The Heath Benefits of Pomegranates
Pomegranates are thick-skinned dazzlingly red beauties brimming with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, calcium, ellagic acid, folic acid, magnesium, manganese, niacin, phosphorous, phytochemicals, polyphenols, punicalagins, potassium, riboflavin, thiamin and zinc.
These historically revered fruits have innumerable health benefits including but not limited to protect against and treatment of the following;
Anemia Pomegranates are filled with iron and can cure anemia by elevating hemoglobin levels.
Anti-cancer properties Pomegranates can prevent breast cancer, colon cancer, leukemia and prostate cancer, also inhibit tumor growth and in some cases, induce apoptosis or cell death.
Anti-inflammatory abilities Vitamin C helps control arthritis and asthmatic symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.
Bone health Calcium is crucial for strong, healthy bones. Manganese helps form bone structures. Pomegranate juice can also deter cartilage damage, which, in turn, prevents osteoporosis.
Depression Pomegranates contain vital phytochemicals that stimulate serotonin and improve mood.
Diabetes Pomegranate juice does not increase blood sugar levels, which is great news for diabetic folks.
Digestive health Pomegranate juice aids in digestion and can help ease nausea. The white membrane of the pomegranate is often used as a cure for diarrhoea, dysentery, haemorrhoids and intestinal worms.
Eye health Pomegranates are a great home remedy for conjunctivitis.
Heart health Punicalagins (anti-oxidant compounds) lower cholesterol and blood pressure and increase the rate at which atherosclerosis (arterial blockages) dissolve. Pomegranate juice has also been shown to improve blood flow and oxygen to the heart. Magnesium normalises blood pressure. Potassium controls a healthy heart rate and also lowers blood pressure. Pomegranate seeds actually prevent blood platelet aggregation, which can lead to hazardous blood clots.
Immune system health Vitamin A and Vitamin C are extraordinary immune system boosters, which help fight off a wide variety of diseases, infections and viruses ranging from the common cold to the flu to HIV.
Men’s health Studies indicate that pomegranate juice may be a natural, progressive treatment for ED, or erectile dysfunction.
Menopause Pomegranate juice has been shown to relieve “hot flashes”.
Pregnancy Most doctors highly recommend folic acid to expectant Mums as it increases blood flow to the unborn baby and can prevent neural tube birth defects.
Women’s health Pomegranate juice can alleviate a UTI, or urinary tract infection.
BEAUTY
Anti-oxidant properties Vitamins A, C and E are all powerful anti-oxidants that promote healthy hair and strong nails.
Skin health Pomegranate protects the skin from harmful UV rays, promotes cell regeneration, repairs tissues and speeds up wound healing. The anti-oxidants in pomegranate juice will also prevent the signs of premature ageing including age spots, fine lines and wrinkles. Pomegranate can also sooth painful acne outbreaks and diminish scars.
Fibre A cup of the juicy pomegranate seeds actually contains a bountiful 7 grams of fibre. As a snack, they will keep you feeling fuller longer and less likely to reach for empty calories. They will also keep your body flushed out, which results in more consistent weight loss.
Cooking / Consumption
Fantastic in salads, yoghurt, sorbet, mix through vegetable dishes and curries to finish for colour, texture and zing.
Marinate Meats in the juice or pomegranate molasses, grill or just eat raw, naturally sublime.
A Beautiful Breakfast salad addition add chopped smoked eggplant, cauliflower, baby spinach leaves.
A wonderful compliment to your Sunday morning Rye French Toast with coconut labna and pomegranate seeds, finish with this pomegranate syrup that is oh so easy to make. All you need to do is combine 12 cups of pomegranate juice, 1.5 cups of honey and 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat until the honey is completely dissolved. Turn the mixture down to medium-low and allow it to reduce into syrup for about 50 minutes or so. Let the syrup cool for a good half an hour and pour into pretty glass jars.
This also makes a great marinade
Interesting fact about pomegranates
“The pomegranate is one of the world’s oldest fruits and some scholars believe that it was actually the pomegranate, not the apple, which tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden.”
