Scientists have discovered how pomegranate is beneficial for the elderly

Researchers from Manchester Metropolitan University have made an important discovery in the field of cardiovascular disease prevention. According to their study, pomegranate extract demonstrates a significant effect in reducing blood pressure and decreasing inflammatory processes in the bodies of older adults. The scientific work confirming these findings was published in the journal Nutrients.

The large-scale experiment involved 86 volunteers in the age category of 55-70 years. It is important to note that all participants did not have excess body weight or serious chronic diseases. The average systolic blood pressure (SBP) among the subjects was 128 mm Hg. Specialists classified these values as elevated, but not reaching the level of clinical hypertension.

The study began with the collection of blood samples for comprehensive laboratory analysis. Some participants were found to have elevated concentrations of inflammatory molecules (interleukins), as well as triglycerides and cholesterol – known factors that increase the risk of developing cardiac pathologies.

For the purity of the experiment, participants were divided into two equal groups. The first group took pomegranate extract for 12 weeks, while the second group took a placebo, identical in appearance and taste characteristics.

Follow-up examinations after the completion of the course showed that pomegranate extract effectively contributed to the normalization of blood pressure.

The statistics are impressive: in the group taking the extract, systolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 5.2 mm Hg. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased by approximately 3 mm Hg, although this change did not reach the threshold of statistical significance. Scientists attribute the positive effect to the action of polyphenols – powerful natural antioxidants contained in pomegranates.

An additional favorable result was a significant reduction in the number of inflammatory interleukins (IL-6 and IL1-β) in the blood of participants in the experimental group, which provides additional protection against the development of cardiovascular pathologies.