The benefits of pomegranate juice are many. Pomegranate juice is packed with antioxidants, which help rid the body of free radicals. Drinking pomegranate juice can have a great impact on your health, by increasing your cardiovascular, reducing your risk of cancer, and reducing inflammation.
Laboratory studies have shown that properties in pomegranate juice can increase your heart health by keeping your arteries flexible and decreasing inflammation in the linings of your blood vessels, as well as decreasing and preventing plaque buildup.
Other research has shown that pomegranate juice may actually help induce apoptosis, a process in which cancer cells self-destruct.
Unsweetened pomegranate juice has also been shown to decrease inflammation, the root cause of many chronic diseases. This is likely due to the potent antioxidants found in pomegranates and other brightly colored fruits and vegetables.
The Skin Care Benefits of Pomegranates !!!!
Benefits of Pomegranate Juice for the Skin
A Brief History
The pomegranate was brought to Egypt in 1600 BC where it became revered not only as an important food source (it was a required fruit in the pharaoh’s palace), but it was also used for medicinal purposes. The pomegranate was highly valued and is depicted in paintings in Egyptian tombs as it symbolized life after death. It is a symbol of fertility in some cultures and prosperity in others, inspired by the abundance of jewel-toned seeds within the bright red and sturdy round rind. It has also been used in wedding rituals in several cultures.
Skin Care Benefits
With its incredible antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties and ability to encourage radiant skin, pomegranate has been incorporated into skin care; especially anti-aging and sun care products. It can help with a number of skin care issues that women of color can face, including dry skin, age spots, hyperpigmentation, acne flare-ups and acne scars.
1. Cell Regeneration. Pomegranate helps protect the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) and helps with skin cell regeneration in the epidermis and dermis (inner layer), increasing circulation and healing the skin, aiding in tissue repair and wound healing.
2. Sun Protection. Pomegranate has sun protective compounds that protect the skin against free radical damage, help prevent skin cancer, relieve sunburn and reduce the signs of sun damage. Pomegranate seed oil works to protect against skin cancer because of pelagic acid, a polyphenol antioxidant found in large quantities in pomegranates, which researchers have found inhibits the growth of skin tumors.
3. Anti-Aging. Pomegranate protects against premature aging by helping reduce the signs of skin aging caused by sun damage and exposure, such as wrinkles and fine lines. It helps prevent hyperpigmentation and age spots.
4. Youthful Skin. It promotes smooth, firm skin by promoting collagen and elastin production and softens skin.
5. Dry Skin. It is a great ingredient for skin care because its small molecular structure allows it to penetrates deeply into the skin. It works for most skin types, (which depends on the skin care ingredients pomegranate is combined with).
Pomogranate Juice
Drinking eight to 12 oz. of pomegranate juice a day will provide you with 40 percent of your daily vitamin C requirements. In addition, pomegranate juice is a rich source of vitamins A, E and folic acid. To get the full benefits of pomegranate juice always choose 100 percent juice without any additives such as fructose or corn syrup. In addition, it is always preferable to drink organic juices, as non-organic juices may contain undesirable pesticides used in the farming process
Look for pomegranates that feel heavy for their size. The heavier they feel, the more juice they will contain, so take a moment to choose good specimens. Don't worry about split or cracked fruit, splits and cracks can, in fact, be a sign of supremely ripe and juicy pomegranates! Avoid pomegranates with soft spots or any oozing (that really should go without saying, shouldn't it?).
I find that a medium-sized pomegranate results in about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of fresh pomegranate juice. Larger fruits can yield a cup or more.
Score the sides of the pomegranate peel from top to bottom, cut off the top or stem-end, pull the fruit open into sections, and remove the seeds. Unlike when you're seeding pomegranates to eat them, you don't need to worry about separating out every bit of membrane or pulling apart all the clusters of seeds. You do, however, want to remove all of the peel (it can impart a bitter taste to the juice) and any bigger pieces of membrane (they'll get in the way of getting as much juice as possible out of the seeds). Do all of this over a large mixing bowl to make sure you catch as much juice as possible along the way.
Transfer the pomegranate seeds and any accumulated juice in a sealable plastic bag. Work out as much air as you can before sealing the bag shut.
If you want to drink the juice right after you make it and you want the juice cold, chill the bagged pomegranate seeds for 20 to 30 minutes
I like to use a rolling pin to press the juice out of the seeds, but gently smashing the seeds with the bottom of a small but heavy frying pan works (and can be fun) too. While you definitely want to smash the seeds to get all the juice out, you need to do so with a bit of gentleness and finesse just so you don't bust open the bag!
Cut a small hole in a bottom corner of the bag and strain the pomegranate juice into a glass or other container. The juice will flow out at first, then you may need to squeeze the bag down (kind of like toothpaste) to get all the juice out
Enjoy the freshest pomegranate juice possible! It will keep, covered and chilled, for a few days, but really is best sooner rather than later
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