There pomegranate it has been rediscovered in recent years and defined as a true superfood. But how much do we know it?
It is a beautiful fruit that shows a dark and woody rind and many dark red grains inside.
Inside it hides a pool of precious vitamins and mineral salts which helps people maintain an excellent state of health and, above all, prevent the appearance of inflammation and respiratory problems.
Pomegranate or pomegranate?
There pomegranate and the pomegranate they are terms that are often used interchangeably to refer to the fruit, but in reality they explain two different concepts.
Pomegranate is the name of the fruit itself, which grows on the tree or shrub of the plant Punica granatum. It is a fruit appreciated for its sweet and slightly acidic flavor, as well as for its nutritional properties.
Pomegranateon the other hand, is the name of the plant, Punica granatumwhich produces the fruit from the pomegranate. It is a deciduous shrub or tree that can grow up to 5-8 meters in height and produces bright flowers and round fruits.
So the pomegranate or pomegranate? To be precise, when we refer to the red fruit with juicy and sweet seeds, we should use the term “pomegranate”, while the term “pomegranate” refers to the plant that produces this fruit.
How many types of pomegranate are there?
In Europe, therefore also in Italy, the pomegranate has a bright red colour, but there are also more exotic varieties that have black rind and very dark grains, which are difficult to find here. Here are some of the most common varieties:
- Wonderful: One of the most widespread and popular varieties, characterized by a medium thick skin, rounded shape and juicy red seeds. It is known for its slightly sweet and sour flavor and seeds that are not very consistent on the palate.
- Haku Botan: Native to Japan, this variety has a thin skin and high sugar content, with light red seeds.
- Mollar de Elche: This Spanish variety is appreciated for its tender, juicy pulp and its sweet and slightly acidic flavor. It has a thin skin and bright red seeds.
- Ako: A variety native to Israel, Ako is known for its dark red skin and seeds and its sweet (slightly sour) flavor.
- Parfianka: Native to Central Asia, this variety has dark red seeds and juicy, aromatic pulp, with a sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Horse Tooth: This variety is known for its almost pink colored seeds and a very sweet flavor.
- Nana: A compact variety native to Afghanistan, with deep red seeds and a thin skin. It has a sweet and aromatic flavor.
Why is pomegranate considered a super food?
There pomegranate it is typical of season autumn and we know that nature gives us many abundant gifts that are useful for the health and regeneration of the organism. In fact, it is no coincidence that it is considered an important fruit for increasing immune defenses and helping people spend the winter period with strength and health.
The reason is mainly to be found in the large quantity of C vitamin present in this fruit. We know that vitamin C has incredible properties, because it helps prevent cellular oxidation, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and acts at the level of the immune defenses, strengthening and protecting them. Here, in anticipation of seasonal ailments such as colds and flu, it helps to create a natural protective barrier that strengthens the body and promotes the health of the respiratory tract.
Super health foods: pomegranate for weight loss
There pomegranate it’s not just a fruit good and beneficial, but a food that can be consumed in anticipation of a weight loss diet.
In fact, it contains very few calories, only 75 per 100 grams of product. Here it is pomegranatein particular, his juicecan be included with confidence in the diet aimed at losing weight, because it is a low-calorie food that protects against oxidation, while helping the tissues to remain strong and healthy.
How many times have we seen people emerge from a weight loss diet tired and wasted? This happens because the diet was poor in vitamins and mineral salts, so to stay strong, healthy and beautiful, the pomegranate it can be happily included in slimming diets and alternated with the consumption of citrus fruits such as orange, lemon and grapefruit.
Pomegranate: properties and benefits
There pomegranate it is considered a superfood because it contains a lot of vitamin C, but also flavonoids which prevent premature aging and effectively counteract the action of free radicals. It is also a precious source of vitamin A, vitamin E and group B vitamins.
The content of mineral salts is abundant, the largest of which can be found in manganese, zinc, phosphorus and copper.
The pomegranate fruit It therefore contains sugars, water and fibre, where the latter help to promote correct intestinal transit and improve the circulation of the lymphs. That’s why the pomegranatelike all foods rich in vitamin C, is recommended for those who suffer from water retention and are unable to drink much during the day.
What is pomegranate fruit good for?
The pomegranate fruit it can be consumed with confidence by all people who want to purify the body with natural foods. Thanks to the content of water, fiber and mineral salts, the fruit stimulates diuresis and helps to lose weight, speeding up the metabolism and promoting digestion and the expulsion of excess liquids.
It can therefore be taken by those who are trying to strengthen their immune defenses in the autumn and winter period, thanks to the high content of vitamin C present in it and by those who want to improve their daily goal by enriching it with vitamins and mineral salts with good, beautiful and also curious for children to consume.
