The pomegranate has been cultivated since before the United States was a country, but very few Americans have eaten one, let alone drunk its juice. This amazing exotic fruit is coming to light due to exciting research into the antioxidant content of its juice. Compared to red wine and green tea, this amazing fruit is almost 3 times more powerful in 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 amount 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, oxidation 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 hardening of the arteries. In a study conducted at the Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, pomegranate juice was shown to slow cholesterol oxidation by almost 50 percent.
Pomegranate juice contains polyphenols, tannins, and anthocyanins, compounds that are believed to have a beneficial effect. In addition, 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 crack open a pomegranate, you’ll be surprised to discover hundreds of juicy, bright-red seed pods. The process of separating the seed pods from the pulpy white fruit is a task that children and youngsters alike will love. The seed pods taste a bit like concentrated watermelon, but a bit sweeter and spicier. After opening one, you’ll quickly understand why they chose the juice in their study over the fruit itself. The pods open easily, revealing the red juice. Caution here. The red juice will easily stain a lot of fabric, 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 like it is in other parts of the world. As more and more people start consuming the protectant juice, that will surely change. An easy way to get it is in juice format 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 stuff the tomatoes. No matter how you choose to eat pomegranates, try adding some to your diet today.