The pomegranate is an ancient fruit with a rich history in myth, symbol, art, medicine and religion. Often referred to as ‘the divine fruit’, the pomegranate is considered by many to be a ‘super-food’.

It has always been an important part of the Turkish diet. Until the past few years however, pomegranates were something of a seasonal novelty in the West. Then medical studies suggested what the East already knew: pomegranates are really good for you. Exactly how, we’ve gone into more detail about below…

Super-Food

The pomegranate is considered to be a super-food. Its jewel like seeds have been used for medicinal purposes for millennia. Packed with powerful antioxidants and vitamins, this ruby-red fruit has been shown to be a cure-all for just about any ailment. It helps stomach upsets, menopausal hot flashes, haemorrhoids, conjunctivitis, osteoarthritis, lowers blood pressure, stimulates the immune system, wards off the flu, reduces inflammation, reduces risk of heart disease and lowers cholesterol.

Help to Combat Prostate Cancer and Diabetes

A Technion-Israel Institute of Technology study led by Prof. Michael Aviram, head of the Lipid Research Laboratory of Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center and one of Israel’s top pomegranate researchers, showed that the antioxidants found in pomegranate juice may be especially beneficial to diabetes patients. Researchers found that drinking pomegranate juice reduced the uptake of oxidized “bad” LDL cholesterol by immune cells, which is a major contributing factor to atherosclerosis.

The Secret to Eternal Youth

Ok, not really. But Chinese herbology cites pomegranate juice as a longevity treatment thanks to the high quantity of antioxidants in the pomegranate. According to Aliza Shavit, a pharmacist; “Pomegranate oil is a rich source of punicic acid and this is a very strong antioxidant that helps fight wrinkles.” Punicic acid is a rare omega-5 conjugated fatty acid that has been shown to improve skin tone and elasticity. “Every day our faces are exposed to harmful sun rays and pollutants,” Shavit says. “The pomegranate extracts help keep the skin healthy.”

Amazing Clinical Results

Recent medical research studied heart patients with severe carotid artery blockages. They were given an ounce of pomegranate juice each day for a year. Not only did study participants’ blood pressure lower by over 12 percent, but there was a 30 percent reduction in atherosclerotic plaque. Just as astounding, participants who did not take the pomegranate juice saw their atherosclerotic plaque increase by 9 percent. In other studies, potent antioxidant compounds found in pomegranates have shown to reduce platelet aggregation and naturally lower blood pressure, factors that prevent both heart attacks and strokes. 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!

What better flavour for our Turkish Delight? We offer pomegranate as flavour in our classic series, as well as in our Luxury Delight Tins. Give it a try, we think

You’ll Be Delighted