We all should be aware that we must consume between three and five servings of fruit per day to ensure that our bodies are being fed all the nutrients and vitamins that it needs to maintain optimal health. However, we usually fall short of this goal because our lack of variety causes us to become weary of eating the same thing everyday. With regard to fruits, it can be very confusing to understand which fruits contain certain vitamins and nutrients simply because there are so many to choose from. One fruit that you may want to consider is the Pomegranate.
Pomegranate is a fruit that has been around for thousands of years. It is native to India, where the Indians used it in cooking, used it for its medicinal purposes and for the vitamins and nutrients that it contains. It was introduced to America, via California and Arizona, shortly before the 1800s and the cultivation of pomegranate for its juices are steadily on the rise across the country. The fruit is approximately the size of an apple, and contains between 400 and 615 seeds. The crown of the pomegranate contains what are called arils, which are seed-like and sweet in taste.
Its Nutrients
The arils of the pomegranate are a great source of vitamins B and C. Consuming about five servings of the arils daily will supply the body with its daily recommended values of both of these vitamins. The arils also contain beta-carotene, which is good for the eyes. Individuals who may not like the taste of pomegranate can easily find extracts of the fruit in certain vitamins and other products.
Effects on Health
Pomegranate has been proven to aid in the reduction of several factors that are associated with heart disease and it also has the ability of lowering blood pressure. Other studies have shown that pomegranate has an ability to fight against certain types of infections and can positively affect dental hygiene by limiting the amount of plaque buildup. Pomegranate can also aid in digestion because the seeds are rich in fiber.
The next time you visit your grocery store, make sure that you swing by the produce section and pick up pomegranate so that you may add a little variety to your daily fruit intake.
Written by Carl Cbjunior32@aol.com
Image courtesy of djcodrin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
