Treat Yourself to a Pomegranate!

By Donna Stark

We pick them out, spit them out, and do everything we can to avoid eating them by mistake. Why? Well, because our mothers always told us that if we eat the seeds we find in our fruit, a plant will grow in our bellies. But there is one fruit that warning didn't apply to ... the pomegranate. Simple and tasty, pomegranates are a healthy way to pack your days with an extra punch of nutrients, and believe it or not, it's their seeds that you eat! Take a look at some of the ways pomegranates can impact your health and how you can begin adding them into your diet.

Pomegranate's Health Properties

Pomegranates are loaded with antioxidants, the substances that can help protect your cells. In fact, they have close to three times the amount than green tea or red wine, and everyone knows how antioxidant-rich those two are! Pomegranates can help lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and improve heart health. The seeds, also known as arils, contain fiber and protein too, so you certainly can't go wrong when choosing this fruit. They really do pack a tasty and powerful punch! 

Vitamin C in Pomegranates

Vitamin C couldn't be more important, especially now that we are entering the cold and flu season, and fortunately, you can get your fill with pomegranates. A single pomegranate contains nearly half of the daily recommended Vitamin C intake. Vitamin C helps boost and maintain the proper function of your immune system. 

Adding Pomegranates Into Your Diet

There are many ways that you can add these flavor-filled seeds to your breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the day. The most obvious and common way is to eat the seeds by themselves. You can either pick the seeds out yourself or look for the pre-packaged containers at your local grocery store! The seeds also make great additions to any salad, smoothie, or oatmeal dish! And when you are thirsty, consider drinking a tall, refreshing glass of pomegranate juice instead of that bottle of soda! It may be the most flavorful thing you drink all day.

The Good Seed to Eat

Getting the most benefits out of your pomegranates is easy. Head to your local store and snag a few from the produce section or buy a few bottles of its juice. And eat as much as you would like -- you don't have to worry about a plant growing inside of your belly after eating these seeds!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Vancouver, Wash.