The pomegranate is one of the oldest fruits in recorded history. Native to the area of modern-day Iran and Iraq, it has been cultivated since ancient times and has spread through the world. Lately, there’s been a parade of products featuring this exceptionally healthy fruit, from juices and teas to energy bars and syrups. But many people have no idea how to have a pomegranate and are intimidated by all those little seeds. My answer? Juice it.
Why You Should Have Pomegranate Juice
Because pomegranate has several health benefits. To name only a few:
- Pomegranate juice (240 mL/day) appears to be particularly useful in improving heart health as it is rich in antioxidants, such as soluble polyphenols, tannins, and anthocyanins.1
- Animal research indicates that components of pomegranate juice can retard atherosclerosis, reduce plaque formation, and improve arterial health.2
- A review of pomegranate research stated that consumption of pomegranate juice may help reduce systolic blood pressure by inhibiting an enzyme (serum angiotensin-converting enzyme) that causes vascular contraction.3
- Pomegranate juice improves the lipid profiles (cholesterol) of people with diabetes.4
- Clinical studies have shown that pomegranate juice also has anticancer properties.5
Here are three easy and quick pomegranate juice recipes.
3 Pomegranate Juice Recipes
1. Berry Happy
This juice is super healthy because it combines flavonoid-rich berries with pomegranate. Flavonoids are antioxidants that prevent inflammation and help the heart.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries)
- 1/4 cup pomegranate pips
- 1 apple or ripe pear, cut into wedges
Method
- Juice the berries, then the pomegranate pips.
- Juice the apple and mix the juices.
2. Red And Fruity
This juice is great for finicky kids and takes advantage of the red pigments in berries, cherries, and pomegranate to cover up the beet taste.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1/2 cup pitted cherries
- 1 beet
- 1/4 cup pomegranate pips
- 1 apple, cut into wedges
Method
Juice the strawberries and cherries, followed by the beet, pomegranate, and apple.
3. Pommy Blue Juice
This refreshing purple-blue juice is as beautiful as it is healthy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pomegranate pips
- 2 cups blueberries
Method
Juice the fruits all at once and enjoy.
How To De-Seed A Pomegranate
Juicing is an easy way to use pomegranates. But how do you de-seed the fruit? The first step involves cutting off the crown of the pomegranate. This is the part with the stem at the top. Once the crown is removed, cut the pomegranate into four sections. Place the sections into a bowl of water and, using your fingers, gently roll the pips out from the membrane. Once the seed pips have been separated, drain out the water, and you are ready to place them in the juice extractor. Or use these methods to de-seed your pomegranate.
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References
