It's pomegranate season!!! Who doesn't love these little gems and how good they are for you! Look at this list of health benefits from Dr. Fuhrman:
Health Benefits of the Pomegranate
Most powerful anti-oxidant of all fruits
Potent anti-cancer and immune supporting effects
Inhibits abnormal platelet aggregation that could cause heart attacks, strokes and embolic disease
Lowers cholesterol and other cardiac risk factors
Lowers blood pressure
Shown to promote reversal of atherosclerotic plaque in human studies
May have benefits to relieve or protect against depression and osteoporosis
Many studies show that the pomegranate is one of the most powerful,
nutrient dense foods for overall good health. These clinical findings
clearly show a correlation between pomegranate compounds and their
positive effect on both human and animal cardiovascular, nervous, and
skeletal health. This is one fruit that you can't afford to exclude
from your diet!
Don't you love how these show up just in time for winter and the cold/flu season? Mother nature knows what she is doing, I tell ya!
So, how about some "pomegranate love" in the form of smoothies this winter? Here are 3 that are calling my name:
With
over 8g of fiber and 15g of protein, this thick and delicious smoothie
will give you just the kick you need to jump start your morning. Allow
the ingredients to soak overnight for a pre-made quick and easy
breakfast. Throw in the blender, and go!
Ingredients
1 cup juice* – I used Happy Planet pomegranate blueberry bash
2 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon unsalted pistachios, shelled
1/4 cup yogurt* – I used Liberte organic plain yogurt
3/4 cup frozen mixed berries
* Almond milk could replace the juice to lower sugars
* This smoothie can be made vegan and dairy free by using a non-dairy yogurt
Directions
To be made the night before you plan on eating it, or at least 4 hours in advance so the chia seeds can soak up the liquid.
Combine
all ingredients but mixed berries in a glass container [I used a 500mL
mason jar]. Seal with lid, shake to combine and place in the fridge
overnight.
In the morning, pour the contents of the container into your blender, add berries, and pulse until smooth.
