This Popular Juice May Reduce Your Heart Disease Risk, New Study Says

You've probably heard about this powerful juice on daytime TV, or seen bottles of it in the produce section's cooler case. It's known for packing potent health effects—and now, a new study has just reinforced one of its most crucial benefits for your body.

Pomegranate seeds (also called "arils") and the juice that comes from them are way more than just delicious. The pomegranate fruit has been found to deliver a range of great effects, such as inhibiting weight gain and preserving youthful skin, just as examples.

Now, a new study from biology researchers in Mexico has found that juice from the pomegranate may improve your levels of some of the most concerning markers for heart disease.

The research team administered pomegranate juice to rats that had been placed on a high-calorie diet to induce obesity. Then they measured the animals for physiological markers that often indicate obesity and heart-related conditions, including inflammation, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

As results, the research team reports that pomegranate juice reduced the concentration of low-density lipoprotein (also known as LDL, the "bad" cholesterol) by a noteworthy 39%; and increased high-density lipoprotein, "good cholesterol," by 27%. The scientists say these factors alone reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease by 12% to 18%.

Furthermore, pomegranate juice reduced blood pressure by 24% and also decreased levels of inflammation in the blood vessels.

The scientists suggest that more research is required before we can definitively state that pomegranate juice slashes heart disease risk among humans, as well. However, this bit of evidence is encouraging, and possibly good enough reason to work more of the fruit into your diet! Check out 21 Wonderful Pomegranate Recipes, and The Single Best Way To Cut a Pomegranate.