With more science uncovering how pre-diabetes and metabolic syndrome increase the risk of developing a variety of conditions, Steven V. Joyal, MD and vice president of science and medical affairs for Life Extension, emphasized two which are drastically increased including endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, or “hardening” of the arteries. Joyal also explained the research indicating how two natural ingredients can help in the fight against the devastating effects of these conditions.

“In addition to a healthy diet and plenty of physical activity, pomegranate polyphenols and orally bioavailable French melon extract offer wonderful nutritional support for endothelial function in the vascular system,” he said. “In 2007, investigators published a study in the peer-reviewed journal Allergy and Immunology that showed oral supplementation with a natural, orally-bioavailable form of the potent antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) derived from melon was associated with regression of a key biomarker for atherosclerosis in middle-aged adults (ages 30-60), as determined by ultrasonography.

“In 2004, researchers published the findings of a three-year study on the daily consumption of pomegranate juice (1.7-oz.) by patients in the peer-reviewed journal Clinical Nutrition,” he continued. “In this study, an important biomarker of vascular health called intima-media thickness (or IMT) increased by nine percent within one year in the non-supplemented control group. Remarkably, patients drinking pomegranate juice experienced a whopping 35 percent reduction in the IMT score and a 44 percent improvement in carotid artery blood flow over the same period. Investigators also documented a 21 percent reduction in systolic blood pressure among the pomegranate juice drinkers. Serum total antioxidant status was increased by an extraordinary 130 percent after one year of pomegranate supplementation!”