Can Pomegranates Improve Your Health?

Pomegranates–they not only taste delicious; they’re also packed with nutrients. Plus, there are many great pomegranate health benefits. In honor of National Pomegranate Month, let’s take a closer look at this unique fruit.

Pomegranate History

Tracing back to 3,000 B.C., pomegranates have always been a beloved fruit. Tart and tangy, pomegranates were once linked to rebirth and other mystical properties. Today, this Iran-native fruit is so popular that it is grown throughout the world and it has a national month of recognition.

Pomegranate Health Benefits

One pomegranate contains 58 percent of your daily need of vitamin K and 48 percent of your daily need of vitamin C. This fruit also has folate, copper, and potassium, and these nutrients are known to help with depression and boost a body’s immune system. Also, if you’re looking for a fruit that will keep you feeling full, look no further. One pomegranate contains 45 percent of your daily need of fiber. Besides, mental health and the immune system, pomegranates have also been linked to better heart health.

Pomegranate Recipes

Interested in these pomegranate health benefits? Add more pomegranates to your daily diet! You could always just drink one cup of pomegranate juice per day or you can get a little creative. Listed below are a few recipe suggestions.

• Try a classic. Since this delicious fruit originated in Iran, consider making a traditional Middle Eastern dish. Fesenjan is a chicken dish made with pomegranate juice, walnuts, honey, and turmeric. You can serve the dish with rice and garnish with pomegranate arils for a beautiful and delish meal. Hungry yet? Check out this recipe.
• Make a fruity breakfast. Want to add pomegranate to your breakfast menu? Consider making homemade granola and serving it with pomegranate arils, yogurt, or non-dairy coconut yogurt. If this sounds delicious to you, you’ll love this recipe.
• Create a fresh afternoon snack. If you feel a bit hungry after lunch, consider making a snack with pomegranate arils. You can make a refreshing dip with goat cheese, ricotta cheese, pomegranate seeds, chives, and honey, and you can serve your yummy snack with toasted bread. Find the recipe here.
• Mix together a delicious, sweet treat. Who doesn’t love ice cream or sorbet? For dessert, consider making pomegranate sorbet parfait. The sorbet can be made with pomegranate juice, lime juice, sugar, and water. After it’s been chilled, top the sorbet with yogurt, pistachios, sesame seeds, and honey. Here’s the recipe.