by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: February 12, 2009   Last Updated: July 24, 2009

The pomegranate is one fruit that has proven health benefits. The United States Department of Agriculture confirms that pomegranates are an excellent source of potassium, antioxidants and vitamin C. It's not just that is has antioxidants it is the kind of antioxidants that makes the pomegranate so unique.

Polyphenols are a specific group of antioxidants that are extremely potent. They are proven to prevent or slow down cell damage linked to several diseases. Scientists also explain that pomegranates have fantastic results in helping to prevent many of the problems associated with cardiovascular diseases. This is accomplished by inhibiting the oxidation of low-densitylipo-proteins, reducing the oxidative stress and supporting the activity and the synthesis of nitric oxide. Pomegranate juice have more of these important antioxidants then red wine or green tea.

The healthy options don't stop there. Pomegranates also contain fiber, tannins and athocyanins, and niacin.

There is simply no down side of including this great fruit as part of a healthy diet.

Choose a pomegranate that has shiny skin with no punctures or scratches. It should feel heavy. It is best to get one that is dense with seeds and juice. Take care when cutting the fruit as the color is deep and stains. (It's great for dying material.) The best way to approach this to collect the seeds is to cut the pomegranate at the crown. The do several vertical cuts through the skin. Allow the fruit to soak in a bowl of a cool water. The seeds will sink the bottom of the bowl and then skin can be tossed away. The seeds will keep up to three days in an air tight container in the refrigerator. Whole fruit can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

There are easy ways to add these seed to things in an already healthy diet. They add a great crunch to any salad. They can be added to any bread or muffin recipe. Pomegranate seeds make a great topping for ice cream. They serve as a wonderful base for jellies and marmalade.

Pomegranate juice is another great option for added health benefits. It can be mixed with other flavors like lemonade as it is quite strong. It can be used in marinades. Pomegranate juice make a delicious base for meat sauces. You can even add it to cocktails.

Pomegranate syrup is a healthy alternative for waffles and pancakes. Pomegranate Pistachio Couscous is some thing your taste buds will enjoy over and over.

It's healthy, it's fun and it tastes great. Get one today.

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