Pomegranit

Ripe Colorful Pomegranate Fruit on Tree Branch. The Foliage on the Background — Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

The pomegranit (pomegranate) is labeled a superfruit in the functional food industry. The fruit is between a lemon and a grapefruit in size. The shape is a rounded hexagonal, and the inside contains about 600 seeds. The seeds and the pulp surrounding it are called arils and are edible.

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fresh pomegranate opened on a plate with a black background — Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Pomegranates are drought-tolerant and grow in dry areas with either summer rainfall climates or a Mediterranean winter rainfall climate. Pomegranate juice can be very sweet or sour. It has long been a popular pomegranate supplement in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines.

Pomegranate aril juice provides about 16% of an adult’s daily vitamin C requirement per 100ml serving. It is also a good source of vitamin B5, potassium, and antioxidant polyphenols. The most abundant polyphenols in pomegranate juice are the hydrolyzable tannins, called punicalagin, which have free-radical scavenging properties.

In laboratory research and human pilot studies, pomegranate juice effectively reduced heart disease risk factors. Pomegranate juice also reduces systolic blood pressure and may have antibacterial effects against dental plaque. The pomegranate is ideal for dieters on a restricted-calorie meal plan since it’s low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.

Ripe pomegranates and leaves on table against grey background. — Photo credit: Deposit Photos.

Pomegranates are available in the United States from September through December. Select fruit that is heavy for its size, with bright, fresh color and blemish-free skin. Refrigerate whole pomegranates for up to 2 months, or store them in a cool, dark place for up to one month. Pomegranate seeds packed in an airtight container –and stored in the freezer – will keep for up to 3 months.

There are many ways to add pomegranates to your daily meal plan. You can sprinkle pomegranate seeds over salads or desserts. Use a pomegranate extract in marinades or as a glaze for poultry. You can eat the seeds by the handful or sprinkle them on waffles, pancakes, or ice cream sundaes.

The list of pomegranate supplements available for purchase is substantial. Pomegranate powder, pomegranate molasses, and pomegranate juice are just a few that are commonly found.

ANTIOXIDANT FRUITS