| Gourmets often put the arils on salads or add them to a dish for flavoring or color. My son likes to eat them right out of the package. (Although I consider that cheating.) Some think opening a pomegranate and separating the seeds from the flesh is a chore. But I consider it a relaxing morning ritual, maybe because it forces me to take a moment and slow down. (Always important after that third cup of coffee.) Personally, I mix the arils with Chobani vanilla Greek yogurt. The combination is as savory as ice cream. But a whole lot better for you... Pomegranates are a nutrient-dense food, rich in phytochemicals and overflowing with protective health properties. Studies show a strong correlation between pomegranate consumption and improved health of the cardiovascular, skeletal and nervous systems. The pomegranate is an antioxidant powerhouse. The juice has more protective power than any other because it contains the most of every type of antioxidant. It has more antioxidants than red wine, grape juice, green tea, acai berries, cranberries or blueberries. Drinking pomegranate juice inhibits viral infections and protects against dental plaque. A single pomegranate provides 40% of your daily requirement of vitamin C. It also contains high amounts of vitamin K - which helps support bone health - and vitamin B5, helping your body metabolize protein, carbohydrates, and fat. The fruit is rich in magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium, too. Plus, they're delicious. Pomegranates contain a unique compound - found only in this fruit - called punicalagin. (Sounds like an Italian shoe, I know.) Punicalagin protects and strengthens your blood vessels and heart. This fruit contains high levels of flavonoids and polyphenols. These lower blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of stroke - and can reverse atherosclerotic plaque, diminishing cardiac risk. Pomegranates protect your epidermis by encouraging skin cell regeneration. They have antiangiogenic properties, meaning they prevent growing tumors from acquiring a blood supply. Studies indicate that pomegranates may inhibit breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and leukemia. And they taste divine. Pomegranates contain compounds that stimulate serotonin and estrogen receptors. They improve memory, even helping prevent the postoperative memory dysfunction often associated with heart surgery. They relieve osteoporosis by reducing the inflammation that causes pain and stiffness in your joints. They even help protect against cognitive impairment and depression. Pomegranate juice is available year-round, but fresh pomegranates (from the Northern Hemisphere) are generally available only from October to January. That means we're in peak season right now. The ones showing up at my local Whole Foods are huge. (Consider this your call to action.) When sealed and refrigerated, pomegranates will keep for up to two months. Or you can harvest the arils and freeze them. More often than not, "superfood" is nothing more than a marketing term. But the pomegranate is one fruit that truly lives up to the billing. Also, did I mention they're delectable? Good investing, Alex | 
