Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, pomegranate is not just delicious but also a powerhouse of essential nutrients that are incredibly beneficial for your health. Although it requires time to take out the seeds, pomegranate’s abundant health benefits are worth the effort. It helps in cleaning the arteries and fights common health ailments such as poor digestion and high blood pressure, thereby contributing to overall health.
Pomegranate seeds are a versatile and delicious addition to your diet and can be added to salads, smoothies, yoghurt, and even baked recipes. Check out six easy ways to add pomegranate to your diet to reap the multiple health benefits of this fruit:
Pomegranate Smoothie
There is nothing as satisfying as a glass of pomegranate smoothie. Kick-start your day with a refreshing, flavourful, and filling pomegranate smoothie. Just blend pomegranate seeds with yoghurt, milk, honey, and a banana for a delicious, creamy, and nutritious smoothie. You can top the smoothie with fruits and dry fruits of your choice to increase the nutrition quotient of the drink.
Pomegranate Salad
You can simply sprinkle pomegranate seeds on any salad to add a burst of flavour and texture. This salad is not only refreshing and healthy, but it is also a great source of plant-based protein, fibre, and essential nutrients. Create a nutritious salad by tossing pomegranate seeds with mixed greens, chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a drizzle of light vinaigrette (made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a hint of honey).
Fresh Pomegranate Juice
What’s better than a refreshing and nutritious pomegranate juice? Cut open a ripe pomegranate and collect the seeds in a mixer. Blend the seeds for some time, and then strain the mixture through a sieve or cheesecloth. Squeeze in some lemon juice, add a touch of honey for sweetness, and garnish it with mint leaves, if desired. And voila! Your healthy and refreshing drink is ready to be enjoyed.
Pomegranate Yogurt Parfait
This pomegranate parfait is not only incredibly delicious but also good for your health! To prepare it, layer Greek yoghurt, pomegranate seeds, and granola for a quick, delicious, and healthy breakfast or snack. Drizzle it with maple syrup and some pomegranate seeds, and the delightful gluten-free recipe is ready.
Pomegranate Chicken Skewers
Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of fresh pomegranate juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, lemon zest, and spices. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill or bake them until cooked through. The tangy and sweet flavours of the pomegranate juice infuse the chicken, creating a juicy and appetising dish.
Pomegranate pickle
Want to enjoy pomegranates with every little snack? Pickles are the perfect way, and this one turns out to be delicious. You just need pomegranate seeds, red chilli powder, salt, oil, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, sugar, mustard seeds, and a pinch of asafetida. Blend all the spices into a fine mixture. Then, add pomegranate seeds, prepared masala, red chilli powder, and salt to taste. In a pan, heat a teaspoon of oil and add mustard seeds and asafoetida. Add this tadka to the bowl of pomegranate seeds, and your homemade pickle is ready.
So, next time you’re looking for a healthy and tasty way to add some flavour to your meals, consider pomegranate!
