Pomegranate-a fruit with a red hue, inside out, tiny red Arils/Seeds, which looks like Rubies embedded in a jewel, covered within a red rind. Pomegranates are not only beautiful, but these glorious red fruits are known for their amazing therapeutical uses. Pomegranate found its origin in Iran and was brought into Egypt in 1600 BC, where it was not only revered as an important food but was also widely used for its medicinal value. Pomegranates were considered to be a food of high esteem in those days.  The fact is evident as we can see these fruits in Egyptian Paintings and Tombs.  Many cultures consider Pomegranate as a symbol of fertility and prosperity.
     Eating the Pomegranate Arils or drinking it as a Juice, both ways the fruit proves to be beneficial.  It is one fruit which is equally good as a fruit and the juice.  The reason being the peel contains the maximum amount of antioxidants when juiced releases most of its nutrients.  Some find it difficult to deal with the little seeds, which makes juicing the fruit the best way to consume it.  All the more drinking Pomegranate Juice allows for quick and easy assimilation of nutrients into the bloodstream.
     Pomegranates are loaded with nutrients and has innumerable health benefits.  It is a great source of Antioxidants, Ellagic and Punicic Acid which are highly beneficial for cell regeneration and proliferation. Pomegranate Juice has a rich source of Vitamin A, C and E and Minerals such as Calcium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Iron, Folic Acid, Niacin, Thiamin, Folates and Riboflavin.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF POMEGRANATE JUICE

     Pomegranates have been used for its Medicinal Properties in the Middle East and in far East regions for over 100 years.  It was used as a Tonic to heal ailments like Ulcers and Diarrhoea.  The fruit and the Juice is believed to protect against Diabetes, Heart Diseases, Osteoarthritis, Cancer etc.,

• Boosts Immunity - Pomegranate Juice has strong anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties which help fight viruses & bacteria and boost our immunity system.
• Prevents Anemia - Pomegranate Juice contains ample amount of iron. It helps in surmounting the red blood cell deficiency in the body
• For a Healthy Heart - Pomegranate Juice keeps the Arteries flexible, decreases the inflammation in the lining of blood vessels, reduces the risk of blockages and thus helps maintain a healthy heart.
• Regulates Blood Sugar Levels - Pomegranate Juice helps to regulate blood Sugar Levels.
• Maintains Blood Pressure  - Pomegranate Juice helps to reduce High Blood Pressure.  It also keeps the blood from coagulating and forming blood clots.
• Reduces the Risk of Cancer - High amount of Anti-oxidants in Pomegranate Juice helps to eliminate free radicals from the body and prevents the growth of Cancerous Cells.
• Treats Diarrhoea and Dysentery - Pomegranate Juice is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery as it plays a vital role in the secretion of enzymes which aids proper digestion. Mixing 1 teaspoon of Honey in a glass of Pomegranate Juice is sure to cure indigestion problems.
• Aids Digestion - Pomegranate Juice aids in the smooth functioning of the stomach, heart and liver. The high amount of dietary fibre in Pomegranate Juice helps to improve digestion and regulate bowel movement.
• Prevents Dehydration -  Pomegranate Juice helps to control the thirst and hydrates the body.
•  It also soothes urinary tract infection, eases the flow of urine and also helps to dissolve Gall Bladder Stones.
• Weight Loss - Pomegranate Juice has no Saturated fats or Cholesterol, it is highly recommended for those aiming to lose weight.
• Helps in Cartilage Regeneration - Pomegranate Juice relieves symptoms of arthritis and bone inflammation. It acts as an inhibitor on cartilage damaging enzymes and hence it is highly recommended for people suffering from Osteoarthritis.
• Helps Prevent Alzheimers - A regular intake of Pomegranate Juice may curb the onset of neurological problems like Alzheimer disease.
• Beneficial during Pregnancy -  Pomegranate Juice is a great source of a number of vitamins and minerals including folic acid which helps in the overall development of the foetus.  Potassium content in this juice help prevents leg cramps that are generally associated with pregnancy. When consumed regularly by expectant mothers, it is known to lower the risk of premature childbirth or birth of babies with low birth weight.
• Good for Skin - Pomegranate Juice helps to reduce Wrinkles, heals scars, is also known to prevent Pimples.  The juice, when applied topically or taken as a drink is an excellent home remedy for healthy, vibrant and youthful skin.
• For a Healthy Hair - Pomegranate Juice strengthens the hair follicles which in turn prevent hair fall, thus giving the hair a healthy and lustrous appearance.

Recipe Type - Drink
Difficulty - Medium
Serves - 1-2
Author - SM  

Preparation Time - 15 -20 Minutes


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HOW TO MAKE POMEGRANATE JUICE

 

INGREDIENTS :

Pomegranate Seeds - 2 Cups
Sugar/Honey - 1 Tbspn
Water -1/ 2 Cups

Add-ons(If preferred) :

Lime Juice - 1/2 Tbspn
Mint Leaves - Few

METHOD :

• Using a knife, slice off the top part of the Pomegranate that looks like a crown.
• Score the Pomegranate into 4 or 6 sections.
• Break open the Pomegranate into sections.
• Break apart the Pomegranate Arils and discard the rinds and linings.
• Add Pomegranate Arils along with some Water into a blender.
• Blend until all the Arils have been crushed.
• Pour the Pomegranate Juice through a strainer. 
• The pulp would be thick so it will take some time for the juice to be strained.
• To speed up the process, press the pulp with a spoon/spatula.
• I use my juicer jar(which came along with my blender) for the purpose, which has a strainer within which makes the process easier.
• Collect the strained Pomegranate Juice in a bowl. 
• Add Honey/Sugar to sweeten up the Juice.
• Pour it into a tall glass and serve the Pomegranate Juice chilled or at room temperature.
• Can add few teaspoons of Lemon Juice to add  zing to the Pomegranate Juice.
• Muddle few Mint Leaves and pour chilled Pomegranate Juice over it for a mint flavoured Pomegranate Juice.

NOTES :

• Pomegranate can stain your hands, so wear a glove while cleaning the fruit.
• It can also stain your clothes.
• I have used 1 Big Fruit in this recipe and I made 2 Tall glasses of Pomegranate Juice out of it.
• Adding Sweeteners to the drink is purely optional.
• Adding Lemon Juice or Mint Leaves to the juice can give you an extra note of taste and flavour to Pomegranate Juice. But it is purely optional.
• Freshly extracted Pomegranate Juice(without added sweeteners) can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days.

Important - Food Safety :

Few Precaution must be exercised while drinking Pomegranate Juice regularly.

• Pomegranate Juice is not recommended for people suffering from Influenza, Cough and for those with a phlegmatic condition.
• It is not advisable to drink Pomegranate Juice if you have Constipation.
• Pomegranate Juice has certain antioxidants that lower the blood pressure.  Care should be taken while drinking this juice along with the medication prescribed to lower blood pressure. This can result in a condition with dangerously low blood pressure, known as 'hypotension'.
• Pomegranate may cause allergic reaction to people with certain plant allergies and asthma. Allergic reactions may include, vomiting, red itchy eyes, hives and difficulty in breathing.
• Pomegranate is also known to interfere with some medicines, particularly those to lower cholesterol levels known as statins.

*Consult your physician before drinking Pomegranate Juice if you are under certain medications or known to have any allergies.

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