Way of the Pomegranate: The Benefits of Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate is a medium sized fruit full of juicy ‘seeds’ and wrapped in unique bursts of juice/flavor. The fruit itself is from the Mediterranean region, and many natives eat it on a regular basis. A variety of dishes including muffins, appetizers, salads, and even desserts can be made from the sweet and tart taste of pomegranate. It is now cultivated areas of California, and provides us with another choice for choosing fruit for dessert! Medicinal benefits have been exclaimed in mythical and epic lieterature, including Homer and Shakespeare. The unique and distinct taste of pomegranate is difficult to imitate, and it is truly one-of-a-kind.
The benefits of adding pomegranate to your diet are numerous. Studies have shown that pomegranate may help fight heart disease, as it lowers the risk of clogged or hardening arteries. Pomegranate is a natural antioxidant, which helps in both detoxification of the body, as well as limiting free radical damage to healthy cells. Free radical damage is prevalent in today’s toxic environments, unhealthy eating patterns, and other factors that may be taking a toll on your health. The body that cannot remove these toxins naturally is heading towards higher risks of disease and long-term health problems. Antioxidants help to replenish and restore damaged cells, thus enabling the body to become stronger and more efficient. Compared to orange juice, cranberry, juice, and even red wine, pomegranate takes the lead with its antioxidant level. In the process of restoring healthy cells, some research has shown us the positive affects on Alzheimer’s; frequent consumption of pomegranate juice may just slow down the progress of Alzheimer’s as it restores brain cells naturally. Finally, natural-ocurring flavanoids in pomegranate help to create vitality and overall health derived from fruit consumption.
POM Wonderful in particular offers 100% pomegranate juice, and emphasizes pomegranate’s ability to flush the body with antioxidants, improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of cancer, and help with signs of aging. This is no means a magic formula, but pomegranate is a healthy choice to add to an already-healthy and balanced regiment of exercise, and a diet full of fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Other natural and organic brands are popping up in th standard grocery marketplace, and can provide us with a much-needed alternative to orange and cranberry juice. The seeds of fresh pomegranate also make a great snack, and can be used in baking muffins, creating sauces and dishes, and concoting fabulous cocktails! In fact, traditional grenadine is made from pomegranate juice; Grenada is an island of off the coast of South America and means ‘pomegranate’ when translated.
Grenadine syrup is a rich, sweet syrup used in many cocktails and drinks for sweetening. To make your own, simply you’ll need about 4 pomegranates. Slice each in half, and revmove the seeds. Process the seeds in a food processor using the knife blade. Simmer the pulp with 1/4 cup honey over low heat 3 minutes. Stir, then strain to remove seeds. This will make about 2 cups of fresh, delicious, and nutritious pomegranate syrup!
Other choices for serving fresh pomegranate seeds are to include them as an addition to a summer salad, add them to breakfast muffins as an alternative to cranberries or blueberries, or use the syrup to flavor pancakes, drinks, or even smoothies. Dinner entrees include making a relish or salsa to compliment a hearty steak or turkey dish, as well as adding the seeds to a lettuce or tortilla-wrap appetizer.
The method of serving this fruit are many, and this natural restorative juice is a great choice for most of us looking for a balanced diet and healthier eating. Pomegranate is an historical component of rich and healthy diets, and can give us plenty of health-saving benefits. Enjoy pomegranate juice your way, and you will take part in enjoying a well-deserved, revitalizing fruit!
