Pomegranates

Reasons to Eat Pomegranates
Dissecting a pomegranate is worth it!
Not only are they delicious, this funny, apple-shaped, hard-husked fruit is also incredibly good for you!

 Researchers report that they are rich in antioxidants that can keep bad LDL cholesterol from oxidizing (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2000). In addition, pomegranate juice, like aspirin, can help keep blood platelets from clumping together to form unwanted clots.

Does this make any difference clinically? More recent research has found that eight ounces of pomegranate juice daily for three months improved the amount of oxygen getting to the heart muscle of patients with coronary heart disease (American Journal of the College of Cardiology, Sept. 2005). Other researchers report that long-term consumption of pomegranate juice may help combat erectile dysfunction (Journal of Urology, July 2005).

Investigators are also excited about the possibility that pomegranate compounds might prevent prostate cancer or slow its growth (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Sept. 26, 2005). Other research reports suggest that pomegranate juice might help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Even arthritis may yield to the power of pomegranates. Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have reported that tissue cultures of human cartilage cells respond to pomegranate extract. Inflammation is reduced and the enzymes that break down cartilage become less active (Journal of Nutrition, Sept. 2005). This is still far from a prescription for aching joints, but most experts agree that a little pomegranate wont hurt and might help.

One traditional use of pomegranate juice is to calm diarrhea.

Symbolism of the Pomegranate

The symbolism of the pomegranate is also interesting. Said to represent wealth, wisdom, and is called "God's Fruit." It is also told to be a representation of woman, the womb and fertility for its abundance of seeds.

The pomegranate is one of the oldest recorded fruits. It is mentioned by Moses in the bible. The importance of the pomegranate spans a variety of religions from Judaism to Christianity and is found in diverse cultures such as Armenia and China.

Whatever the religion you practice, region where you live or your gender, there are reasons to enjoy this beautiful, and rich fruit.

My Local Find

Luckily, for me, it is pomegranate season in Southern Utah and I just happened to get a grocery sack full of the beautiful fruit...FOR FREE! The lady was so kind to just give them to me. You never know, the next time you pass a heavy fruit-laden tree, take a risk, knock on the door and see what you can get.