When tested against other potent antioxidant sources, such as grape juice, red wine, and even green tea; pomegranates were in the lead for heart health protection. Pomegranates have been shown to reduce oxidative stress, and inhibit the oxidation of harmful LDL cholesterol. 

Reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in blood vessels is a well-documented way to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In fact, growing evidence suggests that punicalagins (a potent antioxidant) found in pomegranates are what is responsible for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects.