The Health Benefits Of Pomegranates – 5 Ways To Include Pomegranate In Your Diet
Pomegranates are a delicious and healthy fruit that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Pomegranates are one of the healthiest fruits you can eat. Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, they provide a range of health benefits.
No wonder be it an athlete, a child, or a senior citizen, everyone is recommended to feast on this fruit of wonder!
Here is how pomegranates help to keep you healthy.
Vitamin C Powerhouse & Atherosclerosis Prevention
Pomegranates are an excellent source of Vitamin C. One cup provides 116% of the daily recommended value for this important antioxidant vitamin. Pomegranates also provide high amounts of potassium, which is an essential nutrient for heart health. Potassium helps to reduce blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium in the body, and it also reduces your risk of developing atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.
Prevention Of Spike In Blood Sugar Levels
They are rich in fiber, making them a good choice for people with diabetes looking to control their blood sugar levels through diet. Fiber slows down digestion so that your body absorbs sugars more slowly, helping to keep glucose levels stable after eating. They also have low glycemic index ratings, so they don’t cause large spikes in blood sugar levels.
A Folate Powerhouse
Pomegranates are a good source of folate, with 100 grams containing about 40% of your recommended daily intake. Folate is particularly important for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as it helps to prevent birth defects in the baby when consumed during early pregnancy. It also helps boost heart health by lowering homocysteine levels in the body, which reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Helps Immensely In Weight Loss
They’re also an excellent food choice for people on weight-loss diets because they’re low in calories yet high in satiety value due to their fiber content. Fiber makes you feel fuller for longer after eating so that you don’t get hungry again quite so quickly, helping you to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
Great Source Of Vegetarian Protein
Pomegranate seeds are a great food choice for vegetarians because they provide an excellent source of protein. They also contain good amounts of dietary fiber, which is vital for heart health since it may help reduce your blood cholesterol levels by binding with bile in the stomach to remove it from the body via bowel movements.
Looking at the benefits of this magical fruit, growing pomegranate seems like such a good idea!
A Keeper Of Our Hearts
By removing excess cholesterol from the digestive tract, fiber helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol, thus reducing your risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Fiber is also beneficial for weight management as it helps to keep you feeling full after eating, allowing you to eat fewer calories and lose weight in a healthy way.
Including pomegranate in your diet can help improve your overall health in many ways. With their abundance of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, pomegranates are a nutritional powerhouse that can benefit your health in numerous ways. So the next time you’re looking for a healthy snack or want to add some extra nutrients to your meal, reach for a pomegranate! You’ll be glad you did.
Pomegranate Seeds Are The Perfect Garnishing
- Add pomegranate seeds to your morning smoothie for a quick and healthy breakfast.
- Mix pomegranate seeds with arugula and your favorite vinaigrette for a quick and healthy salad.
- Add diced pomegranate to your favorite rice dish for a colorful and nutritious addition.
- Serve chilled pomegranate seeds as an alternative to ice cream or sorbet for dessert after dinner for a tasty treat that is packed full of nutrients!|
- Make a simple and elegant salad with mixed greens, feta cheese, and pomegranate seeds.
- Mix pomegranate seeds with yogurt to create a delicious, healthy breakfast or snack.
- Spike your morning coffee with a splash of pomegranate juice for an antioxidant boost.
- Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top of your morning oatmeal for added nutrition and flavor.
Pomegranate Juice Is A Multipurpose Potion
- Use pomegranate juice as a marinade for chicken or meat to give them extra flavor and moisture before cooking. You can also use it as an alternative to apple cider vinegar when making salad dressings or as the primary ingredient in your homemade marinades.
- Use pomegranate juice as the base for a delicious and refreshing sangria.
- Use cooked pomegranate juice as a glaze for meats like chicken, pork, or lamb.
- Top your favorite grilled meats and vegetables with a pomegranate vinaigrette for a tangy and healthy finishing touch.
- Use pomegranate juice to make the glaze for these baked pear crisps. They are so yummy and easy to make!
Pomegranate Molasses Is the Boss
- Make your own pomegranate molasses by simmering pomegranate juice over low heat until it’s reduced to 1/4 of its original volume. It should turn into a thick, dark syrup that can be used in salad dressings or sauces.
- Dip oranges, bananas, strawberries, or other fruits in pomegranate molasses instead of maple syrup for a healthier breakfast option (or dessert). This thick syrup is made from reduced fresh grape juice that has been boiled down until it thickens like traditional molasses. Although with significantly less sugar.
- Use pomegranate molasses in place of some of the vinegar or lemon juice in your favorite salad dressing recipes.
Dice Those Seeds
- Toss together a simple fruit salad with diced pomegranate, honeydew, and kiwi.
- Make delicious homemade granola bars using oats, honey, almonds, and diced pomegranate seeds.
- Mix whole wheat couscous with feta cheese, roasted pine nuts, chopped apricots, and fresh mint leaves to make a simple side dish that also features diced pomegranate seeds.
P for Pomegranate, P For Puree!
- Make a batch of homemade popsicles with pureed pomegranate, yogurt, honey, and lime juice.
- Add some sweetness to your next smoothie with a few spoonfuls of pureed pomegranate.
Conclusion
There are plenty of ways to enjoy your favorite fruit. Whether you toss some pomegranate seeds into a simple fruit salad or blend up a smoothie, there’s no need to wait until the holidays arrive to enjoy this delicious treat. Get started eating pomegranates today!
About the Author
Twigs cafe staff is comprised of editors, writers, food & drink experts, nutritionists, and researchers to create informative and helpful content for health-conscious people.
