Hey gang, ’tis the season in which we find bushels of pomegranates in our grocery stores, their tangy seeds infiltrate our favourite salad toppings and thanks to Oprah, we even use their juice to make Martinis. By now, most of us know that pomegranates are generally considered an extremely healthy fruit for just about everyone. They are said to be one of the most powerful antioxidant rich fruits, great for boosting immune function as they are high in vitamin C, they are great for maintaining bone health as they contain vitamin K, and their vitamin B5 contributes to a healthy metabolism and energy production.
Nature works in mysterious ways when it comes to the shape of foods and what it is they provide to the human body. What I mean is, did you ever notice the following examples.
• Walnuts look like the human brain? Guess what, walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which have beneficial effects on brain function.
• Sticks of celery resemble bones? They contain high amounts of the bone supporting nutrients, vitamin K and the mineral calcium.
• A sliced carrot looks like an eye ball? Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a carotenoid pigment found in many orange fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene is an important precursor for vitamin A.
• Pomegranates look like a heart with it’s deep red colour, and four chambers (if cut in a certain way, okay I may be stretching it a little now)? They inhibit the abnormal gathering of platelets that could cause heart attacks, strokes and embolic disease, help with decreasing blood pressure and aid in the reversal of atherosclerotic plaque. The seeds are very nutritious as they contain unsaturated fats (not that saturated fats are all bad) and a great deal of fiber. Pomegranates may have a possible link to the prevention of depression and osteoporosis as well as support prostate health.
As always, their are some people who need to take precaution before consuming pomegranates. Those who have plant allergies may experience mild allergic reactions, those taking ACE inhibitors for lowering blood pressure and those on Crestor may want to check with their doctor before consuming this tasty fruit. However, if you have allergies, high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol and triglyceride levels then you may want to head over to my “Coaching” section and book an appointment so we can rebalance some of the related systems in your body.
Okay, I have convinced you to consume more pomegranates, now what? How do you open these without your kitchen ending up looking like a scene from the TV show, Dexter? Well, I created a video just for this occasion. Enjoy!
Nathane L. Jackson, CSCS, RHN
Nathane Jackson Fitness Inc.
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Nathane Jackson is a veteran health and wellness authority, specializing in holistic living. He has a decade worth of knowledge as a personal trainer and strength & conditioning coach and is dedicated to improving all aspects of health starting at the cellular level by combining holistic nutrition, functional exercise, and restorative practices to help his clients strengthen their mind, body and spirit.