Pomegranate may boost heart function

Heart failure is a long term condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.

It does not mean that the heart has stopped working but rather that it is not functioning as efficiently as it should.

Researchers have now found that compounds found in pomegranates may help support heart function in people with heart failure.

A study published in the journal Science Advances suggests that pomegranates contain beneficial plant compounds called ellagitannins a type of polyphenol. These compounds may help improve the way the heart works.

For the study researchers tested different compounds using animal models and human heart tissues created from stem cells.

They found that compounds found in pomegranates, walnuts and berries showed potential benefits for heart function.

The researchers said that although treatments for heart failure have improved they still have limitations and may not fully prevent damage to the heart.

They suggested that medicines or supplements containing these beneficial compounds could potentially help heart failure patients. However more research involving actual patients is needed to confirm how effective they are.

The researchers stressed that there is currently no evidence that eating pomegranates can cure heart failure.  However eating pomegranates may increase the level of these natural compounds in the body which could potentially support heart health.

People with heart failure should continue their prescribed treatment and should not replace medicines with pomegranates or supplements without medical advice.