The pomegranate fruit is obtained from a tree  that is  native to Southwest Asia and has been cultivated for centuries. The pomegranate has traveled world wide, being  cultivated throughout Afghanistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, East Indies, Malaysia, tropical Africa and southeast Asia. It was introduced to the US and Latin America in the 18th Century.

Pomegranates grow on pruned bushes or trees

The lifespan of the pomegranate tree/bush is 200 years, with optimal sweet fruit
production when the tree is15 years old and are therefore pruned so that branches do not exceed 15 years of age.

The pomegranate fruit is ruby colored with many seeds that are juicy and mild flavor. Pomegranate seeds nutrition facts are numerous and strongly encouraged to be part of ones dietary intake as a seasonal fruit.

Health Benefits of Pomegranate Seeds
Often called a super fruit, the invaluable pomegranate seeds are loaded with numerous antioxidant properties that are said to be three times higher than the green tea.   Antioxidants maintain and repair damaged body cells caused by free radicals within the body, that lead to ailments or disease. High amounts of antioxidants are found in fruits, vegetables and teas. Include the pomegranate as part the your daily intake of 4 fruits, 5 vegetables to maximize an intake of antioxidants.

The ruby red seeds are high in vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin E , fiber, potassium, iron and calcium. It is an excellent compliment to the end of any meal that is high in sodium, as the potassium present within this healthful food, assists in flushing excess sodium from the body.  Additionally, this ‘magic fruit’ is a bliss for the heart health, as regular intake of pomegranate seeds or pomegranate juice promotes:

• Cardio health and reduces risk of strokes and heart attacks.
• Contributes to proper thinning of the blood, reduce blood pressure levels, increase blood flow towards heart.
• Maintains good cholesterol levels (so that HDL cholesterol is elevated)
• Reduces arterial plaque.

Reduces symptoms of:
Anemia (add 1 tsp of cinnamon & honey to 1 cup of 100 % Pomegranate Juice)
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Skin allergies
Skin disorders
Urinary tract infections
Wheezing linked to asthma
Sore throats
Tapeworms
Digestive disorders
Blood impurities
Anemia
Diabetes
Read on for health benefits of pomegranate juice.

Researchers are carefully observing the effects of pomegranate juice and prostate cancer as well as skin cancer. There are numerous products that are used by the pomegranate seeds including: pomegranate seed oil , pomegranate dietary supplements, pomegranate extracts and pomegranate concentrated juice.

Due to the polyphenols within this wonderful fruit, its nutrients promotes anti inflammatory effects, strengthening the immune system, wound repair and reduces skin wrinkling making it’s derivites the most sought after when addressing skin remedies.

Eat, Drink and Enjoy!

RECIPE

Pomegranate Apple Salad

Red seeds from a Pomegranate
1 Apple diced (remove core)
1/4 c. Feta Cheese crumbled (optional)
Lettuce Leaves: Endive, Rucula  (Arugula), Spinach, Green Leaf Lettuce. Tear into bite size.
Dressing
1/3 c Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese grated

Wash the Pomegranate, Apple and Lettuce leaves. Over a salad bowl, cut Pomegranate into quarter pieces, invert each piece so that the skin is push inward and the seeds com outward. Seeds will easily come out. Make sure to remove white pith that the seeds are attached to, discard pith. Cut apple in half, remove and discard seeds. Cut apple into chunks place into bowl. Add feta cheese and lettuce into salad to salad bowl.
Toss well so that all ingredients are incorporated.

Place all Dressing ingredients into a bottle or bowl, cover tightly, shake ingredients so that they are well combined. Pour dressing onto salad 5-10 minutes before serving.