The seasons have changed, the days are shorter, the leaves have turned and the temperatures have dropped. Fortunately, nature provides us with a “super-food” that is packed with nutrients to weather the approach of winter. Pomegranates are one of the oldest known fruits, originating in Persia. The name pomegranate means “apple with many seeds”. An average pomegranate contains about 600 seeds. As such, pomegranates have been known as a symbol of health, fertility and eternal life.
The fruit is round with a hard outer shell. Inside the pomegranate is filled with juice-filled seed sacs called arils. The arils are the seeds that are consumed. A white, bitter membrane that is inedible separates the sacs. Both the arils and the juice are full of health benefits. The arils are very low in calories and rich in fiber, providing 83 calories in 100 grams (or ¾ cup) and 4 grams of dietary fiber. The high fiber content helps in supporting better digestion and regulates our blood sugar levels. For more about the benefits of dietary fiber, click ﻿here﻿.
In addition to the dietary fiber, these powerhouses of nutrition get the “super-food” designation due to the health promoting antioxidants that have been associated with boosting immunity, being heart protective and slowing new blood vessel formation in certain cancers. Pomegranates are rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, two types of antioxidants that may help protect against heart disease and cancer. One antioxidant found in pomegranates is called punicalagin has been shown to support the heart and blood vessels. In studies, punicalagin helps to lower cholesterol and blood pressure while also reducing the size of atherosclerotic plaques. Punicalagin, in fact, makes up about half of the antioxidant activity in pomegranates.
Pomegranates are also a good source of vitamins C and K, providing 17% and 20% respectively of the daily value. Vitamin C is important at this time of year for its immune support. In addition, vitamin C helps in wound healing, healthy gums and the building of collagen. Vitamin C also acts as an antioxidant. For more about the benefits of vitamin C, click here. Vitamin K’s primary role is the maintenance of strong, healthy bones and proper blood clotting. Other nutrients found in pomegranates are vitamins B5, B6 and folate and the minerals calcium, copper, potassium and manganese. Pomegranates are also a vegan source of iron.
· Provide anti-cancer properties such as anti-angiogenesis specifically in breast, prostate, colon and leukemia
Pomegranates can be extremely messy as you try to release the precious arils inside. Once you cut open the fruit, the red juice can stain fingers, clothes and cutting boards. The best way to obtain the arils without the mess is to cut off the crown and then score the skin in quarters from the stem to the crown. In a bowl filled with water, break open the scored quarters apart with your fingers under the water. This will allow the arils to be separated from the white, inedible membrane. The seeds should sink to the bottom of the bowl. The skin and membranes can be thrown out leaving the crunchy, nutritious arils to enjoy.
The seeds can be eaten raw, in salads, or even with your morning yogurt and nuts. For a delicious fall salad topped with pomegranate seeds, click here. What a nutritious way to add to your day!
​We are committed to respecting everyone in the travel community, regardless of their race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, sex, gender, identity, sexual orientation or age - with respect, and without judgment or bias.
#Surge365 #TheVortex also includes thousands of domestic, as well as international flights that are posted showing global competitive rates. All other bookings are guaranteed to be the lowest public online rates 85 to 90 percent of the time.
The presentations, views, news & opinions professional or experiential that are expressed anywhere on #BetterThanDonuts.com are those solely of the R & L Group LLC and not necessarily those of any of our business associations with #Surge365, YTB Travel Network or other chosen affiliations connected to the Reed's personal life experience. The personal faith/mindset links on this website posted by Ken and/or Cynth'ya Reed of the R & L Group LLC are not exclusive to, nor are they directly or indirectly connected to the promotion of Surge365, nor are any faith-based or mindset associations part of any endorsement of the activities or recorded calls affiliated with Surge365, the Surge Business Associate, or the Vortex program. The R and L Group LLC does not claim ownership of any official Surge365 logos, music, videos, and trademarks which are used only to promote the company and affiliated programs of said companies .This includes personal views stated voluntarily by those who are/were the featured guests of Reed NuAttitude Show as well as any hosts &/or guest hosts. No rights of any kind are claimed on any background music used to describe the theme for each Reed NuAttitude Show and proper credit is given to all artists whose music is used to set the tone for our program. As for other written & non-musical audio content, note that no part of this website may be duplicated, copied, re-credited, reproduced, photographed or recorded in any way shape form or fashion without written authorization of agreement to do so directly from Kenneth W. Reed and Cynth'ya Lewis Reed. Thank you.