Pomegranates and healthy heart functions

Atherosclerosis is the progressive deposition of lipids in medium and large arteries. It is

one of the leading causes of death in developing countries, manifesting as a stroke or
heart attack.

The lipid accumulation is a result of LDL cholesterol (Low Density Lipoprotein) binding
or sticking to the inner most layer of the blood vessels. Once the LDL is trapped, it
undergoes modification primarily due to oxidation. This is the beginning of
atherosclerosis. Risk factors of atherosclerosis include:

1. High cholesterol levels

2. Low HDL levels
3. Hypertension
4. Diabetes
5. Cigarette smoking
6. Post menopausal state
7. Physical inactivity
8. Obesity
9. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
10. Family history

High levels of HDL (High Density Lipoprotein), on the other hand are associated with
decreased risk of atherosclerosis because they provide an independent pathway for
removal of excess fatty lipids thus preventing or decreasing the risk of atherosclerotic
lesion of the arteries.

Contrary to popular opinion, cholesterol is essential to our lives. Our body contains 100
mg of cholesterol which is used to synthesize many steroids/hormones in the body itself.
Popular medicines like statins, in their effort to reduce atherosclerosis have a one-
dimensional approach towards reducing cholesterol levels – decrease the body’s ability to
produce cholesterol!!. Apart from deviating from nature, this results in very serious side
effects to stomach, liver and lungs.

Pomegranates & Atherosclerosis

Scientific evidence suggests that pomegranate is a potent inhibitor of atherosclerosis

thereby improving heart functions. The mechanism is due to:

1. The high concentration of antioxidants in the fruit prevents lipid oxidation

2. Paraoxonase (PON) is a HDL associated enzyme whose activity is related to
atherosclerosis. Increased level of PON means decreased risk of atherosclerosis.
PON protects the LDL from peroxidation and is also known to ‘kill’ oxidized
lipids. However PON gradually becomes inactive subsequent to its interaction
with oxidized lipids. Decreased PON activity is normally seen during high
cholesterol levels or diabetes. Consumption of whole pomegranate juice or
 extracts significantly increased the levels of PON activity thereby providing a
natural way to counter lipid peroxidation and thus atherosclerosis.
3. Pomegranate antioxidants also have a chelating effect on the oxidized lipids
thereby preventing their sticking to the arterial walls thus promoting reverse
cholesterol transport through HDL.
4. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays a critical role in controlling blood
pressure. Pomegranate consumption reduces the activity of ACE resulting in
better flow of blood.

Regular consumption of pomegranate in the form of whole fruit

juice/concentrates/extracts helps one prevent onset of cardio vascular diseases –
the natural way! For more information on pure handmade pomegranate fruit
supplements please visit http://www.madubannaturals.com