Pomegranate Power

We all need more antioxidants in our diets! With all the free radicals that we are exposed to in our modern world, we need all the help we can get. So what are free radicals? And what do antioxidants have to do with it? Here is a simple explanation:

"Every day, your body is exposed to free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage the cells in your body in a process often referred to as oxidative stress. Where do they come from? Everywhere. Not only does your body produce them as part of normal metabolism, there are also many external sources such as air pollution, alcohol, pesticides, sunlight, tobacco smoke, drugs and fried foods. Even our stressful lifestyles are related to excess oxidative stress. That’s where antioxidants come in. Antioxidants are scavengers that neutralize free radicals. Although your body produces its own antioxidants, they are often insufficient to protect against the total oxidative stress we all experience. In fact, scientists have already linked free radicals to many different types of diseases. Consuming a diet rich in natural antioxidants, like those that come from fruits and vegetables, may help protect against free radical damage."

I frequently talk about how important it is to eat a diet full of a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Each unique fruit and vegetable has a unique spectrum of antioxidants. So variety (and volume) are important in order to get the most antioxidant benefit.

Today I am glad to tell you about another way to boost your antioxidant intake. The generous people at Pom Wonderful recently sent me a case of their Pom Wonderful juice to sample. It is 100% pomegranate juice with absolutely no unwanted ingredients. Nothing but the good stuff. And did you know that POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice has been shown to have the highest Antioxidant Potency Index among several healthy beverages (red wine, Concord grape, blueberry, acai or cranberry juices) as measured by a composite of the four leading antioxidant capacity assays? Read the study.

For all the wonderful health benefits, pure pomegranate juice is quite tart. It's yummy, but bold. We have been adding it to our smoothies for our breakfasts. We find that its strong flavor holds up in any recipe while other fruits and yogurt tame the tart. Here is our favorite recipe:

• 2 cups of plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup Pom Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
• 1-2 Tbsp. raw honey

Stir vigorously. This makes a great drink, but we have been putting it in a bowl with soaked granola for a healthy take on "cereal and milk."

Also, if you want to make a frozen pomegranate treat, put the three ingredients listed above with 2-3 frozen bananas in a blender. Blend thoroughly for a soft serve ice cream consistency.

For your health,