Pomegranate Provides Beauty and Nutrients

Pomegranate of Beauty and Nutrients

This fruit called pomegranate is one of the most beautiful fruits. It is also a real food that provides terrific nutrients.

I wanted my first post to reflect both elements. At the core of what I do, I volunteer because I see the beauty in these kids that have a really tough lot in life. And I see the potential of giving them a genuinely great future by empowering them to know how to eat well.

The mystery of the pomegranate is held by legends of many nations, just like the heart of a person. And today, with so many children having geriatric diseases¹, the pomegranate offers a fun puzzle in picking out the seeds with a sweet, juicy taste that will help any child enjoy nourishment.

History and Nutrition

Nations all around the world have customs that include the pomegranate. It’s carvings adorn many artifacts described in the Temple built by Solomon. When you look at the value this fruit provides with its 613 seeds, it is then seen as a magnificent jewel.

Here is the Pomegranate’s top benefits:

B Vitamins,
fiber,
potassium,
high in antioxidants (which protects our cells against oxidative damage) and
folate acid.

Many countries chew bits of the peel for mouth and gum disease.

Research from scientists at the University of Wisconsin have shown pomegranate fruit extract to have significant ant-tumor-promoting properties through lab tests (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2005;102:14813-8).

Other studies, show this fruit to slow down menopause-related bone loss (J Ethnopharmacol 2004;92:93-101). The studies continue to show benefits for; heart, diminishing diabetes’ (with the flower), helps regenerate damaged skin cells, reduces inflammation, and more.

The pomegranate is an elaborate fruit with no pattern other than clumps which is similar to a child’s unpredictable nature. Since we work with children, foster children, and adopt it is very clear that each soul has a purpose. It is very hard to see the good when muddied with difficult behavior and hate. However, we have found that with real food and encouragement, each person can find their fullest potential.

So the pomegranate has a special place in my heart. Even though it has an unpredictable order inside the peel, it is certainly fun, good, wonderful, and nutritious…just like the heart of a child.

From Start to Finish

Picking out a pomegranate requires no smelling or thumping, simply use your sense of sight and look for a scarlet color with a thin, tough and unbroken skin.
When opening, be careful because the red juice will stain
First cut off the crown.
Cut the pomegranate in half.
Gently pull apart the clumps and peel the thin flesh off over/in a bowl of cold water, fumble your fingers throughout and seeds will simply drop.

Some Ways We Enjoy Pomegranates

On the table, a la cart! We use a bowl like this
Eat it fresh,
Sprinkle them in a salad for an elegant splash of sweet color,
Decorate a bubbly drink or juice in a glass by dropping in some seeds,
Include some in a juice blend ( Try this! )
Freeze it for a shake later on.

For more ideas on fun and healthy real foods, look around our site and at Farmer’s Markets. Never underestimate the power of what you eat!

In 2010, 215,000 youth under 20 are diagnosed with diabetes. http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2011.pdf

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Mandy

Mandy is the force behind the nonprofit advocacy portal Real Food Recovery. Seeing the need for children at risk to have better foods and education to handle their trauma, Mandy founded a nonprofit organization using real food, real discussion, and encouragement. A Wife, Mom of birth and adopted children, author, BSc., Functional Nutritional Therapy Practice, Mandy shares simple food tips online and volunteers at local Group and Orphanage Homes.

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