Pomegranates have been prized throughout centuries for their healing properties and delicious tart flavor. A symbol of fertility in ancient China, Greece and the Middle East, these ruby red jewels pack a powerful punch of polyphenols that will bedazzle your taste buds and boost your health and longevity!
Winter jewel
Pomegranates are in season from September through February, making fall and winter the perfect time to enjoy them. Packed with potent antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, the kernel-like seeds house a treasure trove of B5, potassium, folate, and fiber. Inside its deep purple, leathery skin, you will find 16% of your daily dose of vitamin C, 4% vitamin A, and 2% of the recommended iron.
Pomegranates are a rich source of antioxidants, according to the ORAC scale, which measures the antioxidant levels of foods; 100% pomegranate juice beats out oranges, grapefruits, cranberry juice, and grape juice for antioxidant activity. Just what do all these antioxidants do for our health? Antioxidants fight free radicals, the unstable molecules that damage our DNA and cell membranes, leaving us susceptible to aging and disease. Luckily, we can treat our bodies to the antioxidant-rich juice of the “jewel of winter”. Pomegranate juice provides your body with three potent polyphenols: tannins, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid. These three musketeers work synergistically to fight cancer and disease. Two studies in the Harvard Men’s Health Watch suggest that pomegranate juice may fight prostate cancer. Other clinical trials registered with the National Institute of Health examined pomegranate extracts and juice for its positive effects on diabetes, the common cold, and atherosclerosis.
Try a handful of anti-aging seeds
Pomegranates may be the latest health super stars, but they have been used as a staple remedy in Ayurveda for centuries. The rind and bark of the pomegranate tree were used to remove intestinal parasites, while the juice was considered a tonic for heart and throat health. For a delicious age-defying boost, bite into a glistening cluster of sweet seeds. The seeds house punicic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid that studies suggest may help the body combat human cancers, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
In addition to the health benefits of its juice, the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties found in pomegranate seed oil makes it a popular addition to skin moisturizers and cosmetics. For a radiant complexion and an increase in skin elasticity, try tossing a handful of pomegranate seeds into your salad or yogurt. You can also protect your skin and nurture skin cells with an exquisitely formulated herbal cream; Regenerating cream is a rich skin emollient that minimizes the appearance of aging and scarring and improves skin quality for both men and women.
How to open a pomegranate
Extracting these red arils from its white protective membrane can be somewhat challenging. If you’re not careful, your eyes and clothes may get a burst of pomegranate power! Luckily, there is an easy way to remove the seeds and enjoy this exotic super food without the fuss.
1. Simply fill a bowl with some lukewarm water.
2. Cut the pomegranate from the top of the crown and then section into quarters. Immerse each quarter in the water and slowly pry the seeds away from the membrane.
3. The seeds will sink to the bottom while the membrane and skin will float to the top.
4. Scoop out the seeds and enjoy as a snack or toss into your favorite dish. The seeds can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, and whole pomegranates will keep on your kitchen counter for up to a week.
Winter jewel
Pomegranates are in season from September through February, making fall and winter the perfect time to enjoy them. Packed with potent antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, the kernel-like seeds house a treasure trove of B5, potassium, folate, and fiber. Inside its deep purple, leathery skin, you will find 16% of your daily dose of vitamin C, 4% vitamin A, and 2% of the recommended iron.
Pomegranates are a rich source of antioxidants, according to the ORAC scale, which measures the antioxidant levels of foods; 100% pomegranate juice beats out oranges, grapefruits, cranberry juice, and grape juice for antioxidant activity. Just what do all these antioxidants do for our health? Antioxidants fight free radicals, the unstable molecules that damage our DNA and cell membranes, leaving us susceptible to aging and disease. Luckily, we can treat our bodies to the antioxidant-rich juice of the “jewel of winter”. Pomegranate juice provides your body with three potent polyphenols: tannins, anthocyanins, and ellagic acid. These three musketeers work synergistically to fight cancer and disease. Two studies in the Harvard Men’s Health Watch suggest that pomegranate juice may fight prostate cancer. Other clinical trials registered with the National Institute of Health examined pomegranate extracts and juice for its positive effects on diabetes, the common cold, and atherosclerosis.
Try a handful of anti-aging seeds
Pomegranates may be the latest health super stars, but they have been used as a staple remedy in Ayurveda for centuries. The rind and bark of the pomegranate tree were used to remove intestinal parasites, while the juice was considered a tonic for heart and throat health. For a delicious age-defying boost, bite into a glistening cluster of sweet seeds. The seeds house punicic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid that studies suggest may help the body combat human cancers, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
In addition to the health benefits of its juice, the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties found in pomegranate seed oil makes it a popular addition to skin moisturizers and cosmetics. For a radiant complexion and an increase in skin elasticity, try tossing a handful of pomegranate seeds into your salad or yogurt. You can also protect your skin and nurture skin cells with an exquisitely formulated herbal cream; Regenerating cream is a rich skin emollient that minimizes the appearance of aging and scarring and improves skin quality for both men and women.
How to open a pomegranate
Extracting these red arils from its white protective membrane can be somewhat challenging. If you’re not careful, your eyes and clothes may get a burst of pomegranate power! Luckily, there is an easy way to remove the seeds and enjoy this exotic super food without the fuss.
1. Simply fill a bowl with some lukewarm water.
2. Cut the pomegranate from the top of the crown and then section into quarters. Immerse each quarter in the water and slowly pry the seeds away from the membrane.
3. The seeds will sink to the bottom while the membrane and skin will float to the top.
4. Scoop out the seeds and enjoy as a snack or toss into your favorite dish. The seeds can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, and whole pomegranates will keep on your kitchen counter for up to a week.