Mouth-Watering Pomegranate Smoothie

by Noor H. Salem

Last column, we’ve discussed the incredible health benefits that pomegranate holds, for your physical and mental health alike. Pomegranates are loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, anti-cancer properties, and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Moreover, they are great for your cardiovascular health, digestive health, and cognitive health. Best of all yet, pomegranate tastes incredible. If you’re hoping to incorporate it into your diet more often, look for frozen pomegranate at a local supermarket. Pomegranate works well atop salads, in smoothies, or even on their own.

Smoothies are an easy way to intake a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and even seeds such as flaxseed or black seed. If you find it difficult to reach a sufficient intake of fruits and vegetables, blend them up into a tasty drink instead. This smoothie is a deep pink color, yet contains baby kale hidden within. Leafy greens are crucial for your wellbeing; they are loaded with dietary fiber, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and gastrointestinal health benefits. Adding in ginger will upsurge the benefits of this drink. Ginger is incredible for digestion, aids in preventing morning sickness, reduces nausea, improves your memory, and balances your blood sugar levels as well.

Try this unique and tasty pomegranate smoothie on your way out during your rushed work mornings, or as an afternoon snack to satisfy your sweet tooth. Feel free to swap the raspberries for strawberries, and the baby kale for spinach for a less pungent taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pomegranate seeds, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen
• ½ cup water
• 1 medium orange
• 1 cup baby kale
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

Directions:

1. Place the water and orange in your blender and pulse until very smooth. Add the baby kale; pulse until well blended.
2. Add the pomegranate seeds and raspberries; pulse until well incorporated.
3. Serve with raw walnuts or your favorite seed atop. Enjoy immediately for optimum benefits.

Noor H. Salem is an author, speaker, and Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, from Michigan. Noor works with clients in better understanding their bodies and healing with natural foods through her wellness practice, Holistic Noortrition. She presents various workshops, school lectures, group coaching classes, and community lectures on the topic of holistic health. Noor recently published her book, SUNNAH SUPERFOODS, a culmination of life-changing recipes and remedies, with a foreword by Dr. Waleed Basyouni. Her book consists of prophetic hadith, modern research, and delicious recipes, and is in the process of being translated into other languages.