Powerful Pomegranate Antioxidants
Pomegranate is a small bush or tree of the family Lythraceae and the fruit it produces. The juicy arils of the fruit are eaten fresh and juice is a source of grenadine syrup often used in liquors and flavorings teas and supplements. The pomegranate is rich in nutritional value and high in dietary vitamin C, fiber, folic acid, and vitamin K. The fruit is the size of a large orange obscurely six sided with a smooth leathery skin that ranges from brownish yellow to red skin. Within the fruit, it is divided into several chambers containing many thin transparent arils of reddish juicy pulp each surrounding an elongated seed. The pomegranate is one of the earliest cultivated trees in history originally described throughout the Mediterranean region and then later introduced into Spanish America in the late 16th century into California by Spanish settlers in 1769. Fresh pomegranates are in season from the end of September through November however you can often find them at your grocery store or local farmers market. Pomegranates are used in juice blends, baking, cooking, meal garnishes, wine, cocktails, and alcoholic beverages and are eaten fresh.
The pomegranate is considered indigenous to Iran and neighboring countries; its cultivation circulated the Mediterranean and extended through the Arabian Peninsula, and India. It is commonly cultivated in the Americas from the warmer parts of the United States to Chile. The pomegranate grows in a wide range of climates where good fruit is produced only when high temperatures and a dry atmosphere accompany the ripening period. Ancient Egyptians regarded the pomegranate as a symbol of prosperity and ambition. The pomegranate is packed full of nutritional value rich in polyphenols which are powerful antioxidants that are beneficial for good health. Pomegranate can help or prevent various disease risk factors including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, and inflammatories. It is demonstrated that certain components of the pomegranate such as polyphenols have antioxidant anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic effects, says PubMed Central. Polyphenols have inflammatory antioxidant properties that may be suitable for treating various inflammatory conditions including IBD, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), metabolic and cardiovascular disorders.
Pomegranate juice may be beneficial for lowering blood pressure and protecting the heart and arteries from forming cholesterol accumulating unhealthy fats or oxidized lipids in blood vessels. Most people can safely drink one cup serving of pomegranate juice once per day as part of a healthy diet plan, however, anyone with a health condition should check first with their doctor that it is safe for them to increase their consumption of the juice. Fresh pomegranates can be peeled and eaten as a snack or garnish on salads, entrees, and sauces, or made into a smoothie blend. Pomegranate tea can be made by adding 3 cups of pomegranate seeds into a blender with 2 packets of Splenda no calorie packets and blending well then straining the juice in a strainer to refine the tea to remove the pulp. Heat a cup of pomegranate tea until the tea reaches a deserted temperature. Drink and enjoy! Bigelow Pomegranate Pizzazz herbal tea is caffeine free and bursting with fruity flavor. This tea is scrumptious either hot or iced and is great for the whole family to drink. Bigelow teas are individually wrapped in foil pouches for peak flavor freshness and aroma, to enjoy anywhere you go. Gluten-free, calorie-free, and Kosher certified. Pomegranate is a fruit that may have various health benefits high in antioxidant properties that can boost overall health. And is available in a tea, juice, extract, fresh or supplement form.
Cheers!
Patricia Lynn
Images Courtesy of AdobeStock
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