POMEGRANATES
Pomegranates are the first thing that usually comes to mind these days when talking about antioxidants and fruits with major health benefits. Studies show that drinking pomegranate juice daily may help support the normal blood flow to the heart. It has great antioxidant properties which helps keep bad cholesterol from forming. Gotta keep that ticker in shape!
Need some help figuring out what’s fact and what’s fiction about pomegranates? Well, that’s what we are here for!
Health Benefits:
• Fights Breast Cancer
• Lung Cancer Prevention
• Protects the Neonatal Brain
• Protects the Arteries
• Lowers Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
• Dental Protection Against Dental Plaque
• Slows Prostate Cancer
• Keeps PSA Levels Stable
Phew....the list is getting longer and longer as more research done on the effects of pomegranate juice come to light. Thank goodness for those smart researchers! Pomegranates are a little tricky and time consuming to eat as you have to take all the seeds wrapped in the white membrane, but well worth it once you get it all done. Enjoy those pomegranates!
Recipe Idea:
Grilled Lamb Chops with Pomegranate-Port Reduction
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 (3 ounce) lamb chops
• 1/2 cup fresh unsweetened pomegranate juice
• 1 cup port wine
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
Directions
1. Whisk together the lemon zest and juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a bowl; pour into a resealable plastic bag. Add the lamb chops, coat with the marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Set aside to marinate.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.
3. Bring the pomegranate juice and port wine to a simmer in a small saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, and continue simmering until the liquid has reduced to half of its original volume, about 45 minutes. Stir in the pomegranate seeds and set aside.
4. Remove the lamb from the marinade, and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Cook the chops on the preheated grill until they start to firm, and are reddish-pink and juicy in the center, about 4 minutes per side for medium rare. Serve the chops drizzled with the pomegranate-port reduction.
Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina
The Urban Beauty Bar
CINNAMON
Cinnamon. Not only a flavourful spice and pleasant scent, but a common denominator in many comfort foods. I can almost smell the homemade apple pie right now! Okay, so cinnamon may not be that healthy if you mix in confectionary treats, however, on their own they actually has several
health benefits.
How can this great spice help your body? Let’s take a look at some health benefits, shall we?
It can help with a whole whack of things from diabetes to high blood pressure. Let’s not forget to mention how fantastic this little spice is for your skin! Did you know that cinnamon has antimicrobial properties can benefit your skin? Well, now you know! Don’t you feel smarter already? ;)
How to incorporate cinnamon into your everyday diet? Spice up your cup of java tomorrow morning by putting some cinnamon in your coffee pot. You could always try adding a bit to your applesauce. Who am I kidding? You’ll be coming up with ideas of your own in no time. You don’t need my help!
Health Benefits:
• Aids in lowering blood pressure
• May prevent blood clotting and reduce cholesterol in people with diabetes
• Some studies show that cinnamon has an ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections
• One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory
Recipe Idea:
Cinnamon Applesauce
• 6 cups apples - peeled, cored and chopped
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup white sugar
1. In a 2 quart saucepan over medium heat, combine apples, water, cinnamon, and cloves.
2. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes.
3. Stir in sugar, and simmer 5 more minutes.
Cheers to beauty-ful days!
Nina
The Urban Beauty Bar
