pomegranate combine with its natural sugars to deliver heart benefits to diabetic patients, without causing blood sugar elevation. Research indicates that pomegranate antioxidants help diabetic patients by enhancing their cholesterol profiles, and decreasing oxidative stress levels. The natural compounds found in pomegranate create a risk-free and beneficial dietary choice for people, who need to control their diabetes and heart disease.Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice
