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Among the dozens of fruits out there—with boundless health benefits and amazing flavors—you might overlook a superstar like pomegranate. Pomegranates are no doubt an intimidating piece of produce, but don’t let that cumbersome skin and staining juice dissuade you! Since ancient times, pomegranates have been key ingredients in Ayurvedic medicine and other natural remedies for their overwhelming nutritional value.
Though mastering the art of breaking upon a pomegranate takes some practice, it is well worth the effort.
Both the juice and seeds contain a tremendous amount of potassium and polyphenols that prevent radical damage and oxidation. In other words, you significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and lower your LDL cholesterol. Of course, the presence of antioxidants means more than staving off heart disease. The punicic acid in pomegranates is known to decrease triglycerides (bad fats) and reduce blood pressure as well.
Have an irritable stomach? Pomegranates can help. The seeds contain about 45 percent of the daily recommended intake of fiber, meaning they can help move stuff along more healthily. This also helps you shed some pounds by promoting satiety.
Aside from the polyphenols that promote heart health, compounds in pomegranate juice and arils delay the aging process. How? Oxidation provokes signs of aging, such as sagging skin and wrinkles. Since pomegranates are packed with antioxidants, you can maintain your youthful both inside and out. These antioxidants also ward off cancer cell growth, which has also been linked to abnormal rates of free-radical damage.
There are certain anti-inflammatory compounds present in pomegranates that aid in the reduction of pain associated with arthritis and autoimmune disorders. Secondly, drinking a glass of pomegranate juice has been shown to lower cortisol, a stress hormone that negatively impact your wellness when too high.
Similar to strawberries being touted for their teeth-whitening properties, a glass of pomegranate juice can replace your daily swig of Listerine. In 2011, a study was published in Ancient Science of Life that showed the effectiveness of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds in pomegranates against plaque build-up.
Hopefully knowing all the benefits of pomegranate will inspire you to include it in your diet if you don’t already do so. You could, of course, eat the arils as is and reap the benefits. You could also include it in dishes for a colorful and zesty (and healthy) twist!
One of our favorite recipes is pomegranate raita. It is easy to whip together and the burst of flavor the arils provide give a great texture to otherwise ordinary raita.
(serves 2 to 3)
[Photo Source: Pinterest]
Add yogurt, agave syrup, cumin powder, chaat masala, black salt, and chili powder to a big mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. Fold in pomegranate arils and fresh mint. Serve chilled.
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