Pomegranates grow wild from Iran to northern India, but they are cultivated throughout the Middle East, southern Europe and California. Did you know that pomegranates have three times more antioxidants than red wine and green tea? Studies have shown that pomegranate juice removes the plaque from arteries that can lead to stroke and heart disease. Moreover, pomegranates are an anti-aging secret because they assist in fighting cell damage that can eventually lead to skin-aging.

More and more skin care lines are incorporating pomegranate extracts into their formulas. Pomegranates are one of the few fruits whose juice is just as beneficial as its fruit or seeds. That’s because the peel, which you can’t eat, contains the most antioxidants, and they are released in abundance when the fruit is squeezed for juicing.

Many pomegranate juices out on the market now are pasteurized, which should be avoided. The best way to consume them is to purchase fresh pomegranates at your neighborhood market. Pomegranates are in season from October to January; many grocery stores promote them during the holiday season as they look festive keeping them in a decorative bowl. You could juice them, then add the seeds to salads and entrees or just grab a spoon and enjoy them!