Euromed’s pomegranate and olive extract supplements found to boost heart health

19 Dec 2019 --- Euromed’s natural olive and pomegranate polyphenol extracts can offer synergistic heart health and blood flow supporting effects, according to new research. With a regular intake, the natural active substances produced by the Spain-based company’s supplements, Mediteanox and Pomanox, may also help reduce cardiovascular risk. Inspired by the phytochemical compounds found in the Mediterranean diet, Euromed hopes to provide the benefits of the diet in targeted supplements, curbing cardiovascular disease (CVD).

“Our main objective of using the entire pomegranate and olive is to preserve the most powerful natural active ingredients of the fruits – the polyphenols punicalagins and hydroxytyrosol in pomegranates and olives, respectively. Following several pilot studies that evidenced the health properties of the extracts, it became clear that the combination of the two was the most promising concept for cardiovascular health,” Andrea Zangara, Scientific Marketing Manager at Euromed, tells NutritionInsight. The study estimates that approximately 23.3 million people will die from CVD in 2030, which is likely to remain the world’s foremost cause of death.

The study saw 84 middle-aged study participants supplement their diets with Pomanox and Mediteanox for eight weeks, with 67 completing the study. It found that supplementation with the two ingredients can restore healthy ranges of atherosclerosis markers, in line with results from larger and longer studies on the Mediterranean diet. This was particularly evident for test subjects who, at the beginning of the trial, had signs of endothelial dysfunction (ED) and high oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, but no CVD symptoms. 

Delivering the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)-recommended hydroxytyrosol, Mediteanox helps to prevent the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol in plasma, maintain metabolic health in subjects at risk of metabolic syndrome, as well as support general health through powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Likewise, Pomanox is able to improve endothelial function, muscle fatigue and cholesterol levels as well as reduce insulin resistance and modulate blood pressure, the company notes. 

Olives and olive oil are a staple of the Mediterranean diet.Mediterranean diet not enough?
Adhering to the Mediterranean diet can help support healthy aging, mostly mediated by a high intake of polyphenols and other phytochemicals, Zangara assures. While he also advocates for consuming pomegranate juice, olives and olive oil, the daily amounts required to achieve improved health benefits may not be achievable. 

“The quantity of calories associated with such large amounts of fruits and olive oil may not be suitable or recommendable to everyone. In this context, it makes sense to identify, research and provide some of the most promising phytochemical compounds in standardized and practical formats.”

Target markets
Targeting younger consumers, Pomanox, in particular, is promoted for mood and cognitive support, gut health, sports nutrition, weight management and nutricosmetic applications, in addition to heart health. Currently, the Euromed researchers are investigating the ingredients’ applications in skin, joint, oral and eye health, Zangara explains..

Animal health is another target market, as well as the prevention of bacterial infections and as a natural foods preservative. As they are both suitable for baking and water soluble, the food and bakery industry is another growing demand. 

Euromed offers both Mediteanox and Pomanox in different formats and strengths for use in premium dietary supplements, functional foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Both are extracted using safe and eco-friendly, water-only technologies and are free from contaminants, organic solvent residuals and toxins.

Government support for healthy diets
The study received support from the HENUFOOD consortium of the CENIT program of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of Spain. “This strategic alliance is a clear example of public-private cooperation in R&D in the food and health sectors, responding to the growing social concern for these issues. 

It also demonstrates the need for support from public institutions to advocate for healthy diets and lifestyle habits that influence people's health. This can help prevent the most common risk factors in chronic diseases, such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases,” Zangara concludes.

By Anni Schleicher