Jerusalem Post

ByWALLA! HEALTH

New study suggests that pomegranate, in combination with gut bacteria activity, may assist in reducing inflammation and stabilizing processes related to heart disease.

In recent years, more and more studies point to the connection between nutrition and heart health. Now, a new study adds a particularly intriguing layer: It is possible that not only what we eat is important, but also how our body processes it.
The study, which was published in the scientific journal Antioxidants and conducted by researchers from Cardiff University together with a team from the Ministry of Health of Oman, examined the effect of pomegranate on heart health.

The pomegranate has been considered for years a "superfood" rich in antioxidants, but the researchers point to a central problem: The active substances within it are not absorbed efficiently in the body.
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In other words, a large portion of the healthy components passes through the digestive system without having a significant effect – unless the gut bacteria enter the picture.
The key is in the gut
Here comes the central discovery: The gut bacteria break down the pomegranate and create active compounds, led by a substance named urolithin A.

This substance was tested in a study on mice fed a high-fat diet, and it was found that it reduced inflammation in the body, improved the functioning of the immune system, and helped stabilize plaque in the arteries.
These are processes related to a disease called atherosclerosis, which is one of the main causes of heart disease and mortality in the world.
The researchers emphasize that the effect of the pomegranate depends to a large extent on the composition of each person's gut bacteria. That is to say, two people can eat the same food, but derive completely different benefits from it.

Although the results are promising, it is important to remember that the study was performed on animals, and further studies in humans are required to confirm the findings. However, the message is already clear: Nutrition rich in fruits, together with maintaining gut health, may contribute to reducing inflammation and maintaining heart health.