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A pomegranate is a shrub that bears fruit and it is native to Asia.
However, it is now cultivated in Arizona and California mostly for the
production of juice. There are nearly 800 varieties of pomegranate that
have been observed in Iran. The fruit on a pomegranate tree is called a
berry and is the approximate size of a large orange. Pomegranates are
hearty shrubs that can tolerate dry areas as well as wet areas. They
can also tolerate moderate frost. Too much rain is not good for them
because their roots will rot. Some of the most avid fans of the
pomegranate believe that the apple in the Garden of Eden wasn’t really
an apple, but was actually a pomegranate. Also many call it the
“miracle fruit”.
Since the pomegranate became popular in the United States and Canada in
2002, it is most enjoyed for its juice. Many exotic beverages are
created from the pomegranate. Grenadine syrup is a derivative of the
pomegranate; it is actually sweetened and thickened pomegranate juice
and it is used for many delicious cocktails. Another popular cocktail
is the pomegranate martini.
Many countries have great fondness and beliefs about the pomegranate.
The pomegranate represents fertility in Armenia. It is used for bonsai
in China and Japan. It is Turkey’s official logo. The pomegranate is
displayed on coins in Side, Pamphylia.
Although pomegranates have a nice flavor and make wonderful beverages,
there are a number of other possibly more important attributes of this
great fruit. Many cultures have known for years that the pomegranate is
one of the healthiest foods to consume. Some of the reasons to start
consuming pomegranate, either in solid, liquid or pill form are as
follows:
They are loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants. Pomegranates have
three times more antioxidants than green tea or red wine. It is rumored
to sooth sore throats and help rid people of anemia.
Pomegranates help prevent heart attacks and strokes. This fruit helps
prevent hardening of the arteries and the genetic tendency towards this
disorder. Alzheimer’s patients benefit from the use of pomegranate
also. They seem to become more alert.
Osteoarthritis is another problem that pomegranate extract appears to
help. It seems to help with inflammation and helps stop erosion of the
cartilage.
Men should drink or eat plenty of pomegranate foods because it keeps
prostate cancer from returning. It only takes 8 ounces of juice a day
to reap the benefits.
If you have high cholesterol, then pomegranates are for you. Studies
have shown that the oxidation of LDL (your bad cholesterol) is reduced.
Hypertension is also lowered through the use of pomegranates. Another
belief is that pomegranate helps stop wrinkles and keeps your skin more
youthful. Women (and many men) would love this idea.
For some of you men out there, pomegranate juice aids in improving erectile dysfunction
Pomegranates seem to be one of the most nutrition foods that you can
enjoy. Just one pomegranate has an estimated 40 percent of vitamin C
recommended daily requirements. It also provides fiber, vitamins A and
E, folic acid, and potassium.
If you are pregnant, pomegranates are a god-send. Studies have found
that drinking pomegranate juice helps protect newborns’ brains if there
is a traumatic birth. It has also been linked to the reduction of
premature babies.
Another good reason to consume pomegranates is the fact that
pomegranate seed oil causes cells of breast cancer to self-destruct.
Maybe it’s called the “miracle fruit” because people really believe it
can do all of these healthful things. It may not be able to fix
everything that’s wrong with you, but it has all the properties to fix
many. And who knows, maybe if you start consuming pomegranate and
pomegranate products early enough, you might not have any of the
problems mentioned in this article. So what’s the harm, it tastes
pretty good (especially in a martini) and there is nothing but positive
evidence about the pomegranate at this time.
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