Pomegranate: the fruit of life

The de-seeding may be somewhat of a pain, but the effort is well worth the nutrients that the pomegranate has to offer! A symbol of life within multiple religions, this fruit's history dates back to ancient times, having been used to heal illness. Today, the pomegranate continues to offer much promise.

In addition to being a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and fiber, the pomegranate is praised for its anti-inflammatory properties and robust antioxidants. While research is still being conducted to confirm the fruit's medicinal potential, studies suggest that regular consumption of pomegranate juice (which is higher in antioxidants than green tea) could increase blood flow, lower blood pressure, and aid in preventing fatty deposits from building up around the arteries, which could lower your chances of heart attack and other heart-related problems. On another note, similar to grapefruits, pomegranate consumption can interfere with some medications. If you have any concerns, be sure to speak with your doctor.

Eaten alone, this fruit makes for a great snack, but it also makes a delicious addition into salads, yogurts, and savory meats. As Greatist points out, pomegranates are pretty high in naturally occurring sugar, so you'll want to be careful not to overdo it on the seeds and especially on the juice (an 8 oz serving packs in 31 grams of sugar). Rather than pouring yourself a full glass, consider going 50/50, mixing equal parts juice with sparkling or regular water. Just a splash of the good stuff is all you need! Personally, I'd just go for the seeds.

If you simply can't do with the de-seeding, you could always pick up a container of POM Wonderful's ready-to-eat pomegranate seeds at the grocery store (you may be paying double the price of a regular pomegranate, but at least you won't have to worry about ruby-red stained fingers and clothing). That, or you could watch this video from Saveur and learn how to get to the seeds without fuss! Oh, and an added bonus of buying pomegranates whole? They make for a gorgeous holiday centerpiece! And who doesn't love edible decor?!