Healthy Holiday Drink with Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate Juice – Healthy Holiday Drink
Indulge in the festive spirit with our sensational Holiday Pomegranate Drink, the perfect wine alternative that will elevate your celebration to new heights. This exquisite beverage blends the rich, tart flavours of ripe pomegranates with a hint of seasonal spices, creating a delightful concoction that will dazzle your taste buds.
Whether you’re a non-drinker, a designated driver, or simply seeking a unique and refreshing option, our Holiday Pomegranate Drink is the ideal solution. Crafted to perfection, this non-alcoholic beverage provides a sophisticated alternative to traditional wines, ensuring that everyone can partake in the merriment without compromise.
Discover the joy of sipping on a beverage that not only complements the holiday spirit but also offers a burst of antioxidants from the vibrant pomegranate seeds. Embrace the season with this beautifully crafted elixir, designed to be the star of any festive gathering.
Say goodbye to the predictable and embrace the extraordinary this holiday season. Elevate your celebrations with our Perfect Wine Alternative – the Holiday Pomegranate Drink. Cheers to joyous moments and unforgettable flavours!
Finding an alcohol-free wine alternative
If you are like me, you love holidays and all the family gatherings. You want to partake in raising glasses, but… without compromising your healthy raw vegan dietary choices.
Personally, I choose not to drink alcohol of any kind, and I have very strong reasons behind my choice.
Still, I love to see my holiday glass be filled to the brim just like everyone else’s , so that when everyone is raising their glasses, I can do the same proudly and confidently.
In this blog post and video, you will learn a perfect wine alternative that is delicious, looks beautiful and most of all, it is healthy for you.
Get ready to cheer healthily!
Before I share with you the ingredients for this healthy holiday drink, let us see why would anyone be even interested in eating a raw vegan diet.
What Are the Health Benefits of a Raw Vegan Diet?
A raw vegan diet offers a myriad of health benefits, making it a popular choice for those seeking a wholesome lifestyle. Here are key advantages:
- Nutrient-Rich Goodness
Consuming a variety of raw, plant-based foods ensures a rich intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These nutrients promote overall well-being, support immune function, and contribute to radiant skin and hair. - Enhanced Digestive Health
The abundance of fibre in raw vegan foods aids digestion and promotes a healthy gut. Improved digestion can alleviate issues such as bloating and constipation, fostering a more comfortable and efficient digestive system. - Natural Energy Boost
Raw vegan diets are known to provide a sustained energy boost. The natural sugars in fruits and the complex carbohydrates in vegetables offer a steady release of energy, reducing reliance on processed foods and artificial stimulants. - Weight Management
Many individuals turn to raw veganism as an effective way to manage weight. The emphasis on nutrient-dense, low-calorie foods helps maintain a healthy weight, while the abundance of fiber contributes to a feeling of fullness. - Disease Prevention
The high intake of fruits and vegetables has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. The powerful antioxidants found in these foods contribute to cellular health and may offer protection against oxidative stress. - Environmental Impact
Adopting a raw vegan diet aligns with eco-conscious living. By reducing reliance on animal products, individuals contribute to lower carbon footprints and sustainable food practices, supporting a healthier planet.
Remember, before making significant dietary changes, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian to ensure your nutritional needs are met.
Embracing a raw vegan lifestyle can be transformative, providing a path to holistic well-being and a more mindful approach to nutrition.
#RawVeganBenefits #PlantBasedLiving #HealthyLifestyle
Pomegranate – the star ingredient of a healthy holiday drink
If you look at the image below, you will see the very star of this healthy holiday drink recipe. Can you guess which fruit is this?
Of course, pomegranate!
However, as the image shows – all the nutrients of this powerful fruit are enclosed in the pomegranate arils.
Image by: Faris Mohammed @ Unsplash
What is it better for you to drink pomegranate juice than to eat pomegranate arils?
In a nutshell:
Unless you carefully chew on each and every pomegranate aril, your body cannot extract the nutrients that are locked within the cellulose walls of pomegranate arils.
When pomegranate arils go down your digestive track without previously being broken down, in the best case scenario, they will just pass through your intestines. In the worst case scenario, they can cluster and cause an intestinal blockage.
Drinking pomegranate juice ensure you get all the nutrients from pomegranate effortlessly.
Please read in-depth article on this very interesting topic HERE.
What are the health benefits of drinking pomegranate juice?
Drinking pomegranate juice can offer a range of health benefits due to the rich nutritional profile of this vibrant fruit. Here are some potential advantages:
- Antioxidant-Rich
Pomegranate juice is packed with antioxidants, including polyphenols and anthocyanins. These compounds help neutralise free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Heart Health
Studies suggest that pomegranate juice may have a positive impact on heart health by lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving overall cardiovascular function. The antioxidants in pomegranate juice contribute to maintaining healthy arteries.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Pomegranate juice contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may help alleviate inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is associated with various health conditions, including heart disease and certain types of cancer.
- Cancer Prevention
Some research indicates that pomegranate juice may have anti-cancer properties, particularly in slowing down the growth of certain cancer cells. However, more studies are needed to establish conclusive evidence.
- Improved Memory
There is evidence to suggest that the antioxidants in pomegranate juice may have a positive impact on memory and cognitive function. It may help protect the brain from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Joint Health
Pomegranate juice may have anti-inflammatory effects that benefit joint health. It could potentially help alleviate symptoms of arthritis and reduce joint pain.
- Digestive Health
Pomegranate juice contains dietary fibre, which is beneficial for digestive health. It can aid in preventing constipation and promoting a healthy digestive system.
