- With Mayo Clinic cardiologist
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Dr. Thomas Behrenbeck is a native of Germany, where he received his medical education at the Westfalian Wilhelm University in Munster and became board certified in internal medicine and cardiology.
He also received a Ph.D. in biophysics and physiology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Behrenbeck joined the Mayo Clinic staff in 1990 and is currently an associate professor at Mayo Medical School and an academic faculty member at the Westfalian Wilhelm University. He is chair of the Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery NetWork of the American College of Chest Physicians.
Dr. Behrenbeck is a noninvasive cardiologist, specializing in cardiovascular (CV) imaging modalities (echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and CT), coronary artery disease and prevention of coronary artery disease. His research interests are the application of imaging technology to early recognition and treatment of atherosclerosis. He is passionate about patients' involvement in their health issues.
"The Internet and patient education present ideal synergies in the ever-growing field of knowledge in cardiology," he said.
More answers
- Coenzyme Q10: Can it prevent statin side effects?
- Arcus senilis: A sign of high cholesterol?
- Cholesterol test kits: Are they accurate?
- High cholesterol treatment: Does cinnamon lower cholesterol?
- LDL apheresis: Can it lower LDL cholesterol?
- Rhabdomyolysis from statins: What's the risk?
- Cholesterol level: Can it be too low?
- Kefir: Can it lower my cholesterol?
- Noni juice: Can it reduce cholesterol?
- VLDL cholesterol: What is it?
- Statins: Do they cause ALS?
- Soy: Does it reduce cholesterol?
- Cholesterol ratio: Is it important?
- Zocor: Do I have to take it at night?
- Eggs: Are they good or bad for my cholesterol?
- Lipitor and Zocor: Are they equally effective?
- Niacin overdose: What are the symptoms?
- see all
Mayo Clinic Health Manager
Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.
Get Started
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Question
Pomegranate juice: Can it lower cholesterol?
Can drinking pomegranate juice help lower my cholesterol?
Answer
from Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
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.
Like many fruit juices, pomegranate juice contains antioxidants, especially polyphenols. However, pomegranate juice contains antioxidants at much higher levels than do 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 intake 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. 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.
Next question
