The pomegranate has been cultivated since before the United States was a country, but very few Americans have eaten one, let alone drink its juice. This amazing exotic fruit is coming to light due to interesting research on the antioxidant content of its juice. Compared to red wine and green tea, this amazing fruit is nearly 3 times more powerful at protecting against free radical damage.
Antioxidants are natural substances that protect the body against free radicals. These important compounds are receiving a lot of attention, as they have been shown to reduce the number of these free radical molecules in the body. Free radicals are very reactive and in the body they tend to ‘oxidize’ other molecules and cause damage. If you leave an unprotected piece of metal outside, rust from the weather will cause it to rust. A similar process occurs in the body with free radicals. For example, they are believed to oxidize cholesterol in a way that is responsible for accelerating the hardening of the arteries. In a study conducted at the Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, pomegranate juice has been shown to slow down the oxidation of cholesterol by nearly 50 percent.
Pomegranate juice contains polyphenols, tannins, and anthocyanins, compounds that are believed to have a beneficial effect. Also, the juice has many vitamins and minerals. It is rich in iron and vitamins A, C and E.
Many parts of the Middle East and Central Asia include this delicious fruit in their local cuisine. When you open a pomegranate, you will be surprised to discover hundreds of bright red, juicy seed pods. The process of separating the pods from the seeds of the white pulpy fruit is a task that children and young people alike will love. The seed pods themselves taste a bit like concentrated watermelon, but a bit sweeter and spicier. After opening one, you will quickly understand why they chose the juice in their study and not the fruit itself. The pods open easily revealing the red juice. Caution here. Red juice will easily stain many fabrics, so be careful when handling them.
The western part of the world has been slow to adopt this wonderful fruit. It is still an exotic fruit that is more of a novelty than a staple as it is in other parts of the world. As more and more people begin to consume the protective juice, that is sure to change. An easy way to get it is in juice form and, for fun, try picking the fruit itself. Adding the seed pods to a salad is a wonderful way to enjoy them. Another way is to heat chopped walnuts in the juice and use the mixture to fill the tomatoes. No matter how you choose to eat pomegranates, try adding some to your diet today.
