by Petra Newman

Created on: February 12, 2009   Last Updated: November 04, 2010

Pomegranate is the new super star of super-foods. Suddenly the fruit that was almost unheard of or seen in the western hemisphere has reached super-food status. Even at the Oscars, pomegranate martinis are served and the scent from perfume created by Jo Malone "Pomegranate Noir" might possibly waft amongst the Stars. The real buzz is that pomegranates are the answer to longevity, good health and well being. Some say it is the fountain of youth.

Pomegranates originated in south Eastern Europe and were grown in ancient Egypt, Babylon, India and Iran. Pomegranates were cultivated in Spain and later in the 16th century missionaries introduced them to Mexico and California. The superior pomegranate comes from areas with cool winters and dry hot summers.

Pomegranates are 2-5 inches in diameter with a hard brownish-yellow to purplish-red, hard leather-like skin. Once cut open you will notice pockets of white spongy membranes filled with a cache of sweet-tart, shiny red seeds called arils that look like exquisite glittering ruby gems encased in soft white velvet. Each ruby pearl bursts with delicious nutrients and fiber.

According to the Pomegranate News; (http://www.pomegranates.org/news/superfoods.html) "Nutritional research confirms that pomegranates contain mineral e.g. Calcium, potassium, and iron, plus compounds known as phytonutrients, that help the body protect against heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. The powerful antioxidants in the fruit also help retard aging and can neutralize almost twice as many free radicals as red wine and seven times as many as green tea."

Research shows significant health benefits of pomegranates.

*   Cancer

The flavenoids are effective in fighting and reducing cancer-causing free radicals. The fruit was effective in fighting breast cancer, skin cancer, slowed prostate cancer cells and may inhibit the development of lung cancer.

*  Heart Disease

Research has shown that one glass of pomegranate juice a day, improves blood flow to the heart by one third. Pomegranate's antioxidants prevent bad cholesterol which helps prevent the arteries from clogging, thereby preventing heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerotic lesions.

*  Osteoarthritis

Scientists found that extracts from the pomegranate inhibited the production of the enzyme that causes damage to the human cartilage.

*  Blood Pressure

Only 1.7 ounces of pomegranate juice per day lowered blood pressure by as much as 5%.

*  Alzheimer's Disease

A study shows that a healthy diet combined with pomegranate, may help prevent Alzheimer's disease.

Pomegranates add color, sparkle, texture and flavor to our every day meals. Their popularity has spurred a variety of imaginative recipes which are available on line or in the book stores. Using our imagination we can enhance an ordinary meal and make it extraordinary by sprinkling pomegranate seeds (arils) on salads, used as garnishes for contemporary dishes, smoothies, cocktails and deserts. It's easy to impress family and guests with this beautiful, nutritious gem.

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