The Greeks have been familiar with this gorgeous fruit since ancient times and in Greek Mythology, the pomegranate was known as the "fruit of the dead" and used to honor the spirits of the dead. Today, pomegranates are used as a gift for a new home and is considered a symbol of abundance, fertility, and good luck.
What makes the pomegranate so special?
Besides being one of the oldest known fruits found in writings and artifacts, it also contains a compound called punicalagin found only in this fruit! This compound has been shown to lower cholesterol, decrease blood pressure, and even increase the speed at which heart blockages (aka atherosclerosis) melts away! Better yet, pomegranate juice does not spike the blood sugar.
A recent study showed that there was no significant increase in blood sugar levels when diabetic patients drank this juice daily for two weeks. Rich in antioxidants, heart healthy, and balances blood sugar; sounds like the mythology is true!
Pomegranate & Rosemary Infused Water
What you need:
1 Apple
1 Pomegranate
1 Sprig of Rosemary
What to do:
Crush the pomegranate seeds with a couple of slices of apple and the rosemary sprig. Pour into a pitcher and add water. Let the sweet and spicy flavors infuse for an hour and enjoy!
Every morning since I have arrived in Crete I start the day with Greek coffee and it's amazing! That's quite a compliment coming from a Seattlite, the birthplace of coffee in the U.S. (and Starbucks).
Why is Greek coffee so much better? Well, it's all in the preparation which creates a higher concentration of more protective compounds than your average cup of joe.