Pomegranate juice better than statin drugs and niacin to lower cholesterol
The early end to the HDL and LDL Treatment Strategies study, or HALTS, allows drug manufacturers to boast the news that niacin in combination with cholesterol-lowering stain medications significantly reduces plaque build up in the arteries. Of the 363 men and women enrolled in the study, only 208 had completed the full treatment timeline of 14 months when the researchers were compelled to stop the study.
But, why take these drugs when the medical literature shows that pomegranate juice reduces plaque build up and lowers blood pressure? Pomegranate juice is better than statin drugs and niacin to lower cholesterol. Here's why:
No side effects.Drinking pomegranate juice has no known side effects. In addition to its effects on blood press ure and cholesterol, drinking pomegranate juice has been shown to reduce the incidence of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. Niacin's side effects include flushing of the skin, stomach distress, and liver damage.
Cheaper therapy. While the cost of pomegranate juice may be higher than that of orange juice and tomato juice, it is certainly less than that of niacin and statin drugs.
Antioxidants. Pomegranate juice is loaded with antioxidants that prevent cell damage that can lead to cancer.
Conventional medicine has become centered on medications, rather than lifestyle changes to treat chronic disease. It is only a matter of time until Americans stop hiding behind prescription drugs and realize that drug manufacturers control your medical care.
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Comments
How much pom. juice should someone with high ldl drink each day?
The only study you refer to is interesting but unfortunately, it's too small to prove anything about pomegranate juice. The study had only 10 patients taking pomegranate juice and presumably an equal number in the control group without the juice. In order to show that pomegranate juice really is more effective than statins and/or niacin, you'd have to have a series of studies with large numbers of patients, preferably in the hundreds or thousands.
That particular pomegranate study is not the only one conducted by Dr. Aviram, who began his pomegranate juice research in, I think, the year 2000. Aviram, by the way, is the lipid expert who brought us the good news about red wine.
I have diabetes and advanced atherosclerosis and I have faith in Dr. Aviram's conclusions. I too was extremely skeptical but, because of the state of my health, thoroughly researched the subject and also corresponded with Dr. Aviram. There are numerous online articles; just search on "Aviram pomegranate" and sort out the wheat from the chaff (lots of juice and health product companies are making misleading claims and using misleading labels).
As for how much, the studies I've read suggest 6 ozs. I actually drink about twice that each day. Look for Old Orchard 100% pomegranate juice at Publix in the juice aisle and avoid the cooler where the highly advertised stuff resides. And don't be tempted by pomegranate mixes, buy only 100% pure pomegra
I am type II diabetic with high cholesterol and high blood pressure. I have avoided juices because of thier sugar content. Is a pomegranate supplement as effective?
I am definitely interested in natural ways to reduce high cholesterol because statins seem to cause me chest discomfort, even the red yeast rice supplements seem to also. Does Niacin affect blood sugar? There was a warning on a supplement bottle about people with diabetes talking to thier doctor before taking niacin.
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