benefits of pomegranates

To prevent sickness, vitamin C is one of the essential vitamins your body needs. Instead of overloading on citrus fruits, youll be glad to know that the seeds from one pomegranate account for nearly 40 percent of your vitamin C for the day.

Pomegranates are surprisingly high in fiber

Pomegranate arils go great with a ton of other fruits and berries, so let them work their tasty tart magic on your breakfast favorites! We especially love these little guys sprinkled on a cup of oatmeal, quinoa, or Greek yogurt.

Thiscranberrypomegranate variationthat mixes up the flavor and ups the nutritional value of this holiday staple. This recipe will complement a piece of grilled chicken or roasted turkey all season long. ? Pomegranates are filled with manganese which helps to form bone structures during the metabolic process and potassium that helps to maintain cellular functions and balance fluid levels.

Skip the nuts on your favorite roasted veggies, and top things off with some fresh pomegranate seeds instead. Theyre especially delicious on roasted carrots or roasted brussels sprouts. It also contains high amounts of vitamin K that helps to support bone health and vitamin B5 that helps the body metabolize, protein, carbohydrates and fats.

Pomegranate juice may help reduce your risk for heart disease, lower bad LDL cholesterol levels, and reduce oxidative stress levels in arteries. For an easy smoothie, blend pom juice with berries, plain yogurt, and protein powder. ? Pomegranates are often appreciated because they are filled with more antioxidants like punicalagin than other superfoods like acai berry juice or green tea.

Pomegranates are also rich in antioxidants. Numerous studies show that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables may help neutralize free radicals in the body before they cause disease or premature aging. The antioxidant chemicals in poms may even prevent the return of prostate cancer, according to a UCLA study.

Eight ounces of pomegranate juice supplies about 10% of your daily quota for potassium, a nutrient necessary for energy production and keeping blood pressure in check. To make your own juice, process arils in a blender until smooth, then strain. This way youll also get vitamin C, since youre not heating the juice.

Buy plump pomegranates with intact skin. Theyll keep at room temperature, away from direct light, for a few days, or refrigerate them for up to three months. Arils and fresh juice are good for three days in the fridge. Freeze arils and keep them in airtight containers for upwards of six months.

The primary source of pomegranates benefits come from itsantioxidant content, particularly ellagitannin compounds like punicalagins and punicalins, which account for about half of thepomegranates antioxidant ability. Its also an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin C, with one pomegranate providing about 40 percent of the daily requirement for this vitamin.