pomegranate

Pomegranate (pom-i-gran-it)
A chambered, many-seeded and fruit, approximately the size of a grapefruit; the pomegranate has a tough usually red rind that conceals a crown of white, spongy membrane housing red arils (seed casings). The red arils are usually consumed whole; however it is the juice which is the true nectar of the pomegranate. Usually, the pomegranate juice is moderate in taste with sour notes from the acidic tannins. Native to southwestern Asia, the pomegranate is widely cultivated in warm, dry regions of the world – most historically the Mediterranean. Some date cultivation of this fruit back to prehistoric times, and it has been used throughout the ages medicinally, mythologically, and as a valued culinary element.

The Power of Pomegranate
Though most of the pomegranate’s mythological roots (often seen as a symbol of fertility and prosperity) cannot be proven; it is the recent attention from scientific communities that unveiled the truth of the fruit’s health benefits. Pomegranate contains a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals, with especially notable amounts of vitamin C and potassium. It is also a powerful source of antioxidant, phytoestrogens (“dietary estrogens” that may have protective action against diverse health disorders), polyphenols (research indicates antioxidant characteristics with potential health benefits), and anti-inflammatory essential amino acids. Among the most important effects of this beneficial nutrient collection is the ability to inhibit free radicals (a biological component attributed to disease and aging). Remarkably, polyphenols are believed to help the body’s cells resist damage by free radicals, with many have been found to have anti-cancer activity in the lab. The Pomegranate juice provides about 16% of an adult’s daily vitamin C and is a good source of vitamin B5, and potassium.
But there’s more. Pomegranate’s contribution to cardiovascular health has also been widely celebrated. In preliminary laboratory research and human pilot studies, juice of the pomegranate was shown effective in reducing heart disease risk factors. Pomegranate juice has also been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure (inhibiting the serum angiotensin-converting enzyme), may inhibit viral infections, and can also have antibacterial effects against dental plaque.