The fruit therefore helps those with dull skin, dull hair and brittle nails to strengthen them, thanks to the high content of vitamin E and vitamin A, friends of the skin and important ingredients for cell regeneration. On a diet or following a weight loss program, consume the pomegranate it is therefore a panacea for the health of skin, nails and hair, which appear brighter, stronger and purified.
How to consume pomegranate?
The more beautiful it is, the more it is difficult to consume. In fact, a lot of patience is needed to shell this fruit, but the effort can be amply rewarded by the particular flavor of the beans and the many uses that can be made of them in the kitchen.
It is interesting to note that the pomegranate it can become the protagonist of autumn dishes, accompanying vegetables and even white meats in sauces and decorations. It can be added to ethnic dishes such as couscous or salads to add a nice sweet touch. The fruit can therefore be confidently consumed in fruit salads or yogurt
In any case, the simplest and most beneficial way to consume it pomegranate and the recipe of the juice. So you need to squeeze the juice and drink it immediately, to get a good fill of vitamins and mineral salts. The pomegranate juice it can be obtained with the appropriate extractor which allows you to obtain good, clear nectar, but also with a simple citrus juicer.
Enough indeed cut the fruit into two parts and squeeze it as if it were a lemon or an orange. Those who don’t like the woody residue that the beans leave behind can filter the pomegranate juice through a strainer and drink it immediately. This precaution is important, because the juice is sensitive and can lose all its beneficial properties if it is not drunk immediately. At the same time, it is important to use ceramic knives to cut it or break it with your hands and to use a plastic or ceramic juicer and not a metal one. The metal juicer, in fact, oxidizes the vitamins and salts present in the grain and nullifies the precious nutrient content present in this fruit.
Pomegranate: recipes and ideas
Juice is just one of the preparations with which to enjoy this fruit and get your fill of its virtues. Here are some delicious ones recipes with pomegranate as main ingredient:
- Pomegranate rice – The rice is cooked with vegetable broth and pomegranate juice, resulting in a dish with a pink color and a slightly sweet aroma. It is often enriched with fresh pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley for a touch of freshness.
- Jam – Called incorrectly pomegranate jamget ready cooking the pomegranate seeds with sugar and lemon juice until obtaining a thick and creamy consistency. The result has an intense and fruity flavour, perfect for spreading on toast, croissants or for sweetening yoghurt and cereals. Also worth trying is the pomegranate jelly.
- Pomegranate liqueur – It is a perfect drink to enjoy as an aperitif or to serve after dinner as a digestive. It is prepared by macerating pomegranate seeds in spirits such as vodka or brandy, adding sugar and other flavorings if desired. After a rest period, the liqueur is filtered and bottled, ready to be enjoyed.
- Pomegranate and chocolate tart – Between desserts with pomegranate there is this tart filled with a soft chocolate cream and decorated with fresh pomegranate seeds. The contrast between the rich chocolate and the sweetness of the pomegranate makes this tart a real indulgence.
- Arugula salad with pomegranate and goat cheese – This salad combines crunchy arugula, juicy pomegranate seeds and creamy goat cheese. The contrast between the slightly spicy flavor of the arugula and the sweetness of the pomegranate creates a balanced and delicious dish.
- Pomegranate chicken – Pomegranate chicken is a juicy and aromatic dish, perfect for a special dinner. The pomegranate juice is reduced into a thick, sweet sauce that envelops the roast chicken, creating an irresistible combination of flavors.
- Couscous with vegetables and pomegranate – This light and colorful dish combines soft couscous with a variety of crunchy vegetables and juicy pomegranate seeds.
- Grilled salmon with pomegranate sauce – Grilled salmon is enriched with a fresh and lively sauce prepared with pomegranate juice, aromatic herbs and a pinch of black pepper.
- Pomegranate ice cream – This creamy and refreshing ice cream is made with fresh pomegranate juice and cream.
Pomegranate: are there any contraindications?
The consumption of pomegranate it is not exempt from side effects and some contraindications:
- Allergies: People with food allergies, especially red fruit allergies, should exercise caution as they may experience effects such as swelling, itching, or rashes.
- Drug interactions: Some studies suggest that it may interact with certain drugs, such as anticoagulants or some drugs metabolized by the liver. Better to seek medical advice.
- Gastrointestinal problems: Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal disorders. What are the side effects of pomegranate? Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, or nausea, especially if you have a sensitivity to acidic foods.
- Overweight: Pomegranate is naturally rich in sugars and calories, so those following a low-calorie diet should consume it in moderation.
- Glycemia: Excessive consumption of the fruit is not recommended for those who have problems controlling blood glucose.
- Effects on the gums: Some people may experience gum irritation or oral ulcers after consuming pomegranate, especially if they eat the whole seeds.
How much pomegranate to eat per day? Pomegranate consumption should be moderate, with a recommended serving of about half a cup of seeds per day to enjoy its benefits without excess sugar and calories. So, one a day.