Since the arrival of Yotam Ottolenghi on the cooking scene, ruby-red pomegranates have become wildly popular. Apart from their delicious flavour, this fruit packs a nutrient-rich punch.
Much of the magic lies in its juicy seeds called arils, although the peel and juice are also nutritious. And pomegranates are not just good for your brain health. Here are there other powerful benefits:
Exercise capacity: According to Kate Denniston, ND, founder of Los Angeles Integrative Health, “pomegranates help open up blood vessels and enhance blood flow to tissues in the body,” which makes pomegranate seeds a great pre-workout snack to fuel your body.
Boost mood and mental health: If you're not a fan of yogurt but still want the benefit of healthy gut bacteria, pomegranates offer a great alternative. “Studies have shown that polyphenols in pomegranate increase the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus, two very important strains for mood and mental health,” says Dr. Denniston.
Antioxidents: Pomegranates owe a lot of their health benefits to punicalagin, a compound that is made up of potent antioxidants that are found mostly in the juice and peel.
Reduce inflammation and fight disease: The high punicalagin content also gives pomegranates its anti-inflammatory properties, meaning it can help protect you against cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Denniston also praises punicalagin’s anti-inflammatory properties for protecting blood vessels from damage.
Time to pop to the shop and stock up on pomegranates?