Native to Persia and the western Himalayan range, this wonder fruit is credited with being one of the healthiest fruits. A cluster of red, plump flesh covering seeds, they are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, and make for an excellent source of fibre, too.
My note- In Chennai we get another variety, the flush is light red and the fruit is larger in size. Now it is season for orange and pomegranate
These health-giving seeds or arils as they are also called, are perfectly suited for juicing or eating whole on salads, yoghurt, or as a topping on any other food you love.
Health benefits of pomegranate:
Fights cancer: Studies claim that pomegranate juice helps in the fight against breast, lung and prostate cancer. If consumed regularly, studies show that it can even help inhibit the development of cancer.
Buffers free radical damage: Free radicals are produced by functions within the body and elements outside the body. Since we can't stop its occurrence, it become important to consume foods that can help neutralize the damage. Pomegranates contain a high content of antioxidants, which helps fight against the damage that free radicals do to your cells.
Prevention of Alzheimer's disease: Research shows that regular consumption of pomegranate can significantly reduce accumulation of amyloid plaque, which puts you at lesser risk of Alzheimer's.
More oxygen: Recent studies reveal that eating pomegranate seeds and drinking pomegranate juice can increase oxygen levels, which mean your blood will be better oxygenated – and you will be healthier.
Can treat erectile dysfunction: Did you know that pomegranates might help treat erectile dysfunction? A research published in the International Journal of Impotence Research showed that drinking 8 ounces of pomegranate juice every day can help treat erectile dysfunction.
Protects the neonatal brain: Many advocate consumption of pomegranate juice during pregnancy. Latest research shows that it is indeed good, because drinking pomegranate juice during pregnancy might help protect neonatal brain from damage after injury.
For arthritis: If you're suffering from arthritis, then this wonder fruit may be good for you. Pomegranates are known to reduce inflammation of arthritis by slowing down the enzymes that break down cartilage, thereby preventing cartilage deterioration.
Protects arteries: Pomegranates help prevent plaque build-up in you arteries and may even help reverse plaque build-up, and is therefore, good for you heart health.
Reduces cholesterol: Pomegranates help lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (good cholesterol).
Lowers blood pressure: One study indicated that consumption of 1.7 ounces of pomegranate juice per day, lowered systolic blood pressure by as much as 5%.
Dental protection: Want good, healthy teeth? Then pomegranates can come to your rescue. A natural way to prevent dental plaque might be drinking pomegranate juice daily.
 Secrets Revealed: The Powerful Health Benefits of the PomegranateOne of the oldest known fruits, found in writings and artifacts of many cultures and religions, the pomegranate (punica granatum) is an original native of Persia. This nutrient dense, antioxidant rich fruit has been revered as a symbol of health, fertility and eternal life. Seeding a Pomegranate - Cut the crown (protruding blossom end) off the pomegranate, removing with it some of the pale-yellow pith. Take care not to pierce the seeds within.
- Lightly score the skin in quarters from stem to crown end.
- Immerse the scored fruit in a large bowl of cool water and soak for 5 minutes. Holding the fruit under water, break sections apart with your fingers, separating the seeds from membrane. The seeds will sink to the bottom of the bowl.
- Discard skin and membranes. Drain the seeds and dry on paper towels.
| | Antioxidant Rich Smoothie
Serves: 2 Preparation Time: 5 minutes Ingredients:
8 cups organic baby spinach
1 cup pomegranate juice
1 cup blueberries, frozen
1 cup strawberries, frozen
8 dates, cut in half
2 tablespoons flaxseeds, ground
1/2 avocado, optional Instructions:
Blend all ingredients together. This is delicious & very healthy! Find more great pomegranate recipes in theRecipe Guide in the Member Support Center (log in required) Learn more about Membership |
If you're not familiar with the pomegranate, it is a red fruit with a tough outer layer; only the juice and the seeds inside are edible. Pomegranate juice is available year round, but you can purchase fresh pomegranates in most grocery stores from September through January. When refrigerated in a plastic bag, pomegranates keep for up to 2 months. Try tossing the seeds on a salad for a brilliantly colorful, crunchy, and nutritious addition.Seeding a pomegranate may seem like a lot of work for just a piece of fruit but think again, getting at those seeds may be well worth it. The pomegranate is a nutrient dense food source rich in phytochemical compounds. Pomegranates contain high levels of flavonoids and polyphenols, potent antioxidants offering protection against heart disease and cancer. A glass of pomegranate juice has more antioxidants than red wine, green tea, blueberries, and cranberries.1 Amazing Clinical Results
This fantastic little fruit recently made its way back into the news after some spectacular clinical results. Here's what you need to know: A compound found only in pomegranates called punicalagin is shown to benefit the heart and blood vessels. Punicalagin is the major component responsible for pomegranate's antioxidant and health benefits. It not only lowers cholesterol, but also lowers blood pressure and increases the speed at which heart blockages (atherosclerosis) melt away. Recent medical research studied heart patients with severe carotid artery blockages. They were given an ounce of pomegranate juice each day for a year. Not only did study participants' blood pressure lower by over 12 percent, but there was a 30 percent reduction in atherosclerotic plaque. Just as astounding, participants who did not take the pomegranate juice saw their atherosclerotic plaque increase by 9 percent.2 In other studies, potent antioxidant compounds found in pomegranates have shown to reduce platelet aggregation and naturally lower blood pressure, factors that prevent both heart attacks and strokes.3 Not only are pomegranates good for your heart and blood vessels but they have been shown to inhibit breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, leukemia and to prevent vascular changes that promote tumor growth in lab animals.4 Several in vitro studies have shown this remarkable anti-cancer effect.5 Additional studies and clinical trials currently taking place are hopeful to reveal this fascinating effect on humans. Also of note, pomegranate juice contains phytochemical compounds that stimulate serotonin and estrogen receptors, improving symptoms of depression and increasing bone mass in lab animals.6 Learn more about the Powerful Disease Protection from Pomegranate
Health Benefits of the Pomegranate - Most powerful anti-oxidant of all fruits
- Potent anti-cancer and immune supporting effects
- Inhibits abnormal platelet aggregation that could cause heart attacks, strokes and embolic disease
- Lowers cholesterol and other cardiac risk factors
- Lowers blood pressure
- Shown to promote reversal of atherosclerotic plaque in human studies
- May have benefits to relieve or protect against depression and osteoporosis
Many studies show that the pomegranate is one of the most powerful, nutrient dense foods for overall good health. These clinical findings clearly show a correlation between pomegranate compounds and their positive effect on both human and animal cardiovascular, nervous, and skeletal health. This is one fruit that you can't afford to exclude from your diet! |
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परोपकाराय फलन्ति वृक्षा: परोपकाराय वहन्ति नद्यः।
( hari krishnamurthy K. HARIHARAN)"
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