Pomegranate, and why it's so beneficial

The effect of the Stem Organics range is testament to our unique SIGNATURE BLEND, and just one of those ingredients used by Stem Organics is the Pomegranate, which may be one of the most potent wrinkle-fighters, with its rich with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant-rich polyphenols. Pomegranate extract can increase the SPF of topical sunscreens by 25 percent. It is an amazing, healing fruit. Along with Organic Aloe and Kakadu Plum, Pomegranate is a feature of all Stem Organics products.

Did you know that one Pomegranate contains 48% of the daily recommended does of Vitamin C!? Vitamin C in pomegranates can play an important role in the formation of collagen, making stronger, healthier skin.

Vitamin C present in pomegranate plays a key role in formation of collagen (skin is made up of collagen and elastic fibres), thus enabling various proteins responsible for making healthy and stronger skin.

Almost all of our products, including customer favourites, Gentle Cleansing Milk and Smooth Skin Exfoliant contain our signature blend of powerful age fighting, polyphenol rich Pomegranate, wild grown Australian Kakadu Plum rich in Vitamin C and healing and soothing Organic Aloe.

We thought you might enjoy reading an excerpt from a recent article namely The Powerful Health Benefits Of The Pomegranate by Joel Fuhrman, M.D. who is a family physician, New York Times best-selling author and nutritional researcher who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional and natural methods. Dr. Fuhrman is an internationally recognized expert on nutrition and natural healing, and has appeared on hundreds of radio and television shows including The Dr. Oz Show, The Today.

Secrets Revealed: The Powerful Health Benefits of the Pomegranate
One of the oldest known fruits, found in writings and artifacts of many cultures and religions, the pomegranate (punica granatum) is an original native of Persia. This nutrient dense, antioxidant rich fruit has been revered as a symbol of health, fertility and eternal life.

If you're not familiar with the pomegranate, it is a red fruit with a tough outer layer; only the juice and the seeds inside are edible. Pomegranate juice is available year round, but you can purchase fresh pomegranates in most grocery stores from September through January. When refrigerated in a plastic bag, pomegranates keep for up to 2 months. Try tossing the seeds on a salad for a brilliantly colorful, crunchy, and nutritious addition.

Seeding a pomegranate may seem like a lot of work for just a piece of fruit but think again, getting at those seeds may be well worth it. The pomegranate is a nutrient dense food source rich in phytochemical compounds. Pomegranates contain high levels of flavonoids and polyphenols, potent antioxidants offering protection against heart disease and cancer.

A glass of pomegranate juice has more antioxidants than red wine, green tea, blueberries, and cranberries.

With the Summer months in Australia fast approaching, we will soon see a lot more of the pomegranate appearing at our local markets (peak season being end of Summer/March) so we have included a recipe for the perfect Antioxidant Rich Smoothie (recipe from Dr Fuhrman's website)

Antioxidant Rich Smoothie
Serves: 2 Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 8 cups organic baby spinach
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 1 cup blueberries, frozen
• 1 cup strawberries, frozen
• 8 dates, cut in half
• 2 tablespoons flaxseeds, ground
• 1/2 avocado, optional

Instructions:
Blend all ingredients together. This is delicious & very healthy!