Pomegranate is deeply related to culture and history. From 4000 years it is a symbol of hope and prosperity. Firstly, it is derived from the French word “pomme granate”. Literally it means seeded apple or more likely the Latin pomum “apple” and granatum “seeded”. Indeed, it is cultivated throughout the Middle East, Mediterranean, and in the US. Its tree and its various parts are used in medicine making. Also, it is used to treat:

• Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease(COPD)
• Heart conditions 
• High Blood Pressure.

 

How does it work?

This seeded fruit contains chemicals that have an anti-oxidant effect and its juice might slow the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries) and helps to fight against cancer cells.

Purpose of use?

Hence, it is a primary food source. Its bark helps in digestion problems. It cures heart diseases and supports the immune system.

Active constituents:

• Polyphenols
• Fatty acids.

Nutritional fact:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D
• Cobalamin
• Vitamin C
• Iron
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Vitamin B-6

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Possibly effective for:

Meanwhile, drinking its juice can lower systolic blood pressure. Similarly, Pomegranate can also help prevent or treat various disease risk factors including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, and inflammatory activities.

Insufficient evidence for:

• Pomegranate juice prevents the carotid arteries from hardening from the deposition of fatty acids.
• Drinking pomegranate juice helps to reduce heart-related diseases but it does not prevent blood vessels from narrowing.
• Its extract is the best mouthwash to eliminate dental plaque.
• Drinking its fresh juice 1.5 mL/kg improves blood sugar in patients with diabetes.
• Ii’s juice also improves good HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Drinking juice for 4 weeks does not improve erectile dysfunction in men.
• Taking pomegranate seed oil for 12 weeks does not reduce hot flashes but might improves sleep in women with menopause symptoms.
• The extract improves muscle strength and reduces weight in obese women.
• Pomegranate extracts twice daily for 12 weeks reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Taking pomegranate extract might clear up Trichomoniasis infection in women who are sexually transmitted.

Side effects:

Also, people who are allergic to pomegranate may experience:

• Itching
• Swelling
• Runny nose
• Difficult breathing

Selection, preparation, and storage:

However, pomegranate is easily available at grocery stores. Many customers want organic juice that is chemicals free. Amazingly, some of the consumers want fresh juice instead of pasteurization. Keep the pomegranate in the refrigerator where it can stay fresh for up to three months. But the arils (seeds) are only good for three days. So, they are to be removed. Certainly, to make pomegranate juice remove arils from fruit, toss them into a blender and blend.

How to eat?

So, you can eat the whole arils including the fiber-rich seeds. But, the rind and white membranes surrounding arils are not suggested to eat.

Juice It:

1. Firstly, place your pomegranate seeds in a blender.
2. Secondly, pulse the seeds a few times to break them apart and release their juice.
3. Thirdly, use a mesh strainer to strain the pomegranate liquid into a container.
4. Finally, use the back of a spoon to gently push against the pomegranate pulp and extract as much juice as possible.

Recipe:

• 3cups mustard greens or baby kale
• 3cups baby arugula
• 1 Granny smith apple – sliced
• 1 large quince -sliced (½ cup – you can also add Figs if in season- wash and cut in ½)
• ½ cup raw hazelnut toasted (halves or pieces)
• arils from 1 large pomegranate
• 4-5 ounces of gorgonzola cheese, crumbled(or your preferred cheese)

So, on a platter arrange the greens. Then, arrange the sliced quince and apples on corners. After that, add Crumble cheese and Gorgonzola cheese – Lastly, garnish and add the pomegranate arils and drizzle the dressing!

Pomegranate dressing:

• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil (high quality)
• 2 tablespoons aged white balsamic vinegar
• salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons fresh pomegranate juice.
• Mix, shake well, and serve it.

Disclaimer:

This content does not provide dosage information, toxicity levels, possible interaction with prescribed drugs. This information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner.