The Top Five Reasons To Eat Pomegranates Now
Here are my top 5 reasons to eat pomegranates right now:
1. Pomegranate seeds are loaded with fiber, which can help satiate you and make you feel full for longer.
2. Pomegranate seeds are high in antioxidants, which can help fight cell-damaging free radicals.
3. Pomegranates may enhance cardiovascular health. In one study, atherosclerotic patients with disease of the carotid arteries that drank approximately 1.7 fl. oz of pomegranate juice every day for one year had a 12% decrease in systolic blood pressure and a 30% reduction in arterial wall lining thickness (i).
4. Pomegranates may prevent breast, liver, and colon cancer, and potentially suppress cancer growth (ii).
5. Pomegranates may help in reducing joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis (iii).
Not only can nutrient-packed pomegranate seeds help keep your hunger at bay and boost your health, they're delicious! When you eat foods that taste good, you're more likely to be satisfied and stop eating when you are full. One of my favorite ways to enjoy pomegranate seeds is tossed into a fresh salad—they add the perfect burst of flavor and color. I’m sharing a delicious salad recipe (adapted from Oh She Glows) so you can try it too:
Arugula Pomegranate Salad with Balsamic Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
Dressing:
1. 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2. 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
3. 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
4. 2 tsp Dijon mustard
5. 1 shallot
6. 1 pinch of Himalayan salt
7. Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Salad:
1. 4 cups arugula, washed
2. 1 Asian pear, sliced thinly and chopped
3. 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
4. 1/4 cup raw, sprouted pumpkin seeds
5. 4 tbsp large coconut flakes
6. 2 tbsp hemp seeds
7. 2 tsp black sesame seeds
Directions:
1. Blend all dressing ingredients in a blender.
2. In a large bowl, add salad ingredients and toss to combine.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve and enjoy!
Serves 3-4 (small bowls).
References
(i) Aviram, M., Rosenblat, M., Gaitini, D., Nitecki, S., Hoffman, A., Dornfeld, L., . . . Hayek, T. (2004). Pomegranate juice consumption for 3 years by patients with carotid artery stenosis reduces common carotid intima-media thickness, blood pressure and LDL oxidation. Clin Nutr, 23(3), 423-433.
(ii) Turrini, E., Ferruzzi, L., Fimognari, C. (2015). Potential Effects of Pomegranate Polyphenols in Cancer Prevention and Therapy. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2015, Article ID 938475, 1-19.
(iii) Balbir-Gurman, A., Fuhrman, B., Braun-Moscovici, Y., Markovits, D., & Aviram, M. (2011). Consumption of pomegranate decreases serum oxidative stress and reduces disease activity in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study. Isr Med Assoc J, 13(8), 474-479.