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Pomegranate Another interesting natural product that is receiving increased attention for its potential role in helping to maintain cardiovascular health is the pomegranate. In addition to the fact that the fruit tastes delicious and is fun to eat, pomegranates contain a wide array of beneficial polyphenolic compounds including anthocyanins, catechins, tannins, and ellagic and gallic acids (Fig. 4). Supplementation with pomegranate juice in animal studies has been shown to reduce macrophage lipid accumulation, cellular cholesterol accumulation as well as reduce the development of atherosclerosis. Recent human research has also reported the effect of supplementation with pomegranate juice in those with carotid artery stenosis. A report out of Israel earlier this year showed that after 1 year of pomegranate juice consumption, subjects with severe atherosclerosis experienced up to a 30% reduction in intima-media thickness compared with an increase in intima-thickness of 9% in the placebo group. The resistance of LDL to oxidation, as well as serum paraoxonase 1 activity was also increased after 1 year in the group receiving the pomegranate juice. Serum paraoxonase 1 (PON 1) is an enzyme associated with HDL-cholesterol that can reduce certain lipid peroxides found in arterial cells as well as lipoproteins. PON 1 has been shown to be reduced in those with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Consequently, increases in paraoxonase activity is believed to be a beneficial outcome with respect to cardiovascular health. While the mechanisms of action and specific compounds responsible for these actions are not well understood, the combination of potent antioxidants present in pomegranates may in part be responsible for the findings. As more people look for alternatives to statin drugs, exciting natural products that help to lower cholesterol and help maintain cardiovascular health are quickly becoming a reality. Coupled with other nutrients that are well-known for their cardioprotective properties such as CoQ10, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, the addition of pomegranate, polymethoxylated flavones and plant sterols offer strong new weapons to help maintain optimal heart health.
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