Our assets 31/08/2020

Pomegranate : true anti-ageing ally

Consumed since time immemorial, pomegranate is renowned for its high concentration of polyphenols. This sacred fruit, highly valued in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, is now the subject of scientific interest for its antioxidant and protective properties, particularly in treating cardiovascular diseases. Above and beyond its fresh, tart flavour, pomegranate is packed with active anti-ageing ingredients that preserve the skin’s youthful appearance. Overview of a treasure for your health

Symbolising life, fertility, love, beauty and abundance, the pomegranate embodies the promise of health. In addition to its anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and depurative properties, the pomegranate appears to be exceptional in terms of its natural anti-ageing action.

Pomegranate, an elixir of youth

An effective balm that prevents and repairs signs of skin ageing, pomegranate was widely used in ancient times in creams, ointments and other cosmetic products. Its high concentration of potassium and vitamins helps the skin stay healthy, while its punicic acid content protects the cells that produce collagen and elastin.  

A profusion of antioxidants

The potency of pomegranate lies in its abundance of polyphenols: ellagic tannins and flavonoids. By trapping free radicals, these antioxidants help prevent the oxidation that causes ageing of the skin. Boosted by vitamin E, the fruit fights against excessive free radicals, thus preserving the skin’s radiance and youthful appearance.

Regenerative action

Thanks to its wealth of vitamins B and C, trace elements and minerals, pomegranate helps regenerate the skin. By stimulating cell renewal, pomegranate protects the skin tissue from premature ageing and delays the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Two exceptional anti-ageing molecules

In addition to its antioxidant and regenerative properties, pomegranate contains two anti-ageing molecules that are specific to this fruit: aquaporins and urolithin A.

Aquaporins: delivering intense hydration  

The essential fatty acids contained in pomegranate provide moisturising properties that stimulate aquaporins. What are aquaporins and what do they do? Discovered in 1992 by Peter Agre (an American biologist), aquaporins are molecules that form tunnels in the cell walls, promoting moisture flow throughout the epidermis. When the number of aquaporins decreases, the skin loses its elasticity. The aquaporins found in pomegranate stimulate the opening of the skin’s water channels, promoting moisture flow between cells. The skin is thus protected from dehydration and external stress factors.

Urolithin A: a unique molecule

Researchers from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have discovered a unique phenomenon linked to pomegranate and its anti-ageing properties ( Nature Medicine journal). Urolithin A, a molecule contained in pomegranate, appears to be capable of fighting against the effects of ageing, after being transformed by intestinal bacteria. Pomegranate has molecules known as ellagic tannins. Once the fruit has been ingested, intestinal bacteria transform these ellagic tannins into urolithin A. This is believed to be the only molecule capable of restoring the ability to clean up defective mitochondria, the miniature energy sources within our cells that become less effective as we age. With ageing, the cleaning process, known as “mitophagy”, loses its efficacy, allowing defective mitochondria to accumulate in cells and leading to signs of ageing in many tissues, including muscles and skin.   

Pomegranate in all forms

Thanks to its antioxidants, aquaporins and role in stimulating collagen, pomegranate is a key ally against signs of ageing, to be consumed as often as desired in all its forms:

• Fresh juice
• Seeds
• Savoury dishes (salad, with burrata cheese, avocado etc.)
• Fruit salads
• Fruit-infused water
• Diet supplements