A recent study has revealed the effective role of pomegranate extract in combating age-related inflammation. The results showed a significant decrease in blood pressure and inflammatory markers in older adults.
The study, published in the specialized journal Nutrients, involved 86 participants between the ages of 55 and 70, most of whom were women of normal or overweight. The effects of taking pomegranate extract were tracked over several weeks.
The results showed a decrease in systolic blood pressure of 5.2 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure of 3 mmHg, which is very significant, given that every 5% decrease in blood pressure reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 10%.
The study also recorded an improvement in inflammatory markers, a key factor behind many aging diseases. Levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), one of the most important markers of inflammation, decreased by 5.47 pg/ml. This may open new avenues for preventing diseases associated with chronic inflammation, such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, and even some neurological disorders like Alzheimer's.
Researchers attributed these results to pomegranates containing powerful compounds called punicalagin, which boost the body's production of nitric oxide, improving blood vessel health and helping lower blood pressure.
Preliminary research also shows promising potential for pomegranates in improving insulin sensitivity and preventing diabetes, although further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
The British research team explained that these results open the door to the possibility of using pomegranate extract as a natural and safe strategy for preventing some diseases of aging, without the need for traditional medications. However, they cautioned that these results are still preliminary and require further studies on larger and more diverse samples, noting that the current study did not demonstrate an effect of the extract on weight or cholesterol levels.
Experts recommend including pomegranates in the daily diet of older adults, whether eaten as fresh fruit or as natural juice. However, they emphasize the importance of consulting a doctor, especially for those suffering from blood pressure problems or taking certain medications.
To achieve maximum benefits, researchers recommend consuming a cup of fresh pomegranate seeds (equivalent to 174 grams) 3-4 times a week, or 100-200 ml of natural, unsweetened pomegranate juice daily. They emphasize that these recommendations are intended for prevention and not as a substitute for drug treatment for chronic conditions.