November 13, 2016
So it’s finally the season for pomegranates.
Yay! Pomegranates are my favorite fruit and I look forward to eating them during this season. They are super delicious! Here’s a brief history of where these jewel like seeds comes from;
Pomegranates are native to the region from Iran to northern India. They are now cultivated throughout other regions in the world. Pomegranates were known in Ancient Israel as the fruits which the scouts brought to Moses to demonstrate the fertility of the “promised land”. Interestingly, according to some Jewish scholars, pomegranates were believed to be the “forbidden fruit” in the Garden of Eden.
Also in many countries where this fruit is grown, it is culturally believed to be a symbol of fertility. On the contrary, according to Greek mythology, pomegranates were known to be the “fruit of the dead” which was believed to have sprung from Adonis. Very interesting….well from this brief history, it is very clear that pomegranates are a very powerful fruit.
Here is why everyone should include pomegranates to their daily regimen…
The pomegranate, or Punica granatum, is a shrub where this irresistible fruit comes from. The pomegranate contains many small seeds called arils. Pomegranates closely resemble an apple but with a cute little crown sitting on top of it. Funny I should say that because Pomegranates are known for their antioxidant powers! Particularly one called Punicalagin which has been shown to reduce heart disease and also has potent anti-microbial properties making them a fantastic fruit in warding off bacterial and viral infections.
- Pomegranates strengthen red blood cells and white blood cells.
- They help with blood sugar too by restoring glucose reserves to the liver so the liver can release glucose as needed. By doing so, this helps keep the adrenal glands from over working itself in times where we haven’t eaten in a while and our body needs energy to keep going.
- Pomegranates’ high quality glucose helps us with focus and concentration (I’ll definitely keep that in mind).
- Pomegranates are a good source of copper, calcium, iron, manganese, potassium and chromium.
- They are also rich in vitamins C, K and B-complex.
- Pomegranates are shown to lower LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol.
- The juice from a pomegranate is excellent for dental health such as preventing plaque and gum disease.
- The oil from the seeds of the pomegranate is an excellent source of essential fatty acids that can be taken orally or by simply applying to the skin. By doing so the seed oil helps improve skin elasticity, skin tone and skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and sunburn. It is also great for hair growth and helping the scalp overall.
People suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, insomnia, dementia, adrenal fatigue, diabetes, hypoglycemia, alopecia, gallstones, kidney stones, autism, Lyme disease, cancers of the colon, breast, lung and prostate and those that also have the following symptoms: brain fog, memory loss, confusion, cysts, calcifications, disorientation, trouble focusing, dandruff, weight gain, persistent hunger, hair loss, muscle cramps, leg cramps, blood sugar imbalances, hives, inflammation, and itchy skin will do good by adding pomegranates to their diets. They will help heal you and improve your overall health. Pomegranates contain powerful anti-inflammatory compounds which make them a very beneficial food source. Eating them daily will have you reaping the benefits. Thumbs up!
I suffer from breakouts of eczema time to time especially when I eat unhealthy and I am also hypoglycemic. Now that I am more knowledgeable of this ancient fruit, makes it that much more appealing to me…and I’m also craving those juicy, red seeds now but unfortunately I’m all out of pomegranates.
I think I will try pomegranate seed oil and apply it to my face when I get those dreadful eczema break outs. Pomegranates make a very healthy snack choice for me to keep my blood sugar leveled and pomegranate seeds suppress hunger so I never have to worry about raiding the fridge for something sweet to eat. I just LOVE pomegranates! We should have them all year round!
Tips:
- Pomegranates are a great addition to salads, hummus and guacamole
- Jazz up your plain boring oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast
- Sprinkle some to your soup
- Adding them to your smoothies will add that burst of antioxidants OR if you plan on having a ladies night, add them to your cocktail drink 😉
- Make endless amounts of different desserts with them. Be creative!
- Applying pomegranate seed oil to the face for skin conditions mentioned above
- Although not very edible, the pomegranate peel can be used to scrub your face, removing black heads and white heads
- Boil the peel in water. Let it cool and gargle with it to relieve a sore throat
- Make yourself a nice warm cup of pomegranate tea
- Make your very own pomegranate juice in your kitchen
There are endless possibilities with this beautiful ancient fruit. Just have fun with it! Whether they symbolize fertility or death, this delicious fruit is a VERY healthy treat. So EAT UP!
Fun fact:
Eating the fruit, according to legend, gives you special powers and an irresistible allure…Ou la la 😉
Tania
