Atherosclerosis caused by free radical damage to cellular membranes is one of the leading causes of death today. Although society expects this to be a natural part of the aging process, this no longer has to be the case. Thanks to a little known enzyme called Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) the degenerative process of lipid peroxidation (damage to healthy cells caused by free radicals) can be blocked, thus preventing the onset of many degenerative disorders.
Many factors contribute to Atherosclerosis, including LDL oxidation, chronic inflammation, platelet activation, vascular adhesion molecules, and accumulating cholesterol in arterial walls. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has long been recognized for its ability to reduce the accumulation of cholesterol in arteries, but did you know HDL can also reduce all of those other factors as well?
An enzyme called PON-1 is attached to the surface of HDL, enabling it perform its vital functions. As we age, however, PON-1 levels drastically decline, thus reducing the ability of HDL to do its job of protecting us from heart attacks and strokes. This accounts for the sudden acceleration of atherosclerosis where healthy arteries rapidly occlude with plaque within a few short years. The reduction in PON-1 may also explain why statin drugs lose their benefit in certain aging populations.
Major Pharmaceutical companies would love to be able to produce a drug that could elevate PON-1 levels in the body. Just imagine the billions of dollars in revenue that would produce for them. Fortunately for us though, “scientists have discovered low-cost natural methods to elevate PON-1 and unleash its full antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power. Most recent research indicates that pomegranate and its extracts can significantly elevate levels of PON-1 activity in the body. Pomegranate does this through a number of distinct bio-molecular pathways that include combating inflammation and LDL adhesion and favorably modulating gene expression.”
A landmark study begun by a group of Israeli scientists in 2000 indicated that when human subjects consumed pomegranate juice over a 2-wk period, they experienced significant reductions in LDL clumping, and a 20% increase in PON-1 activity. Furthermore, after 1 year, subjects with carotid artery stenosis (a narrowing of the main blood vessels supplying the brain) given pomegranate experienced an 83% increase in PON-1 levels and their oxidized LDL levels fell by an astounding 90%. Their carotid artery narrowing was actually reversed by 30%, while the placebo group worsened by 9%.
Pomegranate holds significant hope for Diabetes patients as well. Over a three month period, Type 2 Diabetics were given 50 mL of Pomegranate juice daily. Prior to beginning the trial the diabetics’ PON-1 levels were suppressed by 23% when measured against healthy test subjects. At the conclusion of the 3 month study, their PON-1 levels had increased by an additional 24%.
Poly-phoenols found in Resveratrol, Quercetin, and red wine may also increase PON-1 levels, resulting in additional cardio-protective benefits. Now everyone can benefits, because these natural methods are low-cost and easily obtained.