Pomegranates Pack a Punch

  • Category: Food
  • February 16, 2017

Throughout history, pomegranates have been celebrated as a symbol of health, longevity, and fertility and in the Middle-East; this fruit is used in many ways.

The fruit is high in antioxidants and other great nutrients that promote good health. It’s not just the fruit that is beneficial; there are numerous benefits of pomegranate seeds as well. Pomegranates are so high in antioxidants that they exceed the levels found in cranberries, green tea, and blueberries.

Pomegranates are considered indigenous to Iran and its neighboring countries. Today it is cultivated in the Mediterranean and extended through the Arabian Peninsula, Afghanistan, India and the warmer parts of North and South America.

You can eat pomegranates in several ways; in the form of a juice, eat its seeds, syrup, paste, nectar, or concentrate.

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Key Benefits of Pomegranates  

Pomegranates are an antioxidant-rich super food: Pomegranates contain three types of antioxidant polyphenols, including tannins, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid. Its potency was found to be at least 20 percent greater than many other beverages; beating out grape juice, acai, and blueberry juice —three well-known sources of potent antioxidants.

Pomegranates may reduce arthritis symptoms and support joint health: The antioxidants in pomegranates may also help to reduce inflammation that contributes to the destruction of cartilage in your joints, a key reason for the pain and stiffness felt by many osteoarthritis sufferers.

Pomegranates for your heart health: There is evidence to suggest that the antioxidants in pomegranates also benefit your heart by lowering systolic blood pressure, slowing and even reversing the growth of plaque formation in arteries, and improving blood flow and keeping arteries from becoming thick and stiff.

Pomegranate can help fight bacterial and fungal infections: Pomegranate has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, which may be useful against common diseases of the gums.

Credit: Talah Almously; Food Photographer and Stylist

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