Pomegranate - What Health Benefits Are Found in This Unsual Fruit?

Pomegranates have been the subject of the songs of Kings for centuries, in the Bible, Europe and also mentioned in Ancient Greek Mythology.

Yet it has only recently gained prominence on the commercial market. Native to Persian and the Himalayan regions of India, Pomegranate has been widely cultivated throughout, India, Asia, Pakistan, Malaya, Armenia, the East Indies and tropical Africa. It is grown domestically in parts of California and Arizona for juice production and can be used in a wide array of applications. This article will explore the many uses of Pomegranates.

Culinary Uses

The Juice of the Pomegranate fruit can be very sweet at times and at other times very sour, however the fruit generally has a moderate taste. Its juice has for a long time been a favorite in Persia and used extensively in Indian cuisine.

•  Pomegranate Juice mixed with sugar makes a thick syrup used in cocktails to give it flavor and add color. This syrup is referred to as Grenadine which is derived from a French word grenade meaning pomegranate.
•  Grenadine is very popular in Middle Eastern Countries and is widely used in many Persian dishes such as sauces and soups. 
• The pomegranate arils are also used as a popular spice in Persian and Indian cuisine such as chutney and curried dishes.
• You can find dried arils in snacks such as granola bars and trail mix. It can also be used as a salad dressing or as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. 
• Its applications are endless ranging from, juice, sauces, salad dressing, and meat marinade, used in broths, glaze, relish, dips and jams.

Medicinal Uses

• Pomegranate's medicinal properties have been known for centuries and have been used extensively as a homemade remedy for thousands of years.
•  Recent studies have shown that pomegranate juice may contain as much as three times the total antioxidant content found in green tea or red wine, and many believe it can reduce systolic blood pressure and prevent heart disease, among other benefits. 
• The though skin of the fruit and the tree bark are used as a remedy for diarrhea, treating hemorrhoids and parasites of the intestines. 
• The juice and seeds are regarded as a tonic for the throat and the heart, and the flower, skin and tree bark possesses astringent qualities.
• The juices from some varieties of Pomegranates are used as eye drops. It is thought to impede the growth of cataracts.

Nutritional Value

• Pomegranates have gained notoriety lately because it is a rich source of antioxidants which the body needs to keep free-radical attacks at bay.
• These antioxidant are called "flavonoids" which are thought to be effective in counteracting various cancer-causing free-radicals agents. More experts are recommending this fruit as a possible part of a healthy diet.
• Its juice is also a good source of vitamin A, B5, C, E and potassium. 
•  Pomegranates are high in fiber which is gained through the consumption of the entire edible seeds.

While no medical claims can be made for pomegranate, the juice is growing in popularity every day as more and more people try it and benefit from it. There is much to be said about eating the way nature intended.

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