Cholesterol

• A study conducted in Israel in 2004 indicates that drinking one glass of pomegranate juice in concentrated form per day for the course of a year can reduce cholesterol. At the end of the study, LDL cholesterol (the bad type, which stresses the heart and contributes to heart disease) was lowered in enough study participants to make the connection statistically significant.
  A 2005 study published in the American Journal of Medicine also claimed that drinking an eight ounce glass of pomegranate juice daily increases oxygen flow to the heart in patients already suffering from coronary disease.
  
  

Blood Pressure

• The Israeli study also found that blood pressure was lowered in study participants. This connection between lower blood pressure and lower LDL cholesterol is thought to be a result of pomegranate juice's high antioxidant content, which helps prevent damage to cells and protect arterial walls. Pomegranate pulp possesses a higher level of antioxidants than other beverages popularly advertised for their antioxidant-rich qualities, such as green tea, red wine and other juices made from real fruits.
  
  

Atherosclerosis

• A University of Naples study has shown that pomegranate juice can prevent hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, which is a serious form of heart disease. The study was performed on mice, but its findings have been generalized to people, though more long-range studies involving humans are required to reach broader conclusions.
  
  

Blood Clots

• Pomegranate juice may also prevent blood clots. Some studies have found the juice to mirror blood thinners such as aspirin in its ability to prevent blood platelets from sticking together. These clumps of blood platelets form clots that can damage the heart, block other arteries throughout the body and cause strokes. Accordingly, drinking pomegranate juice on a regular basis may be a good idea for those at risk for developing blood clots.
  
  

Drug Interaction

• While there are many potential heart benefits associated with drinking pomegranate juice, there are also some risks. It may interact with certain medications, either dulling their efficacy or potentially causing a reaction. Consult with your doctor to determine if a regular regimen of pomegranate juice will work for you with the medications you are currently taking.