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Evidence for the benefits of high-antioxidant pomegranates grows with the publication of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in the September 16th issue of the American Journal of Cardiology (www.ajconline.org).1 This research supports previously published work on the link between pomegranates and heart disease, but is the most rigorous study to date. Researchers from the non-profit Preventive Medicine Research Institute, University of California-San Francisco, and California Pacific Medical Center studied patients with coronary heart disease who had reduced blood flow to the heart.
These 45 patients were randomly assigned into 1 of 2 groups: 1 group that drank a glass of pomegranate juice each day (240 ml/day, or approximately 8.5 oz/day) or to a placebo group that drank a beverage of similar caloric content, amount, flavor, and color. After only 3 months, blood flow to the heart improved approximately 17% in the pomegranate juice group but worsened approximately 18% in the comparison group (i.e., a 35% relative between-group difference). These differences were statistically significant. This benefit was observed without changes in cardiac medications or revascularization (surgery to reestablish blood supply to the heart) in either group. Also, there were no negative effects on lipids (e.g., cholesterol), blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, body weight, or blood pressure.
“Although the sample in this study was relatively small, the strength of the design and the significant improvements in blood flow to the heart observed after only three months suggest that pomegranate juice may have important clinical benefits in those with coronary heart disease,” said senior author, Dean Ornish, M.D. in a press release.2 “Also, it may help to prevent it.”
References
1. Sumner MD, Elliott-Eller M, Weidner G, Daubenmier JJ, Chew MH, Marlin R, Raisin CJ, Ornish D. Effects of pomegranate juice consumption on myocardial perfusion in patients with coronary heart disease. Am J Cardiol. 2005 Sep 15;96(6):810-4.
2. Anon. Pomegranate juice may affect the progression of coronary heart disease. [press release]. Los Angeles, CA: Pom Wonderful, Sep. 16, 2005.
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