Glorious, red pomegranates and their Middle Eastern sister, luscious toffee-like dates, are delicious, increasingly trendy, and healthy to boot. As it turns out, when consumed together they are a winning combination in the war against heart disease. Just half a glass of pomegranate juice a day with a handful of dates can do the trick!
A team of researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, led by Professor Michael Aviram of the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Rambam Medical Center, has discovered that the combination of pomegranate juice and dates along with their pits provide maximum protection against atherosclerosis (plaque buildup or hardening of the arteries), which can cause a heart attack or stroke. The findings were published in the most recent issue (March 26, 2015) of Food & Function, a journal of The Royal Society of Chemistry.
A number of risk factors are involved in the development of atherosclerosis, including cholesterol oxidation, which leads to accumulation of lipids in the arterial wall. Natural antioxidants can slow down the oxidation process in the body, and serve to reduce the risk of heart attack. For the past 25 years, Prof. Aviram and his research team have been working on isolating and researching those antioxidants, in order to keep plaque buildup at bay.
Going into the most recent study, the team was aware of the individual benefits provided by pomegranates and dates. Pomegranate juice, rich in polyphenolic antioxidants (derived from plants), has been shown to most significantly reduce oxidative stress. Dates, which are rich sources of phenolic radical scavenger antioxidants, also inhibit the oxidation of LDL (the so-called "bad cholesterol") and stimulate the removal of cholesterol from lipid-laden arterial cells. Prof. Aviram had a hunch that since dates and pomegranate juice are composed of different phenolic antioxidants, the combination could thus prove more beneficial than the sum of its parts.
In a trial performed on arterial cells in culture, as well as in atherosclerotic mice, the Technion team found that the triple combination of pomegranate juice, date fruits and date pits did indeed provide maximum protection against the development of atherosclerosis because the combination reduced oxidative stress in the arterial wall by 33% and decreased arterial cholesterol content by 28%.
The researchers conclude that people at high risk for cardiovascular diseases, as well as healthy individuals, could benefit from consuming the combination of half a glass of pomegranate juice (4 ounces), together with 3 dates. Ideally, the pits should be ground up into a paste and eaten as well, but even without the pits, the combination is better than either fruit alone.
FAQs
Preliminary studies show that dietary pomegranate produces brain anti-inflammatory effects that may help stall the progression of Alzheimer Disease. Other studies suggest drinking 8 ounces of pomegranate juice daily helps improve performance in tasks related to learning and memory.
Does pomegranate juice really clean arteries? ›
Human studies of pomegranate juice have demonstrated even more dramatic effects, showing that pomegranate may actually reverse atherosclerosis. Israeli scientists studied patients with narrowing of their carotid arteries as a result of atherosclerosis.
What do pomegranates do for females? ›
Pomegranate can significantly improve hot flashes severity and menopause symptoms and decrease FSH. It significantly improves high-density lipoprotein but not low-density lipoprotein, body mass index, and weight.
Can I eat dates and pomegranates together? ›
Pomegranates and dates are delicious, increasingly trendy, and healthy to boot. As it turns out, when consumed together they are a winning combination in the war against heart disease.
Who should not drink pomegranate juice? ›
Drinking pomegranate juice might increase the risk of blood pressure dropping too low in people who already have low blood pressure. Allergies to plants: People with plant allergies seem to be more likely to have an allergic reaction to pomegranate. Surgery: Pomegranate might affect blood pressure.
How long does it take to see results from drinking pomegranate juice? ›
Drinking pomegranate juice every day may improve learning and memory, according to an older study . In the study, 32 people consumed either 8 ounces of pomegranate juice or other drink for 8 weeks. After 4 weeks, those who consumed pomegranate showed better scores on memory tests.
What medications should not be taken with pomegranate juice? ›
Pomegranate juice also appears to inhibit at least two liver enzymes that help metabolize some other medications, including several antidepressants, AIDS drugs, and certain narcotic pain relievers. That could potentially cause unhealthy levels of those drugs to build up in the blood.
Can pomegranate detox the liver? ›
Conclusion. Our results suggest that long-term pomegranate intake may be effective in ameliorating liver enzymes in adults with obesity and metabolic disorders who are more likely to have elevated baseline liver enzymes due to some degree of liver injury or tissue damage.
What is the best time to drink pomegranate juice? ›
Consequently, the juice from pomegranates can replenish your body in the morning. Most of its nutrients are assimilated when the stomach is empty. Therefore, consuming the juice of pomegranates first thing in the morning on an empty stomach is preferable to any other time of day.
What organ is pomegranate good for? ›
People have enjoyed pomegranates since ancient times for their health benefits. They have powerful antioxidants that can help protect the health of your heart, kidneys, and gut microbiome. They may also help protect you from Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and some cancers.
The antioxidants found in pomegranate oil offer an exquisite shield of protection against the damaging effects of oxidative stress and prevent the accumulation of dirt on the scalp. Through stimulation, it improves blood flow to the scalp, thus promoting stronger, healthier hair growth.
Do you swallow pomegranate seeds? ›
They supply essential nutrients and antioxidants for multiple health benefits. Are You Supposed to Swallow Pomegranate Seeds? Yes, it's perfectly safe! Swallowing them after chewing properlylets you enjoy their full health benefits.
Is it OK to eat banana and pomegranate together? ›
Yes you can have them. No worries. Was this answer helpful? You can eat bananas, pomegranate and watermelon together.
Which fruit should not be eaten with pomegranate? ›
Acidic and sub-acidic fruits such as grapefruits, strawberries, apples, pomegranates, and peaches, should never be combined with sweet fruits such as bananas and raisins. This is because it often leads to digestive problems, nausea, acidosis, and headaches.
Is it OK to eat apple and pomegranate together? ›
Yes, you can eat pomegranate and apples together. Eating these two fruits together can provide a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and potassium. Apples are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
What organs is pomegranate juice good for? ›
People have enjoyed pomegranates since ancient times for their health benefits. They have powerful antioxidants that can help protect the health of your heart, kidneys, and gut microbiome. They may also help protect you from Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and some cancers.
What are the side effects of pomegranate juice? ›
However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits. Ask your healthcare provider if pomegranate juice is safe for you. It may cause side effects, like diarrhea, allergies, or adverse drug interactions in some people.
Does pomegranate juice reduce belly fat? ›
Summary. Pomegranate is a nutrient-dense fruit that can aid in weight loss due to its moderate fibre content and low-calorie count. Pomegranate also contains polyphenols that can boost metabolism and increase fat burning. While it can be a helpful addition to a weight loss diet, it is not a magic solution.
What does pomegranate juice do to stomach? ›
“Compounds in the pomegranate work together to keep the bacteria from growing,” Dr. Heber said. Bad bacterial growth in the gut can lead to inflammatory bowel disease as well as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, extreme abdominal pain and cramping.
