This extremely good fruit helps lower high blood pressure and prevent strokes in the elderly.

New research, just published in the scientific journal Nutrients , has found that a fruit can help reduce some age-related risks, by lowering systolic blood pressure and key markers of inflammation in people over 55, according to the medical news site News Medical.

Pomegranates are known for their rich polyphenol content, especially punicalagin, a powerful active ingredient unique to pomegranates. Thanks to these compounds, pomegranates have impressive antioxidant activity, surpassing many other polyphenol-rich foods.

Consuming pomegranate extract reduced systolic blood pressure, especially in those with elevated baseline readings. With an average reduction of 5.2 mmHg

Photo: AI

Although pomegranate extract has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, heart-protective, and overall metabolic-improving effects, this study focused specifically on adults between the ages of 55 and 70.

To explore whether pomegranate extract could help reduce some of the age-related risks in people over 55, scientists from Manchester Metropolitan University, in collaboration with experts at the University of Surrey and the Queen's Institute for Medical Research, University of Edinburgh (UK), conducted a study involving 86 participants, with an average age of 55, mostly women, of moderate weight.

Most participants had slightly elevated systolic blood pressure, averaging 128 mmHg.

At baseline, they exhibited multiple markers of inflammation and cardiometabolic risk factors, with nearly 90% having higher than normal total cholesterol levels and 80% having elevated LDL cholesterol levels.

Some people also had elevated triglyceride levels, while their good cholesterol levels were quite low. More than half had fasting blood sugar levels within the normal range.

In clinical practice, a 5% reduction in systolic blood pressure is associated with a 10% reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events.

Photo: AI

10% reduction in risk of major cardiovascular events

Results found that those consuming pomegranate extract had a reduction in several markers of inflammation compared to the placebo group.

Notably, pomegranate extract consumption reduced systolic blood pressure, especially in those with elevated baseline readings, with an average reduction of 5.2 mmHg.

In clinical practice, a 5% reduction in systolic blood pressure is equivalent to a 10% reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, death from all causes, and revascularization. Therefore, this reduction in systolic blood pressure is truly meaningful, according to News Medical.

The study authors believe that the reason pomegranates work this miracle is due to the vasodilating effects of the active ingredients in them.

They concluded: The study highlights cardiometabolic risks and inflammation in older adults, even those who appear healthy. Many have elevated systolic blood pressure and inflammatory markers to start with.

Results showed that regular use of pomegranate extract may help reduce systolic blood pressure and several markers of inflammation in this age group. The authors note: Using pomegranate extract may be a nonpharmacological strategy to promote healthy aging.

However, further research with larger, more diverse studies and longer follow-up is needed to determine the long-term effects of pomegranate extract supplementation on health in older adults.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/loai-qua-cuc-hay-de-ha-huyet-ap-cao-ngua-dot-quy-cho-nguoi-lon-tuoi-185250410230716867.htm