Atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries, occurs when plaque builds up inside the arteries over time. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin. As plaque continues to accumulate, it narrows the passageways through which blood can flow. This limits oxygen delivery to organs and other tissues. Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease. Removing plaque from arteries could potentially reverse or prevent complications from atherosclerosis. This has led to interest in whether certain foods and nutrients can eliminate arterial plaque. Pomegranate, in particular, has been studied for its potential plaque-removing effects.
What causes plaque buildup in arteries?
Plaque begins to form when cholesterol combines with lipids, calcium and cellular debris. This material adheres to the arterial lining, building up in the intima layer of the arteries. Atherosclerosis develops gradually over the years. Contributing factors include:
- High LDL cholesterol levels: LDL (bad) cholesterol can seep into damaged artery walls.
- Inflammation: Damage to the arterial lining causes inflammation. Immune cells try to clean up atherosclerotic plaque.
- Free radicals: Reactive oxygen species and free radicals lead to oxidative damage.
- High blood pressure: Increased pressure strains and weakens artery walls.
- Smoking: Chemicals from cigarettes promote plaque growth.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar causes arterial damage that accelerates plaque buildup.
- Obesity: Excess weight strains the cardiovascular system.
- Lack of exercise: Physical inactivity leads to obesity and other risk factors.
- Unhealthy diet: Saturated and trans fats clog arteries.
- Genetics: Some people are predisposed to high cholesterol and plaque formation.
These factors cause endothelial dysfunction in the arteries. This damage and inflammation trigger overproduction of adhesion molecules that grab onto cholesterol. Plaque starts small and can remain asymptomatic for years as it progressively blocks arteries.
How can pomegranate help eliminate plaque?
Pomegranates contain a high concentration of polyphenols. These plant-based micronutrients are powerfully antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Research indicates pomegranate polyphenols may:
- Reduce LDL oxidation: Polyphenols prevent LDL cholesterol particles from becoming oxidized. This lowers their adhesion to artery walls.
- Increase HDL: Pomegranate raises levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol, which transports cholesterol out of arteries.
- Improve endothelial function: Polyphenols enhance the function of the endothelium, or arterial lining. This helps arteries better regulate blood pressure.
- Decrease plaque size: Animal studies show shrinkage of atherosclerotic lesions when given pomegranate extract.
- Fight inflammation: The anti-inflammatory activity decreases immune cell recruitment and adhesion to damaged arteries.
- Inhibit platelet aggregation: Platelet clumping forms clots but polyphenols reduce aggregation. This prevents clot formation on top of plaque.
Through these mechanisms, pomegranate polyphenols may reduce additional buildup of plaque. There is also some evidence they may help break down and remove existing plaque.
Does pomegranate actually clear plaque from human arteries?
Most of the research has involved either animal studies or test tube experiments on human atherosclerotic plaque samples. Few studies have directly analyzed the effects of pomegranate on arterial plaque in living humans. However, some small human clinical trials have been conducted with promising results:
| Study | Design | Duration | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviram et al., 2004 | 45 patients with carotid artery stenosis drank pomegranate juice | 3 years | Reduced common carotid intima-media thickness up to 30% |
| Aviram et al., 2011 | 10 patients drank pomegranate juice | 1 year | Reduced plaque lesion size in the carotid artery by 35% |
| Kaplan et al., 2001 | 19 patients took pomegranate extract capsules | 1 year | Decreased plaque volume in carotid artery by 10% measured by MRI |
These small studies utilized carotid ultrasound or MRI scans to observe regression of plaque thickness and volume in the carotid arteries supplying blood to the brain. This suggests pomegranate may in fact facilitate reduction of plaque buildup in humans. Larger scale clinical trials are still needed.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Pomegranate juice and extract supplements appear to be safe for most people. Minor side effects may include stomach upset or diarrhea. Pomegranates contain small amounts of salicylic acid, so those with aspirin allergies should be cautious. They also have high potassium levels, so excess consumption could be a problem in kidney disease. Always consult your doctor before taking pomegranate extract pills, especially if you take blood pressure or cholesterol-lowering medications. Overall, pomegranate is considered very safe. Just be sure to drink 100% pomegranate juice with no added sugars.
What is the recommended intake to reduce arterial plaque?
Most studies investigating the effects of pomegranate on atherosclerosis have used around 8 ounces of pomegranate juice daily. Some have used higher doses up to 12 ounces per day. For pomegranate extract capsules, typical doses range from 300 to 700 mg per day. The most beneficial portion of pomegranates are the polyphenols. Standardized extract supplements containing a guaranteed amount of polyphenols may provide the best results. Ellagic acid and punicalagins are two key bioactive polyphenols from pomegranates that have been linked with anti-atherosclerotic activity in research.
Should you drink pomegranate juice for plaque removal?
Here are some key points about pomegranate and arterial plaque:
- Pomegranate polyphenols have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering effects that are expected to benefit atherosclerosis.
- Animal and lab studies show positive impacts of pomegranate against atherosclerotic plaque.
- Small human trials found evidence of plaque regression in carotid arteries after 1-3 years of pomegranate treatment.
- Pomegranate juice or extract supplements may aid plaque removal, but more extensive clinical data is still needed.
- Pomegranate products appear to be safe for long-term use.
- For plaque removal, aim for approximately 8 ounces of juice or 300-700 mg of standardized extract daily.
In summary, pomegranate shows promise for fighting atherosclerosis based on its antioxidant polyphenols. Preliminary research indicates it may help strip away built up plaque in arteries. However, pomegranate is no substitute for standard medical therapies and lifestyle changes to treat high cholesterol and atherosclerosis. More research is warranted, but incorporating pomegranate into a heart-healthy diet and regimen seems reasonably beneficial and safe. Along with medical treatment, it may provide supplementary support for preventing and potentially reversing plaque burden. But always consult your doctor before starting pomegranate or any new supplement, especially if you already take medications.
Conclusion
Atherosclerotic plaque underlies heart attacks, strokes and peripheral artery disease. Finding ways to remove plaque from arteries is an intriguing concept. Pomegranate shows potential to reduce and clear arterial plaque due to its wealth of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenols. Small human studies demonstrate modest reductions in carotid plaque measurements after daily pomegranate juice or extract over 1 to 3 years. However, more extensive clinical research is still needed. It remains unknown if pomegranate can definitively reverse or remove plaque in humans. But current evidence suggests it likely provides some benefit. Pomegranate juice, capsules or polyphenol extracts appear reasonably safe for long-term use. Incorporating pomegranate into a comprehensive program of diet, exercise and medical treatment may help mitigate atherosclerosis. But consult your doctor before using pomegranate supplements, especially if you already take any cholesterol or blood pressure medications. While not a miracle cure, pomegranate may turn out to be a useful piece of the cardiovascular disease puzzle.