The Claim
A WhatsApp message claims that dried pomegranate seeds with lukewarm water could be a ‘miracle cure’ for heart patients. In fact, it said that regular intake of the water could ‘reverse’ their conditions and evade the need for bypass surgeries.
True or False?
Pomegranate is known to be associated with various health benefits. Studies have shown that its antioxidant properties work against high blood pressure, cholesterol as well as heart diseases.
- For instance, a 2013 study concluded that pomegranate can ‘protect low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) and high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) from oxidation’, mitigating development of consequent cardiovascular diseases.
- Another study has evaluated the efficiency of pomegranate juice to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive patients and found that ‘pomegranate juice can offer a wide protection against cardiovascular diseases which could be related to its inhibitory effect on oxidative stress’.
- Additionally, the punicic acid, which is the main constituent of pomegranate seed oil, has anti-atherogenic effects (preventing the formation of fatty deposits in the arteries). A 2010 study concluded that ‘administration of the acid for four weeks in hyperlipidaemic subjects had favorable effects on their lipid profiles.’
- A Medical News Today report mentions many other benefits of pomegranate, such as its nutrient composition, anti-inflammatory properties, and its help in the prevention of chronic diseases.
Certainly, the fruit offers many health benefits. But doctors believe that the claim that it can ‘reverse’ the need for bypass for critical heart patients, or that regular consumption of its seeds may completely cure heart ailments, is too far-fetched.
Dr Pramod Kumar, Director, Cardiology, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, responded to the WhatsApp forward saying, “These are all fake news without any scientific basis.”
The fruit is definitely good for a healthy lifestyle and to avoid diseases- but that’s with any other fruit. Though it is known to have more protective antioxidants compared to other fruits, attributing such out-of-the-world qualities to it is not right.
Dr Praveen Chandra, Chairman, Cardiology at Medanta-The Medicity, also agreed, that such a claim is not true.
Verdict
Pomegranate contains many essential micronutrients- making it advisable to include it in your diets. However, the fruit cannot cure serious heart ailments, and it can certainly not replace doctors or the need for a bypass surgery.
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