*Pomegranate is a fruit bearing shrub.

*The edible pomegranate seeds are actually the fleshy arils around the seeds, both the arils and the seeds can be consumed raw.

*They taste from very sweet to sour to tangy.

*The seeds are dried and used as a spice in Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern cuisines.

*They are also used to make pomegranate juice, pomegranate sauce, pomegranate syrup, and in some places pomegranate wine.

Are they raw?

Yes, if picked fresh. It is always raw, whole fruit or dried seeds.

Health Benefits

1. Pomegranate seeds are very low in calories and carbohydrates, have little protein and almost no fat.

2. It also has a good content of dietary fiber, and so it is good as a healthy, filling and refreshing snack.

3. Good source of vitamin C and up to 16% of the daily requirement is met by 1 whole fruit.

4. They have moderate but significant amounts of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cell damage by free radicals.

5. They also lower the cholesterol content in blood, especially LDL cholesterol.

6. The polyphenols also inhibit estrogen synthesis, and are shown to be effective against proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro.

7. Pomegranate juice, like aspirin, can prevent the platelets from sticking to one another forming clots that can lead to atherosclerosis.

8. Research shows that long-term consumption of pomegranate may help combat erectile dysfunction.

9. It is also shown to reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases like osteoarthritis.

10. Helps relieve the symptoms of diarrhea and dehydration.