Vegetable & Fruit Juices To Lower Cholesterol

Most people are familiar with high cholesterol and its connection to heart disease. Cholesterol, fat, calcium and other substances in the blood create a substance known as plaque, which is deposited on the inner lining of the artery. It builds gradually and can eventually reduce the blood flow, especially to the heart muscle. If left untreated, it can cause heart attacks. Research shows that fruit and vegetable juices can help lower cholesterol and decrease the potential negative effects of arterial plaque.

Juices May Have Health Benefits

Many people enjoy fruit juice for its sweet taste and perceived health effects, such as providing a daily dose of Vitamin C. Fruit juices also contain substances such as tannins, flavonoids and antioxidants, which have benefits in patients with plaque build up, which is also called atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis. Blood fats are commonly referred to as lipids. Low density lipoproteins, or LDLs for short, and high density lipoproteins, also called HDLs for short, are examples of lipids that may be affected by fruit and vegetable juices. Juices which have been studied for their effects on cholesterol include pomegranate, cranberry, purple grape and orange. Of the vegetable juices, kale and tomato juice have also been studied.

Pomegranate Juice

Reporting in the June 2004 issue of "Clinical Nutrition," Aviram, et al. described a three-year study in which patients with carotid stenosis---plaque buildup in the arteries leading to the brain---had decreased thickness of the artery lining as well as lower blood pressure after their diets were supplemented with pomegranate juice. Pomegranate juice was also found to decrease the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, resulting in improved blood lipid profiles. Although the study was continued for three years, maximum effects were obtained in the first year. The researchers attributed these changes to polyphenols found in the pomegranate juice.

Purple Grape Juice and Tomato Juice

Another study by J.D. Folts in the Coronary Thrombosis Research Laboratory, University of Wisconsin Medical School found that purple grape juice "significantly improved endothelial function in 15 patients with coronary artery disease." The improvement was theorized to be that the flavonoids in the juice inhibited platelet activity. Platelets, which are substances in the blood that help blood to clot, can contribute to the development of a heart attack by collecting on arterial plaque. Stein, et al. found purple grape juice, like pomegranate juice, had positive effects on LDL cholesterol.

When it comes to LDL cholesterol, tomato juice is also helpful. The "British Journal of Nutrition" December 2007 issue noted a study by Silaste, et al. that showed 400 milliliters of tomato juice and 30 milligrams of tomato ketchup daily reduced overall cholesterol in twenty-one healthy test subjects by 5.9 percent. The amounts of tomato juice and ketchup were about the same as that found in one-and-a-half cups of tomato juice and one ounce of ketchup.

Other Fruit and Vegetable Juices

Cranberry juice is another potential source of flavonoids. Writing in the "British Journal of Nutrition," Ruel, et al. noted that ingestion of 250 cc of low calorie cranberry juice---about one cup---increased blood levels of HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol can contribute to heart disease if the levels are low. The study authors hypothesized that it was the polyphenols in the cranberry juice that provided the cardioprotective effect.

HDL levels are cardioprotective when high. A study conducted in Brazil found that orange juice improved lipid levels by increasing the ability of the HDLs to take up free cholesterol, and it also decreased LDL levels. Kale juice was also found to increase HDL levels in a study reported in the April 2008 journal of "Biomedical Environmental Science."

Considerations and Warnings

While it may be beneficial to drink fruit and vegetable juices to help improve arteriosclerosis, other therapy may be necessary to protect your health. Always discuss you medical condition and any self-treatment plans with your healthcare professional.