Consuming pomegranates and walnuts may reverse some of the life-threatening damage associated with heart failure, according to new research. The study suggests that these foods prompt the body to produce a natural compound known as urolithin A, which has previously been linked to anti-aging properties.
Scientists at King's College London observed that animals treated with urolithin A experienced an improvement in heart function by up to 80 percent. The researchers propose that urolithin A aids in relaxing heart muscles and preventing scar tissue formation. Experts believe this compound could potentially lead to new treatments for a common form of heart failure.
The findings also suggest that individuals with heart failure might benefit from diets rich in urolithin A. In Britain, approximately 920,000 people are affected by heart failure. Among these, about half suffer from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, a condition where the heart muscle stiffens and cannot fill properly with blood.
Effective treatments for this condition are limited, with over 50 percent of patients dying within five years of diagnosis. The new study highlights urolithin A as a potential solution. This compound is generated when gut bacteria break down polyphenols, plant compounds found in foods like pomegranates, walnuts, and berries.
Researchers administered urolithin A to animals experiencing heart failure, noting a significant enhancement in their cardiac function. The compound was subsequently tested on human heart tissue in a laboratory setting, where it also demonstrated a positive impact.
While the next phase involves developing a drug containing urolithin A, experts advise patients to consider increasing their intake of polyphenol-rich foods. Dr. Joseph Burgoyne, a senior author of the study, stated, "While there isn't enough evidence to suggest that people should eat pomegranates to treat heart failure, these findings raise the possibility that diets that enhance urolithin A production may help alleviate this condition."