Pomegranates are one of the most powerful natural sources of antioxidants. In comparison to other beverages believed to be high in polyphenol antioxidants, such as red wine, green tea and other fruit juices, pomegranate juice has been proven to contain 20 per cent greater antioxidant potency than any of these other beverages. Research studies in 48 peer-reviewed reports show that the Wonderful variety of pomegranates especially play a prominent role in preventing heart disease.

Polyphenol antioxidants neutralize free radicals and combat oxidative stress. This means that they fight against illness and disease. They have been associated with helping to decrease cardiovascular disease and cancer risk, in particular. These antioxidants reduce inflammation and have effective anti-aging properties. In addition to being an antioxidant superpower, pomegranates are sources of vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, iron and fibre.

Although it is likely that all pomegranates contain this abundance of nutrition, the research cited here has only been conducted on the Wonderful variety. The POM Wonderful company ensures that every pomegranate is both nutritionally and aesthetically blemish-free. POM Wonderful operates on a personal basis with a focus on quality products and health awareness.

In a harvest tour last week, POM Wonderful invited 14 health bloggers, including myself, to see the orchards and processing plant first hand.

Brad Paris, vice-president and general manager for POM Wonderful’s produce business, led the orchard and plant tour himself. As he helped us pick pomegranates and cut open fruit for everyone to sample, Paris said that pomegranates are a highly versatile fruit with a nutrient content that everyone can benefit from.

Based in California, the orchards span across 18,000 acres and 2,000 people are involved in hand-picking all of their fruit.

POM Wonderful has a line of POM 100% pomegranate juice, POMx Tea, POMx Iced Coffee and POMx bars, among other additional products to their pomegranates.

The ingredients used in POM Wonderful products are all-natural and contribute to a healthy diet. POM Wonderful 100% pomegranate juice is rated as low-glycemic, so it is a healthy choice for people with diabetes. It stabilizes blood sugar levels and contains naturally-occurring sugars.

The company aims not only to contribute to improving human health, but to be environmentally friendly as well. Juice bottles are made from a high amount of recycled material. There is very little waste when it comes to using the pomegranates, since even the husk is crushed for juice in the process of making some of their products, such as POMx Tea.

November is National Pomegranate Month. And, as it is the peak harvest season for pomegranates, be sure to look for them in your nearest grocery store to enjoy a healthy and delicious fruit.

University of Winnipeg student Sagan Morrow writes a health and wellness blog. Read about her experiences at the POM Wonderful orchards in California on her blog.

Published in Volume 64, Number 9 of The Uniter (October 29, 2009)