Pomegranate Health Benefits + An Indulgent Recipe
As one of nature’s superfoods, there are a ton of pomegranate health benefits! These little seeds (arils actually) are bursting with flavor, easy to use and deliciously perfect. In a world full of processed and nutrient low foods, it’s no secret that I love the opposite: real food loaded with healthy fuel we need, quality superfoods and tasty meals.
When it comes to pomegranate health benefits, there’s quite a few perks:
- Pomegranates are high in antioxidants
- They contain anti-inflammation properties
- Loaded with Vitamin C
- There’s been some studies on pomegranates and cancer
- They can help reduce joint pain
- Lower your risk of heart disease
- A Vitamin rich health booster
With a profile like that, it’s no wonder why pomegranates aren’t a staple in many people’s diets!
To be honest, outside of pomegranate juice (to mix with Vodka…) I never used pomegranates much. Part of this was that opening them was kind of a b*tch.
But now that I know how to open a pomegranate easily (see the video below). I use them all the time in recipes.
We add pomegranate arils to smoothies, salads, yogurt and of course, the recipe below! The recipe below contains both cacao powder and fresh pomegranate seeds.
It’s super decadent, breaks apart easily and is loaded with antioxidants and flavor. Plus, it’s a no bake, allergy friendly recipe so obviously it’s a staple in my freezer!
But let’s chat a bit more about those perks…
Pomegranate Health Benefits: High In Antioxidants
Pomegranates are potent and antioxidants can help with just about every function in your body. So, getting a boost of them is always a bonus. Blueberries, cacao powder and now pomegranate seeds should be a staple in a healthy house.
Pomegranate Health Benefits -Loaded With Vitamin C
There’s no denying that pomegranates are nutrient dense. And since they’re so perfectly set up with phytonutrients, I’m pretty sure this is why they’re recommended to prevent colds, sickness and generally make you healthier.
People like to say that pomegranates can help prevent heart disease, which I’m not denying, but they’re only one part of the puzzle. The truth is, creating a healthy lifestyle and incorporating more nutrient dense foods will always help prevent heart disease.
Pomegranates Studies In Disease
This is super interesting to me! Apparently there’s been some studies on both prostate and breast cancer that pomegranates can help slow and in some cases help kill cancer cells. This is beyond amazing. Obviously more studies are needed but overall, it’s a positive. If pomegranate benefits didn’t have you hooked before…
Reduce Joint Pain
This is a common one again with most healthy foods. It’s generic. Personally, I think that the truth is all major superfoods have this ability because plant-based foods contain so many things good for us. Since the majority of nutrient dense foods contain antioxidants, it’s easy to see why there would be anti-inflammatory.
If they’re anti-inflammatory than they can aid conditions like joint pain and arthritis that are very inflammation based. Just like turmeric (read about the benefits of turmeric here), pomegranate benefits can be pretty wide spread. Score for nutrient dense foods!
So now you’re obviously looking into how you can get more of these juicy seeds into your diet. And I have the solution for you- with chocolate pomegranate bark!
Is a dessert recipe not the best way to enjoy something?! ?
Ingredients In The Chocolate Pomegranate Bark
- 1/3 cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/8 cup + 1 teaspoon cacao powder
- ¼ cup pomegranate arils
- 1 tablespoon cacao butter
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Note: all of these health boosting ingredients can be purchased through my favorite retailer Well.ca– and the best part is that they offer free shipping!
How To Make The Chocolate Bark
In a small pot, heat the coconut oil, honey, cacao butter and syrup over low heat. Turn the heat off as soon as melted.
While heating, line an 8/8 pan with parchment paper.
Once melted, whisk in the cacao powder until no clumps remain.
Stir in the pomegranate seeds.
Pour the mixture into the lined baking pan making sure the pomegranates are spread out evenly.
Sprinkle the seat salt over top of the mixture and pop into the freezer for thirty minutes.
When ready to eat, break apart the bark and enjoy!
Don’t forget to pin these awesome pomegranate health benefits!
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Pomegranate Benefits + An Indulgent Recipe
Pomegranate benefits are wide spread and definitely include healing! These little seeds are bursting with flavor and perfect for homemade chocolate bark.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 218 kcal
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a small pot, heat the coconut oil, honey, cacao butter and syrup over low heat. Turn the heat off as soon as melted.
-
While heating, line an 8/8 pan with parchment paper.
-
Once melted, whisk in the cacao powder until no clumps remain.
-
Stir in the pomegranate seeds.
-
Pour the mixture into the lined baking pan making sure the pomegranates are spread out evenly.
-
Sprinkle the seat salt over top of the mixture and pop into the freezer for thirty minutes.
-
When ready to eat, break apart the bark and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Notes: make pieces as bit or small as you like while breaking it apart.
Nutrition Facts
Pomegranate Benefits + An Indulgent Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 218
Calories from Fat 171
% Daily Value*
Fat 19g29%Saturated Fat 16g100%Sodium 75mg3%Potassium 107mg3%Carbohydrates 15g5%Fiber 2g8%Sugar 12g13%Protein 1g2%
Vitamin C 1mg1%Calcium 14mg1%Iron 1mg6% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Pomegranate Benefits + An Indulgent Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a small pot, heat the coconut oil, honey, cacao butter and syrup over low heat. Turn the heat off as soon as melted.
-
While heating, line an 8/8 pan with parchment paper.
-
Once melted, whisk in the cacao powder until no clumps remain.
-
Stir in the pomegranate seeds.
-
Pour the mixture into the lined baking pan making sure the pomegranates are spread out evenly.
-
Sprinkle the seat salt over top of the mixture and pop into the freezer for thirty minutes.
-
When ready to eat, break apart the bark and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Notes: make pieces as bit or small as you like while breaking it apart.
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Reap pomegranate health benefits by enjoying them in a tasty chocolate pomegranate bark recipe! Perfect to munch on, loaded with healthy ingredients and antioxidants and simple to make. There’s truly no reason why you DON’T need this chocolate bark ?
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