Pomegranate

The pomegranate is known as a super food. Its jewel-like seeds (arils) have been used for
medicinal purposes for millennia. Packed with powerful antioxidants and vitamins, this
ruby-red fruit has been shown to be a cure-all for just about any ailment. It helps stomach
upsets, menopausal hot flashes, hemorrhoids, conjunctivitis, osteoarthritis, lowers blood
pressure, stimulates the immune system, wards off the flu, reduces inflammation, reduces
risk of heart disease and lowers cholesterol.

Pomegranate juice packs a high antioxidant potency punch and protects against heart
attack and stroke. This red juice has an even higher concentration of antioxidants than
other sources of dietary antioxidants such as red wine, grape juice, blueberry juice,
cranberry juice and green tea.

Researchers have found that drinking pomegranate juice reduced the uptake of oxidized
“bad” LDL cholesterol by immune cells, which is a major contributing factor to
atherosclerosis.

The peel is good for the heart and blood vessels; the white membrane is good for
stopping diarrhea and good for wounds and ulcers of the mouth and throat. The fruit also
strengthens the brain, cleanses the body and blood from toxins, and is very good at
expelling worms from the intestines.

Pomegranate: Nutritional Value

Pomegranate is well known for its high concentration of antioxidants. Pomegranate is a
rich source of Vitamin C. A medium pomegranate provides about 16% of the daily
recommended amount of Vitamin C. It is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin B5 and
Vitamin K. It contains minerals like manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron and
calcium. The seeds are high in calories because they contain carbohydrates, sugar and
unsaturated oils.

Note - The most important thing to remember while preparing or peeling pomegranate is to
wear old clothes as the juice stain are stubborn and do not wash off easily.