Recent research has unveiled pomegranate extract as a powerful remedy for combatting inflammation and high blood pressure, particularly among older individuals. A study published in the Nutrients journal revealed that people aged 55 and above could notably improve their cardiometabolic health with the regular consumption of pomegranate extract.
The researchers noted that pomegranate extract demonstrated the ability to lower inflammatory markers and reduce blood pressure, even in both normal-weight and overweight older adults. This cost-effective measure presents a promising approach to promoting healthy aging.
The study, involving 86 participants, divided the subjects into two groups. Half of them were administered a placebo, while the other half received two pomegranate extract capsules daily, amounting to approximately 740mg of extract. Notably, the average cost of pomegranate extract bottles equated to around 22p per tablet.
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Although both groups exhibited a wide range of inflammatory markers at the beginning of the trial, all participants were generally healthy adults without diagnosed diseases. However, most presented risk factors for cardiometabolic issues such as elevated cholesterol and blood pressure.
Upon completion of the 12-week trial, it was observed that participants consuming daily pomegranate extract experienced a significant reduction in these risk factors. Notably, a noteworthy outcome was the decrease in blood pressure, which averaged between 3mm Hg and 5.2mm Hg. Previous research has demonstrated that a 5mm Hg reduction can potentially decrease the risk of “major cardiovascular events” by up to 10%.
The findings hold significant implications for the treatment and lifestyle recommendations for older patients with hypertension. Nonetheless, the researchers highlighted the need for further studies to explore the correlation between pomegranate extract and the cardiometabolic system, given the limited subject pool in this study.
Pomegranate’s positive impact on the cardiovascular system aligns with prior knowledge, attributed to its high polyphenol content that has long been associated with the prevention of cardiovascular disease. These compounds possess anti-aging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively fortifying cells against normal wear and tear and slowing down the aging process.
Furthermore, pomegranate is an environmentally sustainable fruit, characterized by its low environmental impact and resilience. The plant’s drought tolerance, adaptability to various soil types, and low water and carbon footprint make it a favorable choice for cultivation.