Meet..Pomegranates!
Specifically the seeds. Similar to hemp seeds, and flax seeds, pomegranate seeds are loaded with nutritional benefits! Pomegranate seeds are my current food obsession and I ain’t even mad about it! For the past two weeks, I have been sprinkling them on everything from salads, coconut milk yogurt and just eating them by the spoonful. I knew they were loaded with antioxidants but I decided to look a little deeper as to what the actual nutritional benefits were.
Pomegranate seeds help prevent several different forms of cancer. Pomegranate seeds are rich in phytochemicals, specifically polyphenols. As one of the top six phytochemicals found in plant based foods, these antioxidants have been found to improve healthy cell survival, prevent tumor growth and help to destroy breast, prostate, and colon cancer stem cells, according to an article published in “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” in 2005.
Lowers cholesterol, blood pressure and other cardiac risk factors. A compound found in pomegranates called punicalagin has been shown to have tremendous benefits for the heart and blood vessels. Punicalagin not only lowers cholesterol but has shown to lower blood pressure as well! In a recent clinical study, heart patients with severe carotid artery blockages were given an ounce of pomegranate juice each day for a year. There was a 30% reduction in atherosclerotic plaque, and a 12% reduction in blood pressure. Increased cholesterol, blood pressure and artery plaque are all links to strokes, heart disease and heart attacks.
Pomegranate seeds are an excellent source of Vitamin C and K. Giving our body the right tools through optimal nutrition, which means eating whole, plant based foods in abundance is the BEST way to prevent disease! Vitamin C is one of those essential tools in promoting a strong immune system, powerful enough to fight off toxins that can be damaging to our eternal health. Vitamin K helps protect your cardiovascular system, promoting a healthy heart, protects you against osteoporosis and so much more!
Pomegranate seeds aid in weight loss. As with many fruits, pomegranate seeds offer tons of dietary fiber helping you feel fuller longer, preventing overeating and cravings. In just 3/4 cup of pomegranate seeds is 4 grams of dietary fiber at just 83 calories.
How To Seed A Pomegranate:
Cut the crown (protruding blossom end) off the pomegranate, removing with it some of the pale-yellow pit.
Lightly score the skin in quarters from stem to crown end.
Immerse the scored fruit in a large bowl of cool water and soak for 5 minutes. Holding the fruit under water, break sections apart with your fingers, separating the seeds from membrane. The seeds will sink to the bottom of the bowl.
Discard skin and membranes. Drain the seeds and dry on paper towels.
Ultimate Antioxidant Smoothie Recipe: Ingredients: 1 cup organic pomegranate seeds 1 cup organic blueberries 1/2 cup organic blackberries 1/2 cup aloe vera juice 1/2 cup coconut water handful of cilantro
Directions: Blend in a Vitamix or high-speed blender & enjoy!