When Pomegranate Becomes More Than Just a Fruit for Your Heart Health

A recent study conducted by researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University has shown that pomegranate has a significant impact on improving heart health in older adults by lowering blood pressure and reducing biomarkers linked to inflammation.

The study focused on a group of volunteers aged between 55 and 70 who did not suffer from chronic illnesses or severe obesity. However, most of them had slightly elevated blood pressure that did not meet the threshold for a hypertension diagnosis. At the start of the study, participants displayed high levels of certain compounds associated with an increased risk of heart disease, such as triglycerides, cholesterol, and inflammatory markers like interleukins.

Participants were divided into two groups: one consumed pomegranate extract over twelve weeks, while the other received a placebo identical in appearance and taste. By the end of the trial, the group that took the pomegranate extract showed significant improvement, with an average reduction of 5.2 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and a 3 mmHg drop in diastolic pressure.

This improvement is attributed to the polyphenols found in pomegranates—plant-based antioxidant compounds believed to play a key role in protecting blood vessels from inflammation and hardening. This finding offers a promising contribution to preventive medicine, particularly in exploring natural ways to reduce the risk of heart disease as we age.