Did you know that the pomegranate offers some major health benefits for your heart? The fruit is filled with crystal-like red seeds. Depending upon the season, the seeds can have a sweet or tart taste, but this fruit is much more than just a delicious treat. Pomegranates are a great source of nutrients. They are filled with vitamins and antioxidants that can help in the fight against heart disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every four Americans die from heart disease each year. Atherosclerosis, the build-up and hardening of plaque along the artery walls, is one of the leading causes of this disease. The plaque build-up, which occurs over time, is in many cases caused by low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as bad cholesterol. Some people develop high levels of LDL either because their body produces too much of it, or they indulge in foods or drinks that are high in fat or trans fats. Once the plaque builds-up, the inner lining walls of the arteries start to narrow. Then it becomes difficult for the blood cells to move throughout the arteries. When this happens, blockage could occur, which can eventually lead to a heart attack.
Medical research has shown that drinking pomegranate juice can actually reduce the plaque build-up that hardens the arteries. It can also lower LDL while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as good cholesterol. Other studies have shown that pomegranate can even lower blood pressure. So next time you’d like a sweet snack, try reaching for this super food to help keep your heart healthy.
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