Pomegranate
The fruit that makes your gut bacteria work hardest.
Pomegranate is exceptionally rich in ellagitannins — the same class of polyphenol found in walnuts. Gut bacteria convert these into urolithins, which have potent anti-inflammatory and mitophagy-enhancing effects (helping cells clear damaged mitochondria). The juice, seeds, and pith all contain different beneficial compounds, making the whole fruit more valuable than juice alone.
Why it matters
Urolithin A Production
Gut bacteria convert ellagitannins into urolithin A — a compound that enhances cellular clean-up.
Mitophagy Enhancement
Urolithins help cells clear damaged mitochondria, supporting healthy ageing.
Anti-inflammatory
Multiple polyphenol classes work synergistically to reduce systemic inflammation.
Punicic Acid
Seed oil contains a unique fatty acid that supports gut barrier function.
How to eat it
Scatter seeds over yogurt, oats, or salads for a burst of colour and crunch. Drink a small glass (100ml) of pure juice with meals. Add seeds to grain bowls with feta and mint. Use pomegranate molasses as a salad dressing base.
Urolithin A, produced by gut bacteria from pomegranate ellagitannins, has been shown to enhance mitophagy and improve muscle function in older adults — a breakthrough in ageing research.
Source: Andreux et al., Nature Metabolism, 2019
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