Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Published : June 30, 2015 2:47 PM IST
If you love pomegranate and dates then this is for you. Now, researchers have found that the combination of pomegranate juice and dates can actually help you win the war against heart disease. Apparently all you need is a glass of pomegranate juice and a handful of dates to do the trick!
Why is it healthy for the heart?
According to the team of researchers from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, the combination of pomegranate juice and dates (eaten with their seeds or pits) provide maximum protection against atherosclerosis (plaque build up or hardening of the arteries), which can cause a heart attack or stroke. The study appears in Food & Function Journal.
They found that while pomegranate juice was rich in polyphenolic antioxidants (a compound derived from plants) and is known to be most effective in reducing oxidative stress, dates were a rich source of phenolic radical scavenger antioxidants, could inhibit the oxidation of LDL (or 'bad cholesterol') and stimulate the removal of cholesterol from lipid-laden arterial cells. Put together, they make a potent mixture that helps keep you fighting fit. You may also like to read more about good and bad cholesterol.
Who should have this mixture
The researchers conclude that people at high risk for cardiovascular diseases, as well as healthy individuals, could benefit from consuming the combination of half a glass of pomegranate juice (4 ounces), together with 3 dates. Ideally, the pits should be ground up into a paste and eaten as well, but even without the pits, the combination is better than either fruit alone.
How to make it
Making pomegranate juice is fairly easy. All you need to do is to peel one pomegranate and put it in a juicer. If you don't have a juicer, a mixer-grinder works well too. Remember, you can get rid of the white membrane as it might add a slightly bitter taste to the juice. Once your juice is ready, avoid straining it as the seeds are essential. Add the dates to the pomegranate as you grind it.
With inputs from ANI
Image source: Shutter Stock
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