Some people call pomegranates nature’s perfect fruit.
Some even call it a superfood.
In either case, it’s definitely worth taking a closer look at pomegranates and what they have to offer us.
They are fresh in the fall, and other times of the year you can find pomegranate foods in markets and restaurants.
It seems like in the past few years we’ve seen pomegranate used in juices, yogurt, beverages and supplements.
The pomegranate comes from the Mediterranean and in America from California and Arizona.
Compared to other fruits and green tea, pomegranate has the highest concentrations of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect cells and repair damage caused by free radicals.
Although pomegranate research is in its infancy, early findings look promising in a few different areas.
In cardiovascular disease, consuming a daily cup of pomegranate juice for three months improved blood flow through the arteries.
In people with type 2 diabetes, drinking pomegranate juice decreased total cholesterol and reduced oxidative stress.
Some studies have shown that topical application of pomegranate preparations are effective for controlling oral inflammation, bacteria and fungus in periodontal disease, and Candida-associated denture infections.
The edible fruit from one medium pomegranate (5 ounces) contains about 110 calories, 1.5 grams protein, 26.4 grams carbohydrate, and 9 milligrams vitamin C.
Pomegranates are picked ripe, so choose the heavy ones and do not to buy them if they have cracks or splits.
For several days they’ll keep well at room temperature.
They can be refrigerated up to three months. Fresh pomegranate juice can be refrigerated for three days or frozen for up to six months.
To eat them, cut them in half.
You can either take all the seeds out and then eat them all at once, or do as I do. Dig in and break off a chunk and eat the seeds from that chunk. Then eat another chunk until you’re done.
While the research hasn’t given us a clear picture yet as to the role of pomegranates in disease prevention and treatment, if you enjoy the sweet and tart taste of this exotic fruit, then by all means add it to your nutritional plan.
If you’ve got any special recipes that include pomegranates, let me know and I’ll post them on the blog!
shelli
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