- Immune System Support
The vitamin C content in pomegranate juice can contribute to a healthy immune system. Vitamin C is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system and helps the body fight off infections.
- Sports Performance
Some studies suggest that the natural nitrates in pomegranate juice may enhance exercise performance by increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to muscles, potentially reducing muscle soreness.
Important note: Here I am talking exclusively about freshly juiced pomegranate without additives, sugar and other added ingredients that are commonly present in commercial juices.
When is pomegranate in season?
The exact timing of the pomegranate season can vary depending on the region and climate. In general, pomegranates are a fall fruit, and their peak season typically spans from September to November in the Northern Hemisphere. However, the specific months can vary based on factors such as the variety of pomegranate, the location of cultivation, and the local climate.
Here’s a rough guide to the pomegranate season:
- Pomegranate season in the northern hemisphere
Late Summer to Fall (September to November): This is the prime season for most varieties of pomegranates in regions like the United States, Europe, and Asia.
- Pomegranate season in the southern hemisphere
Spring to Early Summer (March to May): In countries in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia and parts of South America, pomegranates are typically in season during these months.
It’s important to note that these are general timeframes, and the availability of pomegranates in your local area may vary. Pomegranates are often harvested when they have reached their peak ripeness, and the fruit’s colour has turned from green to a deep red or reddish-purple, depending on the variety.
Image by: Zeynep Aciktepe @ Unsplash
What is a pomegranate press?
A pomegranate press, also known as a pomegranate juicer or extractor, is a specialised kitchen tool designed to extract the juice from pomegranates. These presses are designed to efficiently separate the juice from the pomegranate arils, providing a convenient way to enjoy fresh pomegranate juice.
Typically, a pomegranate press consists of a hand-operated or electric mechanism that applies pressure to the pomegranate, releasing the juice while leaving the seeds and pulp behind. Some common features of pomegranate presses may include:
- Lever or Hand-Crank
Manual pomegranate presses often have a lever or hand-crank mechanism that allows users to apply pressure to the fruit.
- Bowl for Pressing
An open pomegranate or any citrus half is usually placed in a bowl for juicing pomegranate and citruses.
- Strainer or Sieve
Many pomegranate presses come with a built-in strainer or sieve to separate the juice from the seeds and pulp, ensuring a smooth and seed-free liquid.
- Motorised Extraction
Some modern pomegranate presses are electric and have a motorised mechanism to simplify the juice extraction process. These may have additional features like variable speeds or different settings for optimal juice extraction.
Using a pomegranate press can be a convenient way to obtain fresh pomegranate juice without the hassle of manually deseeding and squeezing the fruit. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific press to ensure efficient and safe operation.
What you should pay attention to when choosing a pomegranate press?
When choosing a pomegranate press, consider factors such as:
- how heavy a pomegranate press is (it is good when it is heavy, because it typically means it is strong and can break tough pomegranate fruits)
- ease of use
- cleaning requirements
- whether it meets your specific preferences for juice extraction
My personal experience with a pomegranate press
I am absolutely in LOVE with my own pomegranate press. I have been having it since 2021 and I love how ease it is to make pomegranate and citrus juices with this kitchen device.
Order your pomegranate press
If you like pomegranate fruit and would like to enjoy all the nutritious and delicious benefits of drinking pomegranate juice as well as citrus juices, every year, than I truly believe that you will love having and using a pomegranate press.
I highly recommend that you invest in a high quality pomegranate press. At least this is what I did when I was buying my pomegranate press and I can honestly tell you that it was well worth it!
I heard stories of cheap pomegranate presses easily break.
My pomegranate press has shown high level of strength and durability even when dealing with some of the toughest pomegranate fruits! This is exactly the press you will love using as well.
And now… To the recipe!
Pomegranate Juice - Healthy Holiday Drink
Equipment
- freezer
- measuring cup
- strainer
Ingredients
- 1 orange
- 2 French parsley leaves
- 2 pomegranates
- 2 grapefruits
Instructions
Preparing the ice cubes
- Press and roll an orange well against the chopping board. This action makes it easier to juice more juice out of the fruit.
- Cut the orange in half.
- Juice both orange halves.
- In 2 ice-cube size silicone molds, place some orange pulp at the very bottom as a base, then add either a sprig of French parsley, or for example a sprig of rosemary, or dill, or a couple of mint leaves on top of that orange pulp.
- Fill the silicone mould with orange juice.
- Place the silicone moulds in the freezer for at least 8 hours to have them freeze well.
- Once when you have the ice cubes ready, it is time to make the juice.
Making the juice
- Press and roll an pomegranates and grapefruits well against the chopping board. This action makes it easier to juice more juice out of the fruit.
- Cut pomegranates and grapefruits in halves.
- Place the measuring cup under the pomegranate press.
- Juice all the pomegranate and grapefruit halves on the pomegranate press.
Filling the holiday glasses
- Place the orange-parsley ice cubes into your holiday glasses.
- Pour the pomegranate juice over the ice cubes in your holiday glasses.
Raise the glasses and cheer to health!
- Enjoy this delicious, nutritious and healthy holiday drink.
Nutrition Facts
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Do you like pomegranate juice?
How do you like this healthy holiday drink? Do you like pomegranates in general? If yes, how do you prefer to consume pomegranate: by eating pomegranate arils or drinking pomegranate juice?
Please let me know through the comments below. I love to hear from you!
Keep glowing,
Marina from Health Glows
Marina from Health Glows
As a certified raw vegan diet and healthy lifestyle coach, Marina helps her clients and followers to transition to a raw vegan diet in a proven and sustainable way, along with incorporating an exercise program for staying fit long term, in order to get rid of health problems and build a high level of health.