Friday 3 December 2010

Health Benefits of the Pomegranate.



The pomegranate is one of the oldest known fruits and Allah the Almighty mentions this blessed creation in the Holy Qur’an,

“In them both (the Gardens of Paradise) will be fruits, and date palms and pomegranates.” 
[55:68]

Sweet pomegranate has a hot and moist temperament, meaning it is particularly beneficial in helping those who suffer from poor blood circulation / have cold hands and feet. It is also beneficial for the throat, chest, lungs and an inflamed stomach.

Overall, it is an excellent nutritive fruit which benefits the body greatly. Pomegranates are naturally rich in many vitamins and antioxidants. Sweet pomegranate juice is an excellent base for fruit smoothies made with berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries etc.)

A pomegranate concentrate (pomegranate juice with its flesh which has been cooked down until it is reduced and forms a thick paste, and then mixed with a little honey) is beneficial for treating dry, chapped lips and cold sores. This type of concentrate also helps induce bowel movement.

The high levels of antioxidants in pomegranates have been linked to improving heart conditions (by working in a similar fashion to aspirin, the juice helps in reducing the formation of harmful blood clots), reducing blood pressure, protecting against prostate and breast cancers, helping dental conditions and joint problems.

Youtube video on how to seed a Pomegranate easily;



Blue Pomegranate Smoothie Recipe.

Here is one my favourite smoothie recipes for using healthy pomegranate juice. It is dairy-free, but yogurt can be added if preferred. These smoothies are packed with Vitamins C and B.



2 cups of frozen blueberries, slightly thawed.
2 cups of frozen strawberries, slightly thawed.
3 cups of pomegranate juice.
1 tablespoon of runny honey (or caster sugar can be used).
1 sprig of mint (optional).

Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

The recipe can be adjusted to make healthy lollies/popsicles for kids with the addition of 1 tablespoon of yogurt added to the ingredients before blending.

Just pour the mixture into lolly/popsicle moulds and freeze until solid (around 4 hours).

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