Pomegranate

Three out of four Aussies don’t recognize a POM

A recent study1 commissioned on behalf of POM (pomegranate) Wonderful, found that a massive 74% of Australians didn’t recognize a pomegranate when shown an image, a worrying fact given they are renowned for their health benefits. When presented with the image of a pomegranate, most respondents were stumped, with responses including caviar, cherries, lollies, raspberries, toffee coated apples and even a danish.

As one of the earliest cultivated fruits, pomegranates have been prized as both a food source and as a medicinal remedy for thousands of years. There are many varieties of pomegranates which vary in color (pink to deep red), size and taste. Inside the tough exterior of a pomegranate are hundreds of seeds surrounded by juice sacs called arils.

One of the most popular pomegranate varieties today is the California-grown Wonderful variety of pomegranate, available nationwide from December through Woolworths and Safeway stores. The Wonderful variety is known for its exquisite sweet-tart flavor, nutritional value and culinary versatility.

The ruby red arils of Wonderful pomegranates are a rich source of polyphenol antioxidants and vitamin C, and a good source of potassium and fibre. They also contain vitamin K, iron and fibre. Arils are perfect for tossing in salads, stirring into yogurt, sprinkling over cereal, garnishing cocktails or enjoying on their own as a delicious, healthy snack. Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice is ideal for glazes, cocktails and marinades.

POM (pomegranate) Wonderful exclusively grows Wonderful variety pomegranates and manages the entire process from tree to bottle which guarantees that each bottle of POM Wonderful 100%

Detox your way to better health this New Year

The antioxidant superpower is this New Year’s rescue remedy

Once the holiday season is over, New Year’s is the ideal time for a fresh start by getting back on track with a healthy diet and more exercise - the ultimate New Year’s resolution!

Zoe Bingley-Pullin, leading Australian Nutritionist suggests the best way to start your New Year’s resolution is to "Ease into any new exercise and diet routines and avoid fatty and processed foods as well as excess sugar." She says "Start the detoxification process with your diet. Be creative and choose versatile foods that are rich in polyphenol antioxidants such as fresh fruit or pomegranate juice that can instantly boost your health."

After the overindulgences of the festive season, it is easy to lose sight of new goals. Exercise and diet regimes often seem restrictive but drinking POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice, with its unique sweet tart taste, is an easy and delicious way to keep your New Year’s resolution to be healthier without sacrificing flavour and enjoyment.

Fluids are essential for flushing out our system to rejuvenate and rehydrate our bodies. Drinking a nutrient dense juice like pomegranate juice increases your intake of powerful polyphenol antioxidants, serves as a good source of potassium and also contains iron*.

It’s also a versatile ingredient that makes for a healthier alternative to many other foods we consume. Here are a few ideas that incorporate the antioxidant power of POM Wonderful:

* POM Brekkie Shake - Give your shake an antioxidant boost by adding POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice

* POM Sparkler - the flavorful taste of pure pomegranate juice and sparkling water makes for an effervescent and delicious alternative to the empty calories and artificial ingredients found in many soft drinks

* POM Granita - Swap out fat-laden ice cream for this lighter, more refreshing iced dessert


The Antioxidant Superpower*
POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice is packed with polyphenol antioxidants to help neutralise free radicals, which can damage your DNA and cells. In a 2008 study, POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice was shown to be the leader in the healthy beverage category by demonstrating the most complete free radical scavenging activity, greater protection of LDL-cholesterol from oxidation, and the highest polyphenol content compared to red wine, green tea and several juices. Unlike similar studies in which only one test was used to ascertain the antioxidant potency of a given beverage, this study conducted a series of seven tests on all the beverages, resulting in a novel and more accurate methodology.*

POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice is available year-round at retail and is found in the produce departments of most Woolworths and Safeway stores nationwide. In addition to its 100% Pomegranate juice, POM Wonderful also makes 100% juice blends available in Pomegranate Blueberry, Pomegranate Mango and Pomegranate Cherry. RRP is $4.98 for 473ml and $2.99 for 236ml varieties.

* N. Seeram, et al., Comparison of Antioxidant Potency of Commonly Consumed Polyphenol-Rich Beverages in the United States, Journal of Agricultural Food and Chemistry (2008)

About POM Wonderful
POM Wonderful is the largest producer of California Wonderful pomegranates, which are grown in the company’s orchards located in the sunny San Joaquin valley of Central California. The Wonderful variety of pomegranate is renowned for its sweet flavour, beautiful colour and bountiful juice. POM Wonderful grows, hand picks and juices its own pomegranates which guarantees that each bottle of POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice contains 100% authentic pomegranate juice that consistently delivers premium taste and a potent dose of its unique blend of polyphenol antioxidants

Backed by science
In 1998, POM Wonderful initiated a world-class medical research program to investigate the Wonderful variety pomegranate. To date, POM Wonderful has funded $45 million in research, which has involved a number of top scientists from leading universities around the world, including a Nobel Laureate. So far, 47 total studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals. Primary research areas have included the prostate and cardiovascular system. For more details, visit www.pomwonderful.co.au/health-benefits

1 The Galaxy Research national survey was conducted online with a total of 509 respondents aged 18 years and above in July 2009 Pomegranate Juice contains pure pomegranate juice from five crushed pomegranates, a consistent dose of polyphenol antioxidants and an authentic taste.