Dates and Pomegranates are Nutritious and Beneficial Fruits
Mixing pomegranate juice with a few date kernels each day may provide maximum protection against the development of atherosclerosis. This is according to a study by Professor Michael Aviram, director of the Lipid Research Laboratory at the Rappaport Faculty of Medicine at the Technion and the Rambam Medical Center in Haifa.
Atherosclerosis is the result of the processes of oxidation of cholesterol and the accumulation of lipids in the cells of the artery wall, leading to heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, slowing down oxidative processes in the body reduces the risk of these potentially lethal events.
Pomegranate Juice and Dates Provide Maximum Protection Against the Development of Atherosclerosis
For the past 15 years, Professor Michale Aviram and his research group have been researching active polyphenolic ingredients, which are particularly effective antioxidants. The researchers isolated the pomegranate-specific punicalagin and the phenolic acids unique to the date fruit, and showed that these components dramatically reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Furthermore, an examination of the components of the date kernel showed that it is very rich in unique therapeutic polyphenols. Indeed, the consumption of date kernel extracts daily delays the development of atherosclerosis by a very impressive rate of 90%.
The research in the study found that a combination of date fruit, date kernels, and pomegranate fruit or juice is even more effective in its protection. Therefore, the researchers recommend the combined use of these three components. When combined, this cocktail of antioxidants reduces the accumulation of cholesterol in the artery walls and causes excess cholesterol to be removed from the body through the digestive system.
In mice, it was found that this combination leads to a significant reduction (33%) in oxidative stress in the cells of the artery wall, with a 28% reduction in cholesterol levels in these cells.
In conclusion, this is a winning combination whose benefits increase when both pomegranates and dates are incorporated together. The combination cocktail is recommended for people at high risk of developing heart disease and atherosclerosis.
