Pomegranate helps keep you healthy

So-called “inflammatory aging” is a hidden process in which the body’s level of chronic inflammation increases. It can occur even in people without pronounced symptoms. In this condition, the body becomes more vulnerable to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and brain activity problems.

This fruit is valued for its high content of antioxidants, especially ellagotannins, among which Punicalagin stands out. In terms of cellular protection against oxidative stress, pomegranate overtakes even the famous green tea. It is also drought-resistant and soil-intolerant, making it an excellent choice for sustainable agriculture.

The study involved 86 volunteers between the ages of 55 and 70, mostly women of normal weight. Most had elevated but not yet critical blood pressure – around 128 mm Hg. This is exactly the area where intervention can provide the most benefit.

About 90% of the participants had elevated total cholesterol and 80% had elevated “bad” LDL-cholesterol. Triglycerides were above normal in one in ten. Nearly half had borderline blood sugar levels. And while inflammatory markers were within normal limits in most, a fraction had abnormalities.

Those who took the extract had decreased levels of inflammatory substances such as interleukin-6 and IL1-β. Other markers, such as C-reactive protein and TNF-alpha, also began to decrease, although they did not reach statistically significant levels. Importantly, these changes were not observed in the group receiving placebo.

Participants with initially high values saw an average decrease of 5.2 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure and 3 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure. Although the reduction in the latter was small, this alone could reduce the risk of heart attacks by 10% – an important figure in terms of prevention.

People continued to eat and move as usual, and the supplement did not cause any side effects. This confirms that the extract is not only effective but also safe to take regularly.

The antioxidants in pomegranate are believed to reduce oxidative stress and activate the enzymes responsible for relaxing blood vessels. This improves blood flow and reduces stress on the heart.

The participants’ body weight remained the same, as did their levels of “good” cholesterol. The authors suggest that this is due to initially normal values in the majority – there was simply no “room” for change.

Even apparently healthy people after 55 may have hidden risks they are not aware of. Taking pomegranate extract regularly may be an affordable and natural way to reduce inflammation and support heart health.