Pomegranate: Why This Fall Fruit is Worth Adding to Your Diet

I love fall. The colorful leaves, the chillier days, the seasonal seasonal fruits and veggies. Root vegetables like squash and sweet potatoes abound this time of year. But so does my absolute favorite fall fruit: the pomegranate. 

The uniquely seeded punicaceae — its scientific name — comes from the pomegranate tree and is packed with a ton of health benefits. From their antimicrobial properties to supporting your brain health and immunity, pomegranate fruits can do it all. Here’s a look at the myriad health benefits of pomegranates. 

Fresh pomegranates are nutrient-rich.

Pomegranates are native to the Mediterranean, Afghanistan, Iran, and Southern California. Low in calories but high in nutrients, pomegranate seeds (also called arils) are the kind of snack I can munch on all day long without worrying about my waistband. They’re rich in vitamins and minerals, including folate, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, and vitamin C. They’re also a good source of fiber and protein (so long as you’re eating the seeds and not drinking pomegranate juice, which contains few fiber benefits.) To easily incorporate pomegranate arils into your daily diet, add them to yogurt, toss them in a salad, or eat them on their own for a midday snack. You can even try blending pomegranate seeds into your smoothies or adding them to a turkey sandwich.

Pomegranates support brain health.

Many brain conditions are impacted by inflammation and…