Pomegranate juice is not only delicious but is also said to help lower blood pressure, one of the common health problems today. Thanks to its natural antioxidants, this ruby red juice is popular with many people as a method to support cardiovascular health.
Does pomegranate juice help lower blood pressure?
Some studies show that drinking about 300ml of pomegranate juice per day can help reduce an average of 6 mmHg of cardiopulmonary blood pressure (above) and 3 mmHg of cardiac blood pressure (below). However, this effect does not occur in everyone. Some cases saw clear effects after a few weeks, while others did not see much change.
The antioxidants in pomegranate work similar to some blood pressure lowerers, helping to dilate blood vessels and improve blood circulation, says nutritionist Melissa Nieves, LND in Puerto Rico.
In particular, pomegranate seems to be more effective in people with high blood pressure over 130 mmHg. So if you are pre- high blood pressure or have mild high blood pressure, pomegranate juice may be a natural supportive option.
Why is pomegranate effective?
The reason lies in powerful antioxidants such as punicalagin, pedunculagin and gallagic acid in pomegranate. These substances help:
Protect blood vessel walls from damage caused by free radicals.
Reduces vasoconstriction, similar to an enzyme inhibitor (ACE).
Increase production of nitric oxide (NO), which helps blood vessels dilate better.
How to use pomegranate juice properly
No need to drink too much, just 1 glass (about 300ml) per day is enough. You can buy pure (sugar-free) pomegranate juice or make it at home by squeezing fresh pomegranate seeds and filtering the juice. If done at home, it should be stored refrigerated and used up for 5 days.
Although it is a natural drink, pomegranate juice is not suitable for everyone. Here are some small risks to note:
It can cause stomach pain, nausea, constipation or mild diarrhea if consumed in excess.
High sugar content (about 26g per glass) can be disadvantageous for people with diabetes.
Some people are rare for pomegranate allergies.
Expert Melissa Nieves advises: If you are taking medication or have an underlying medical condition, you should consult your doctor before adding pomegranate juice to your daily diet.
In addition to helping control blood pressure, pomegranate also helps:
Beauty the skin and slow aging thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Improve digestion, reduce blood sugar after meals.
Prevent atherosclerosis, the leading cause of heart attack and stroke.
Pomegranate juice can be a good addition to heart health, especially if you are looking for a natural solution to help lower blood pressure. However, do not overuse and always remember that: a balanced diet, exercise and stress management are still the most important foundation to protect the heart.
