Saturday, July 18, 2009

Where to Buy Pomegranate

More and more people have been taking a second look at pomegranates. They’re high in antioxidants and have a great source of other wonderful nutrients. Yet, it isn’t easy to just walk into your local supermarket and pluck one of these blushing fruits off of the shelf. As a matter of fact, if you’re like me, you may very well be wondering just where to buy pomegranate.

One thing is for sure just like other fruits and vegetables, pomegranates are seasonal. So, if you’re looking for the fruit by season, fall is the best time to find it. If you don’t want to wait until fall, you can always buy products that are made with pomegranates, such as smoothies and juices.

If you do decide to include pomegranates in your diet all year round, make sure that the product you choose is 100% natural without sugars and other artificial ingredients.

You can generally find pomegranates in whole or in product form at your local grocery store and your local health food store. Some pharmacy stores may also carry products made with the fruit. So now that you have a pretty good idea of where to buy pomegranate, should you be heading to your local grocery store?

Pomegranate History

I'm a big fan of pomegranates and try to enjoy them on at least a weekly basis. The history of the pomegranate is actually really interesting. The fruit is native to Southwest Asia and made its way to the United States in the late 1700’s.

It is known as the “apple of Grenada” and is the oldest known fruit, dating back as far as the biblical days in Ancient Egypt. In some cultures the seeds of the fruit are believed to represent fertility and in others it is believed to be the fruit on the tree of life.

And while the
pomegranate history may be interesting, what really makes this fruit so special is its nutritional benefits. Pomegranates are high in vitamin C, fiber and potassium, but most importantly they’re high in antioxidants.

The nutritional juice of the fruit has been used for ages among the Middle Eastern culture and is just now being sought after in the United States. Its popularity is beginning to soar and it may soon make one wonder, what’s next for this ancient superfruit?

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Pomegranate Supplements

Everywhere you look you’ll find some company’s version of pomegranate supplements. That’s because studies have shown that pomegranates are higher in antioxidants that any other fruit.

Antioxidants play an important role in our health. They calm the free radicals that bounce around inside of us and wreak havoc by damaging our body’s cells. Protecting those cells is what helps keep us from aging prematurely.

But with a supplement it’s always a good idea to research the product beforehand. Otherwise you may wind up with something that’s worthless. Not every vitamin supplement is the same and some companies just want to make a cheap product and then reap the benefits of our misfortune. They add sugar, chemicals and other unnatural ingredients to their products and then claim that they’re healthy.

So before you purchase pomegranate supplements, remember to take a look at the label. Your vitamin supplement should be 100% natural with no artificial flavors or colors. After all, it’s your health we’re talking about here.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Pomegranate Juice Health Benefits

People are buzzing about the fruit known as pomegranate. The fruit is not only tasty; it’s loaded with antioxidants like anthocyanins, ellagic acid and tannins. Antioxidants are important because they fight the free radicals that can destroy the cells inside of our body, which cause us to age faster.

Anthocyanins are what give fruits their pigment color. They may also help aid against bacterial infections and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Ellagic acid is a phenolic acid that is found in fruits and some nuts. Ellagic acid may help lower blood pressure, reduce blood sugars, lower cholesterol and reduce mood swings.

Tannins are astringent that can bind and precipitate and also shrink proteins. It’s what gives fruits a bitter and puckered taste. Tannins may help aid in the fight against heart disease, some liver conditions, lung disease, asthma, mood disorders, cataracts and macular degeneration.

Because pomegranates contain all of these essential antioxidants, it’s a wonderful choice for those who want to improve their diet. One of the most common ways that many people have found for enjoying this fruit is by drinking its juice. Although this is an excellent way to enjoy the fruit’s nutritional benefits, consumers should be aware that not every juice is healthy. Many contain added ingredients such as sugar. Also some may contain more water and other unnatural ingredients than the juice itself.

Some may find that the fruit in whole is a better choice since it’s 100% natural. However, you may want to consider purchasing organic since they aren’t sprayed with dangerous pesticides. Also, you may want to keep in mind that in order to obtain the maximum benefits of this fruit, you’ll need to consume at least 4 pomegranates a day.

The best way to enjoy the wonderful antioxidants found in a pomegranate is with a 100% natural liquid vitamin supplement. Not only is it easier to swallow than tons of juice, it’s a whole lot healthier too!
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