Pomegranate contains a high amount of antioxidants called polyphenols, to which most of the fruit's benefits are attributed. In addition, pomegranate is a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Evidence indicates that incorporating pomegranate juice into your daily diet can help lower your blood pressure.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure readings involve two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Systolic blood pressure, or the top number, refers to the force it takes your heart to pump blood while contracting, while diastolic blood pressure, or the bottom number, refers to the force it takes your heart to pump blood while relaxing. A normal blood pressure reading is 120 over 80, or 120/80 mmHg. If systolic blood pressure is 140 or higher or diastolic blood pressure is 90 or higher, you have high blood pressure. High blood pressure impairs blood vessel function, leading to an increase in heart disease risk and stroke, according to the Mayo Clinic.
ACE Activity
One of the ways pomegranate might lower your blood pressure is by inhibiting angiotensin converting enzyme activity, or ACE, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences in Israel. Angiotensin converting enzyme produces angiotensin II, which constricts blood vessels and leads to an increase in your blood pressure. Inhibiting angiotensin converting enzyme prevents angiotensin II, thereby allowing blood vessels to relax and reduce blood pressure. According to a study reported in the September 2001 issue of "Atherosclerosis," researchers observed that patients with hypertension taking 50ml of pomegranate juice daily for two weeks experienced decreases in ACE activity and reductions in systolic blood pressure.
Systolic Blood Pressure
Scientists at the Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences in Israel investigated the impact of pomegranate juice on blood pressure in atherosclerotic patients. They reported in the June 2004 issue of "Clinical Nutrition" that patients consuming pomegranate juice daily for one year experienced decreases in systolic blood pressure.
Interactions
Pomegranate might interact with certain medications, including ACE inhibitors, statins and blood pressure medication, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult your health care provider before taking any pomegranate products.
References
- MayoClinic.com; High blood pressure (hypertension); March 2011
- "Atherosclerosis"; Pomegranate Juice Consumption Inhibits Serum Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Activity and Reduces Systolic Blood Pressure; M. Aviram and L. Dornfeld; September 2001
- "Clinical Nutrition"; Pomegranate Juice Consumption for 3 Years by Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis Reduces Common Carotid Intima-Medica Thickness, Blood Pressure and LDL Oxidation; M. Aviram et al.; June 2004
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Pomegranate; 2011
