pomegranate-seedsI have had an amazing 2 days experiencing Sydney as a tourist would – taking ferries to the city on a spectacular sunny day, seeing a show at the Opera House, having picnics in the parks and lots of other fun things. It is important to just slow down every now and then and soak it all up!

Let’s talk about a food item that I am in love with and you may not know too much about – the humble pomegranate! Pomegranates have a long and colourful history, appearing in ancient Egyptian art works and mentioned numerous times in the Old Testament under the name “rimmon.” But it’s only recently that this incredible fruit has come into its own. And it’s no wonder. Scores of studies have attested to its plethora of health benefits-from promoting healthy blood flow and supporting normal blood pressure to helping maintain proper cholesterol levels and fighting free radicals.

While pomegranates aren’t high on most Australians’ shopping lists, new research suggests they ought to be. Pomegranates are rich in bioflavonoids and were recently shown to have nearly three times the antioxidant activity of red wine or green tea.

In research conducted over a three year period, Professor Michael Aviram, an internationally recognized authority on the effect of food on heart disease, and his research group showed that pomegranate juice could significantly lower the systolic blood pressure of hypertensive patients in just two weeks. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease showed great improvement in many important physiological measurements and pathological signs compared to the control group.  The Aviram research group concluded that pomegranate juice can offer a wide protection against cardiovascular diseases which may be attributable to its antioxidative properties.

I put pomegranate seeds in all my salads and also in my water jug to give my water a twist of flavour, besides they just look so pretty! To get the seeds out easily, cut them in half, hold it firmly and then bask the skin side with a big spoon. Don’t be scared – you need to hit hard and keep hitting different spots. You will find that the seeds simply fall out.

B – Hemp seed nuts, stewed fruit, sheep’s milk yoghurt, passionfruit

L – Grilled snapper, steamed zucchini & broccoli

D – rocket salad with pomegranate seeds, grated beetroot, carrot and red cabbage with a dressing of EVOO and lemon