New organic pomegranate juice from Organic Village
The French for pomegranate is 'pomme-grenade' and when you see how much power is packed into this little lustrous fruit it's obvious that the missile is certainly aptly named. The 100% fruit juice in Organic Village's Pomegranate Juice (rrp £1.39 200ml or £3.99 1litre) has a real intensity of flavour and is bursting with goodness.
Certified-organic by the Soil Association, this juice is not made from concentrate, contains no added water, no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. In fact nothing added or taken away. Just 100% pure fruit juice, as nature intended. The juice is pressed from sun-ripened fruit growing in the beautiful organic orchards of Anatolia, Turkey. In between hills and mountains, the green and fertile valleys dotted with rural settlements are ideal for fruit growing, with hot dry summers and cold winters. The red fruit hang like huge Christmas baubles in the trees.
For the health conscious, this beautiful clear garnet-coloured liquid is a source of powerful antioxidants with vitamins C and E. It has about three times more antioxidants, glass for glass, than red wine or green tea. Pomegranates are also a source of folic acid (needed to produce red blood cells), potassium, iron, calcium, vitamin K - the list reads like a veritable spaghetti-alphabet of nutrients!
Right now, it's also popular with sports enthusiasts. A recent study found that those who drank pomegranate juice experienced less soreness and recovered faster after strenuous workouts - drinking it regularly may help to reduce muscle soreness and prevent a decline in strength after exercise. Several other studies indicate that pomegranate juice may additionally prevent cartilage deterioration.
Pomegranates are also thought to protect against cancerous cells. For example a study in Israel showed that pomegranate juice destroys breast cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone.
Pomegranate may also prevent breast cancer cells from forming. In another study of 50 men who had undergone treatment for prostate cancer, 8 ounces of pomegranate juice per day kept PSA levels stable, reducing the need for further treatment such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy.
Latest research suggests it may well be helpful in preventing cardiovascular disease, heart attacks and stroke, as it has been shown to stop the arteries from clogging up. Studies also suggest that pomegranate may help lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (good cholesterol). So one final pearl of wisdom: drinking pomegranate juice may even protect our pearly whites, as a natural way to prevent dental plaque!
But not all pomegranate juice drinks are the same. Many brands contain added water, added sugars, other filler juices, artificial additives, or fruit pulp from the juicing process which you won't find in Organic Village's first-pressed juices.
Available from independent health food stores, specialist food halls, delis and organic cafés. The new online store at organicvillage.org is also now open for business.
