Pomegranate is an underrated superfood that can boost skin and brain health | Vogue India

Nov 04, 2024

Who doesn’t want better skin and brain health? When it comes to longevity, pomegranate is a standout food that experts highly recommend. Nutritionist and ageing researcher Beatriz Larrea emphasizes how our everyday choices influence our biological age, highlighting that a key to healthy ageing is consuming fresh, natural foods. Among these, the pomegranate shines as a must-have, frequently cited by longevity experts for its numerous health benefits. If she could choose just three foods to enhance biological age, Larrea would select pomegranate, cocoa, and capers.

Dr Vicente Mera, an expert in ageing at Sha Wellness Clinic, calls pomegranate a superfood in his book Young at Any Age, highlighting its antioxidant benefits for the skin. Rich in vitamin C, pomegranate promotes collagen production, which is essential for skin elasticity and a youthful glow. Larrea, who has recently launched her BeLa line of supplements, confirms that vitamin C can boost collagen synthesis up to eightfold. Pomegranate also helps reduce fluid retention, which can enhance the skin’s overall appearance.

Both Larrea and Mera note that pomegranate supports brain health and the nervous system, thanks to its high levels of vitamin B5. This fruit also has anti-inflammatory effects and protects LDL cholesterol (commonly known as "bad cholesterol") from oxidation. In light of chronic stress being a major accelerant of biological ageing, Larrea stresses that the human body isn’t built to handle prolonged, high-stress situations. Including brain-boosting foods like pomegranate can offer valuable support to the nervous system.

Pomegranate’s versatility makes it easy to incorporate into meals, including:

This article first appeared in vogue.es

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