ABSTRACT
Diabetes causes hypertension in most diabetic patients. Pomegranate juice is known to have antioxidant and antiatherosclerotic properties; the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of pomegranate juice consumption on blood pressure of type 2 diabetic patients. In 1384, in a randomized clinical trial study, 61 diabetic patients [54.9 +/- 8.4 years old], attending the Special Diabetic Affairs Foundation and the Iranian Diabetic Society, were recruited, and were randomly allocated to either the pomegranate juice consumption or the control group. Patients in the pomegranate juice group consumed 200ml of pomegranate juice [sugar or additives free] daily for six weeks. The questionnaires for general characteristics, semi-quantitative food frequency and 24-hour food recall were completed by interview. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements, including weight and height, were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. SPSS software was used for data analysis and Paired T-test, Independent T-test, Covariance analysis and Chi Square test were conducted. The mean body mass index, nutrients and fiber intake, drug intake and physical activity of patients did not change during the study. In the pomegranate juice consumption group, the mean systolic blood pressure [P< 0.001] and diastolic blood pressure [P< 0.05] were significantly decreased compared with baseline. The mean systolic blood pressure [P< 0.02] and diastolic blood pressure [P< 0.03] were significantly different between the pomegranate and control groups after intervention. Considering the positive effect of pomegranate juice consumption in reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure in diabetic type 2 patients it may be recommended for hypertension prevention in these patients