Pomegranate juice: Can it lower cholesterol?

Preliminary evidence suggests that drinking concentrated pomegranate juice may reduce cholesterol. But studies so far have been small and more research is needed to fully evaluate this possible benefit.

The pomegranate is a round fruit about the size of a large orange. It has a smooth, reddish-pink rind that holds hundreds of seeds in a juicy, red pulp. Pomegranate juice is extracted from the seeds of the fruit.

Like many fruit juices, pomegranate juice contains antioxidants, especially polyphenols. However, pomegranate juice contains antioxidants at much higher levels than other fruit juices. Antioxidants are thought to provide several heart-protecting benefits, including reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol.

Pomegranate juice is generally safe to drink. Most studies have used a daily dose of 1.5 ounces of pomegranate juice with no significant side effects.

As with any herbal or dietary supplement, however, talk to your doctor about pomegranate juice before you start using it regularly. There is some concern that pomegranate juice may affect metabolism of some prescription medications. It may also cause blood pressure to become too low when combined with certain blood pressure medications.