POSITIVELY POMEGRANATE

What do Oprah Winfrey, Heidi Klum and Laurence Fishburne have in common? Pomegranate juice! These celebrities along with fellow pomegranate devotees Kim Catrall and Calista Flockhart are part of the latest healthy Hollywood trend. Why is this ancient fruit all the rage in tinsel town? Because health conscious stars are always searching for foods and supplements that will keep them looking amazing and help them to maintain a healthy weight. Pomegranates can help to do both. It's rumored that Laurence Fishburne first used nutrient-rich pomegranate juice to help get into shape to film the Matrix movies.

One of nature's richest sources of antioxidants, Pomegranates contain more polyphenol antioxidants than green tea, blueberries, cranberries and red wine. This makes them a powerful tool to help combat heart disease, premature aging, Alzheimer's disease and even cancer.

Studies published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that pomegranate juice lowered blood pressure in people with hypertension. The study found that blood pressure was reduced up to 5 percent after two weeks spent consuming pomegranate juice. Additional research done on the thickness of the carotid artery found that subjects drinking 8 ounces of pomegranate juice a day for one year found the thickness of the artery did not worsen, and in some cases decreased by up to 30%, showing the correlation between consumption of the juice and a reduction in the risk for heart disease. This remarkable food is also thought to help protect against cancers of the skin and breasts.

The design of this vibrant fruit itself helps to control calorie intake. With red, thick skin pomegranates can take some time to eat, and they are incredibly satisfying. At only 120 calories per serving this is a definite plus for anyone watching their weight. So with all these nutritional benefits, what's the best way to incorporate pomegranates into your diet? The fruit is in season in October and is available at most natural food retailers and supermarkets. It's excellent by itself, or in salads or smoothies.

Want to drink your pomegranate? Pomegranate juice is flying off the shelves. It's an easy way to get the antioxidant benefits pomegranates have to offer. With a slightly tart taste, you can find Pomegranate juice mixed with other juices or plain. Juice manufacturer Pom Wonderful offers pomegranate juice in several combinations, such as pomegranate cherry, mango and blueberry juice. Pomegranate juice is also available from R. W. Knudsen with their Just Pomegranate juice and Lakewood makes a 100% Pure Pomegranate juice.

My favorite way to drink pomegranate juice is simple and refreshing. It's a pomegranate juice spritzer, made by adding one part pomegranate juice to three parts seltzer, but you can also add the juice recipes to enhance flavor or make a juice cocktail with your own favorite juice combination. Another celebrity favorite is a line of skin care supplements from Murad. Created by dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad, pomegranate extract is an important ingredient in many Murad formulas. It's a valuable weapon to fight aging because of its high level of antioxidants that keep skin supple and smooth.

Whether you choose to eat your pomegranates whole, enjoy an invigorating juice or take a supplement, pomegranates are one celebrity health secret that can benefit everyone.