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Why does pomegranate juice lower blood pressure?

Q. I take a small amount of concentrated cherry juice mixed with unsweetened pomegranate juice each morning. My systolic blood pressure has fallen from over 140 to about 125. That has taken about two months, but it’s worth the wait. A. A small study years ago found that pomegranate juice daily could reduce the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme by 36% (Atherosclerosis, September 2001). ACE inhibitor high blood pressure drugs like lisinopril lower blood pressure through their effect on the same enzyme. Two ounces of pomegranate juice lowered systolic blood pressure by ...

DEAR ANNIE: It’s time for her to break up with in-laws for good

DEAR ANNIE: I’ve been married to a wonderful man for 30 years. His family has always made me feel like an outsider — rude, dismissive, the works. Ten years ago, I finally stepped back from them. We reconnected briefly five years ago when his father passed, mostly with his mother, but this year they’ve slid right back into their old habits. It’s to the point where it’s affecting my health: I’ve developed real anxiety, even depression, over it. I’ve decided to cut them off again, for good this time. I’ve given them more chances than they deserved. What I don’t know is ...

HINTS FROM HELOISE: Heloise asks: How to handle death of a pet?

DEAR HELOISE: My sweet little dog died two days ago, and I can’t stop crying. I know that in time, I’ll calm down, but I had him for 21 years. He was like a child to me. I found him at a shelter as a baby — skinny, scared and abandoned. He needed me, and I needed him. Any hints on how to deal with this heartache? I thought perhaps one of your readers might have a suggestion. — Corrine M., in Newport, Rhode Island Corrine, having lost a number of pets over the years, I can honestly tell you that it never gets easier. Please take comfort in knowing you took him out of a bad ...

TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH: Benefits, risks of multiple statins

DEAR DR. ROACH: I had a preemployment physical for my current position as a firefighter/EMT back in January. I had another preemployment physical for a new position with the fire department last month, and both physicians suggested a statin based on my high cholesterol. Both tests had similar results; my cholesterol was 272 mg/dL, my HDL was 52 mg/dL, and my LDL was 199 mg/dL. My other blood tests and electrocardiogram were fine. I figured that I should probably try to get on a statin and manage the situation. I had a telehealth visit with a physician’s assistant who put me on 40 mg ...

Bridge by Steve Becker for Aug. 14

1. Four notrump. Slam is a near certainty — you have 17 high-card points instead of the 13 you might have had for your first two bids, and strong trumps. The chief purpose of the Blackwood bid is to cover the possibility that partner has no aces. You plan to bid six clubs if partner shows ...