Pomegranate: Your Secret Weapon Against Serious Age-Related Diseases

Pomegranate: Your Secret Weapon Against Serious Age-Related Diseases
Pomegranate: Your Secret Weapon Against Serious Age-Related Diseases
A recent study has highlighted the significant role of pomegranate extract in combating inflammation associated with aging. The results showed a notable decrease in blood pressure and inflammatory markers in older adults. The study, published in the journal Nutrients, involved 86 participants aged between 55 and 70 years, mostly women with normal or overweight body types. The effects of pomegranate extract were monitored over several weeks. The results showed a reduction in systolic blood pressure by an average of 5.2 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure by 3 mmHg, which is crucial since a 5% decrease in blood pressure reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 10%. The study also reported improvements in inflammatory markers, which are key contributors to many age-related diseases. For example, levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), one of the primary inflammatory indicators, decreased by 5.47 picograms/mL. This could open new avenues for preventing diseases linked to chronic inflammation, such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, and even neurological disorders like Alzheimer's. The researchers explained these results by pointing to pomegranate's potent compounds, such as punicalagin, which enhance the production of nitric oxide in the body. This improves vascular health and helps lower blood pressure. Initial research also shows promising potential for pomegranate in improving insulin sensitivity and preventing diabetes, although further studies are needed to confirm these findings. The British research team noted that these results could pave the way for using pomegranate extract as a natural and safe strategy for preventing some age-related diseases, reducing the need for traditional medications. However, they cautioned that these results are preliminary and require further research with larger, more diverse samples. The current study did not show an effect of the extract on weight or cholesterol levels. Experts recommend incorporating pomegranate into the daily diet of older adults, whether consumed as fresh fruit or natural juice, while emphasizing the importance of consulting with a doctor, especially for those with blood pressure issues or those taking certain medications. To achieve maximum benefit, researchers recommend consuming a cup of fresh pomegranate seeds (equivalent to 174 grams) 3-4 times a week, or 100-200 mL of unsweetened natural pomegranate juice daily. It is important to note that these recommendations are for prevention and not as a replacement for pharmaceutical treatment of chronic conditions. Source: News Medical   (window.globalAmlAds = window.globalAmlAds || []).push('admixer_async_509089081')   (window.globalAmlAds = window.globalAmlAds || []).push('admixer_async_552628228') Read More Risks of Contact Lenses and How to Use Them Safely Diabetes Expert Advises Healthy Alternatives for Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Devastating Long-Term Health Effects of Using Ozempic
A recent study has highlighted the significant role of pomegranate extract in combating inflammation associated with aging. The results showed a notable decrease in blood pressure and inflammatory markers in older adults.
 


The study, published in the journal Nutrients, involved 86 participants aged between 55 and 70 years, mostly women with normal or overweight body types. The effects of pomegranate extract were monitored over several weeks.

The results showed a reduction in systolic blood pressure by an average of 5.2 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure by 3 mmHg, which is crucial since a 5% decrease in blood pressure reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 10%.

The study also reported improvements in inflammatory markers, which are key contributors to many age-related diseases. For example, levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), one of the primary inflammatory indicators, decreased by 5.47 picograms/mL. This could open new avenues for preventing diseases linked to chronic inflammation, such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, and even neurological disorders like Alzheimer's.

The researchers explained these results by pointing to pomegranate's potent compounds, such as punicalagin, which enhance the production of nitric oxide in the body. This improves vascular health and helps lower blood pressure.

Initial research also shows promising potential for pomegranate in improving insulin sensitivity and preventing diabetes, although further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The British research team noted that these results could pave the way for using pomegranate extract as a natural and safe strategy for preventing some age-related diseases, reducing the need for traditional medications. However, they cautioned that these results are preliminary and require further research with larger, more diverse samples. The current study did not show an effect of the extract on weight or cholesterol levels.

Experts recommend incorporating pomegranate into the daily diet of older adults, whether consumed as fresh fruit or natural juice, while emphasizing the importance of consulting with a doctor, especially for those with blood pressure issues or those taking certain medications.

To achieve maximum benefit, researchers recommend consuming a cup of fresh pomegranate seeds (equivalent to 174 grams) 3-4 times a week, or 100-200 mL of unsweetened natural pomegranate juice daily. It is important to note that these recommendations are for prevention and not as a replacement for pharmaceutical treatment of chronic conditions.

Source: News Medical