Why you need to put Pomegranates on your Grocery List

A summary of the pomegranate health benefits, including the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Plus a simple way to remove the seeds from the fruit.

Learning to Love Pomegranates

I can remember one of the first times I tried a pomegranate. It was in 3rd grade and I had just moved to California. A girl in my class had one in her lunch and told me to take half and eat the seeds. It was so delicious but I inadvertently wiped my hands all over my white shirt and stained the whole thing.

Lesson Learned – Pomegranate seeds are delicious but will ruin your white shirt.

How to Eat a Pomegranate

I used to buy the pomegranate seeds (called arils) in the plastic containers that were already removed from the fruit. I was very intimidated on getting the arils out of a pomegranate myself.

Then I went on good old YouTube and finally learned an easy way to remove the seeds.

Ready for it?

• Fill a medium bowl with water
• Cut pomegranate in half lengthwise
• Submerge one 1/2 of the pomegranate at a time in the water (cut side down)
• Using your fingers, pull the seeds away from the white part of the fruit
• The seeds will sink to the bottom and the white membrane will float
• Once all the seeds are removed rom the fruit, strain the floating parts out with a strainer
• Drain the remaining seeds from the water
• They are ready to eat!

Health Benefits of Pomegranates

Pomegranate arils and 100% pomegranate juice are a nutritional powerhouse!

Nutrition Facts

Just a single cup of arils contain 3 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber.

They also contain –

• 30% of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of Vitamin C
• 36% RDI of Vitamin K
• 16% RDI of Folate
• 12% RDI of Potassium

Cancer Fighting Antioxidants

Pomegranates have 3 times the antioxidant power of green tea and red wine!

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Chronic Inflammation has been linked to many chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, alzheimers and certain cancers.

Research shows a possible correlation between consuming pomegranate juice and a decrease in inflammation in the digestive tract and cancer cells in the breast and colon.

Post Workout Recovery

The polyphenols found in pomegranate juice may help your muscles recover faster after a workout. More research is needed but the possible benefit is exciting to athletes everywhere.

Check out this collection of over 40 recipes featuring Pomegranates!