Can a pomegranate a day keep the heart disease away?
- Scientists have discovered that a powerful heart-protecting natural compound found in pomegranates contributes to heart health; while the body does not absorb this compound directly, it is broken down by gut bacteria into smaller molecules called urolithins among them, urolithin A which has emerged as particularly powerful in combating atherosclerosis.
A new study suggests that a simple and affordable fruit, the pomegranate, could play a significant role in protecting heart health and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have identified a natural compound in pomegranates, known as punicalagin, which contributes to heart health. While the body does not absorb this compound directly, it is broken down by gut bacteria into smaller molecules called urolithins. Among them, urolithin A has emerged as particularly powerful in combating atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is a serious condition caused by the buildup of fatty plaques inside artery walls, which restricts blood flow. If these plaques rupture, they can trigger blood clots that may lead to heart attacks or strokes within minutes.
In the study, scientists at Cardiff University tested punicalagin, ellagic acid, and different urolithins on human immune and blood vessel cells. The findings revealed that urolithin A was the most effective in reducing oxidative stress, lowering inflammation, and limiting the movement of immune cells that contribute to plaque formation.
Further experiments on mice prone to high cholesterol showed promising results. After 12 weeks on a high-fat diet, mice given daily doses of urolithin A developed fewer and smaller arterial plaques.
These plaques were also more stable, containing higher levels of collagen and smooth muscle cells, factors that reduce the likelihood of rupture.
Notably, these benefits occurred without lowering cholesterol levels, suggesting that urolithin A works differently from traditional treatments like statins, which primarily target cholesterol reduction.
Lead researcher Deepak Ramji explained that the findings help clarify why fruit-rich diets are linked to better heart health. He also noted that individual responses vary depending on gut microbiome composition, which influences how efficiently the body produces urolithin A.
While supplements of urolithin A are available, they remain costly compared to consuming pomegranates naturally.
Although human trials are still needed, researchers believe this compound could become a promising future tool in preventing heart disease by reducing inflammation and stabilizing arterial plaques.
