Pomegranate: A Peculiar Fruit

Pomegranates are low in calories and fat but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Benefits include antioxidants, heart health, urinary health, exercise endurance, and more. The small pink seeds inside a pomegranate, called the arils, are the edible portion of the fruit. While they can be labor-intensive to remove from the fruit’s inner flesh, their nutritional profile and flavor are well worth the investment (Panoff.2022).

Benefits of Pomegranates

Packed with nutrients- low in calories and fat, high in fiber.
Rich in antioxidants-protect cell damage from free radicals.
May help keep inflammation – reduces markers for inflammation.
May have anticancer properties- may kill some cancer cells.
May offer heart health benefits-lower blood pressure, fights atherosclerosis.
Support urinary health- reduces kidney stone formation.
May have antimicrobial properties- fights certain bacteria, yeast, and fungi.
May improve exercise -increases endurance.
Good for your brain- may help oxidative damage which can lead to Alzheimer’s.
Supports digestive health- healthy gut.

Conclusion
Pomegranates are sweet, tart and packed with so many health benefits for the body. Although human research on some of these potential benefits is lacking, it is safe to say that pomegranate is a tasty, nutritious addition to your diet. Pomegranate season is very short from September to late November, so run don’t walk to your local market or store for this tasty treat. Pomegranates can be consumed as juice, smoothie or throw some in a salad for a special little bite of sweetness.
Below is a quick and healthy recipe using pomegranates:

Spinach Pomegranate Salad
Ingredients

1 (10 ounce) bag baby spinach leaves, rinsed and drained
½ cup walnut pieces
½ cup crumbled feta
¼ medium red onion, sliced very thin
¼ cup alfalfa sprouts (Optional)
½ cup pomegranate seeds, or to taste
4 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette

Directions
Place spinach into a salad bowl. Top with walnuts, feta, red onion, alfalfa sprouts, and pomegranate seeds. Drizzle with vinaigrette.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Portion sizes are Critical

273 Calories
21g Fat
15g Carbs
10g Protein

#Totalwellbeing #Fruits

#MyJam: Check out the book “The Complete Pomegranate Cookbook:
50 Healthy and Creative Recipes by C.A.Gilbert
References:
Panoff, L. (2022, February 23). 10 health benefits of pomegranate. Healthline. Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-benefits-of-pomegranate#9.-Good-for-your-brain
Spinach pomegranate salad. Allrecipes. (n.d.). Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/127167/spinach-pomegranate-salad/