Pomegranate Juice + 7 Important Health Benefits

Sparkly, crisp and vibrant, are the buzzwords that instantly pop in my head when I behold a glass of freshly extracted deep-red pomegranate juice. One of the most refreshing drinks, this sweet and tart juice is superbly satisfying and is a treasure trove of health benefits.

Pomegranate is one of the healthiest fruits on earth. Pomegranate has many incredible health benefits for your body. It is called a divine fruit because it is the most mentioned fruit in theological books. Pomegranate has anti-oxidant, anti-viral, and anti-tumour properties and is said to be a good source of vitamins, especially vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, as well as folic acid. This amazing fruit consists of three times as many antioxidants as both wine or green tea. 

Health Benefits Of Pomegranates:

• Protects us from free radicals - Pomegranate is rich in anti-oxidants and thus protects our body from free radicals, which are responsible for premature ageing. Free radicals are formed by exposure to the sun and due to harmful toxins in the environment.
• It acts as an oxygen mask - Pomegranate helps to pump the level of oxygen in our blood. Due to anti-oxidants present in pomegranate, it fights free radicals, reduces cholesterol, and prevents blood clots. All this eventually helps blood to flow freely and thus improve the level of oxygen in your body.
• It thins the blood - Antioxidants present in pomegranate act as a ‘thinner for your blood’. The seeds of pomegranates prevent the blood platelets from forming clots and coagulating.
• It lowers blood pressure - Punicic acid is one of the main constituents of pomegranate that help lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and reduce blood pressure.
• Helps in digestion - We all know fiber is good for digestion. But due to our lifestyle where we are inclined towards eating junk food, we miss the goodness of fiber in our vegetables and fruits. Adding pomegranate to your everyday diet can be one of the best ways to include fiber in your daily routine.
• Boosts immunity - Being rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, pomegranates are extremely healthy for those suffering from immune-related disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. They are also rich in vitamin C, which boosts antibody production and helps in the development of immunity. Pomegranates can thus help you maintain a healthy immune system and keep common illnesses and infections at bay.
• Lowers stress levels - Apart from reducing the body’s internal oxidative stress, pomegranates also help lower psychological stress that you go through in your personal and professional life.

How To Store Pomegranate Seeds: 

The best way to store peeled pomegranate arils is to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 8 days. I would recommend not washing the seeds, as water makes the arils turn soggy and brown.

Serves - 2

Ingredients:

2 cups pomegranate seeds,

1 cup water, 

A dash of black salt,

A dash of lime juice,

Mint leaves for garnish

Method:

1. Add 2 cups of pomegranate seeds to the mixer jar. 
2. Pulse for 5-10 seconds. Do NOT pulse for too long as the seeds may start to breakdown. Pulse just until the juice starts separating from the seed.
3. Pour the juice through a strainer. Using the back of a spoon gently press the seeds down so all the juice is separated from the seeds.
4. Add 1 cup of water to the filtered juice.
5. Add salt and lime juice as per taste.
6. Mix well and serve immediately.

Note:

• Don't store the juice to use later. This will result in oxidation and start diminishing the nutritional value of the juice. Make the juice only when ready to serve.
• If you wish to serve chilled, add chilled water instead of regular water. Additionally, you could replace the water with 2 cubes of ice instead.
• Adding sugar is optional, however, any fresh juice is best consumed with its natural sugars. 

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #thefitdotme