A scientific study conducted by scientists from the University of Manchester in Britain showed that pomegranate extract promotes healthy aging and improves cognitive functions.
The Spanish newspaper El Economista reports that researchers conducted a 12-week experiment involving people aged between 55 and 70, who took a daily dietary supplement rich in punicalagin, a natural polyphenol found in pomegranates.
Scientists assessed the effect of this extract on age-related low-grade chronic inflammation, as well as blood pressure, vascular biomarkers, and cognitive functions.
"The results showed that taking pomegranate extract supplements may improve cognitive performance, and offer a promising strategy for preventing cognitive decline in older adults."
She explained that the improvement was particularly evident in tests related to logical reasoning and executive functions. The group that consumed pomegranate extract also showed a significant decrease in levels of inflammatory markers (interleukin IL-6 and IL-1β), as well as a reduction in systolic blood pressure.
Low-grade chronic inflammation is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
The researchers plan to continue the study with the aim of assessing the long-term effects and investigating the role of the gut microbiome in the production of biologically active metabolites.
