COLORFUL, FLAVORFUL POMEGRANATES ARE RIPE WITH HEALTH BENEFITS!
How to Savor This Wonder Fruit and Stay Healthy
 | Deep, ruby-red pomegranates have long been regarded as a treasure among fruit, and for good reason: they are simply ripe with health benefits. Research is showing that these round fruits, with their tough outer skin, are full of antioxidants and vitamins that can aid in everything from lowering cholesterol to fighting breast cancer. | |
YOUR DAILY NUTRIENTS IN ONE FRUIT
Aside from these health benefits, current research indicates that one pomegranate contains about 40 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C in addition to folic acid, fiber, potassium, niacin, and vitamins A and E, offering up mega-health benefits in every serving.
EAT LIKE AN EGYPTIAN
Pomegranates are featured in Greek mythology, and the ancient Babylonians would chew the seeds before battle, believing they would make them stronger. Ancient Egyptians were even often buried with pomegranates. The fruit grows wild and is cultivated in the Middle East, as well as in southern Europe and California.
POMEGRANATES: A SOURCE OF POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANTS Pomegranate juice is rich in antioxidants that fight free radicals – unstable molecules that can damage DNA and cell membranes. These same antioxidants may also reduce the formation of LDL, or bad cholesterol, along with helping to lower blood pressure. And recent research indicates that after patients with coronary heart disease drank pomegranate juice daily for three months, they had increased blood flow and oxygen to their hearts. Other data points to pomegranate juice as a possible aid in fighting the return of prostate cancer among men who have had radiation or surgery for the disease, and the wonder fruit may even stave off breast cancer and osteoarthritis, the erosion of cartilage in women. |  |
HOW TO EAT A POMEGRANATE
The easiest way to get the bountiful benefits of pomegranates is to drink their juice, which is available fresh and bottled in most grocery and health food stores. But once you figure out how to cook with pomegranates, they can also be featured in many delicious dishes.
Pomegranates can be a little intimidating the first time you try one. In order to get to the edible seeds and tangy juice inside, you have to cut the fruit open. Here are some fuss-free instructions for handling your pomegranate:
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First, slice the crown end off and then score the rind in several places from top to bottom.
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Break the sections apart and put them in a bowl of water.
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Pry the seeds out with your fingers, being careful not to get the red juice on your clothing, as it does stain.
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Strain the seeds in a colander
You can eat the seeds as is or store them in the fridge or freezer. For delicious pomegranate recipes from appetizers to main courses and delicious desserts, go to the Pomegranate Council at www.pomegranates.org.
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Article Written By: Julie Mitchell; Julie is an accomplished writer from San Francisco who loves ballet, yoga, walking, cooking and reading. Her experience as a wife and mother of two lend to her articles and blogs for DivaVillage.com and VillageMAMA.com in the areas of wellness, fitness, beauty, parenting and food.
