Pomegranates 1 – MRSA 0
There’s been much hype about pomegranates to date – they’ve long been hailed as a super food – but scientists at Kingston University have found another significant new use for this humble red fruit.
After a 3 year study, researchers from the School of Life Science department were able to develop a topical ointment to treat MRSA and other hospital infections. The ointment, which combines pomegranate rind with naturally occurring metal salts and Vitamin C, successfully attacks a range of drug resistant microbes.
The use of foodstuff and natural ingredients in the ointment means your body should be better able to cope with application, and you’re less likely to experience a major side-effect. No wonder it’s being labelled a significant development!
Ointment aside, the list of health benefits associated with consuming pomegranates is pretty impressive. Here are a few reasons why they should make an appearance on your shopping list each week:
- 200mls pomegranate juice provides a third of your daily Vitamin C requirement
- They’re a good source of Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), potassium and antioxidant polyphenols
- They may inhibit viral infections in the body
- Pomegranate seeds are high in fibre and unsaturated fat (good fat)
- Pomegranate extracts have antibacterial effects against dental plaque
Pomegranate juice is undoubtedly the easiest way to reap the benefits, but they’re also a surprisingly versatile cooking ingredient! Try using pomegranates:
In a salad – with quinoa, goats cheese, pine nuts and herbs
As salad dressing – with garlic, lemon juice and olive oil
As a dip – with olive oil, chickpeas, lemon, garlic and chillies (pureed)
With basmati rice – along with coriander seeds, cumin and flaked almonds
In ice-cream – yum, yum, yum!
These recipes and more can be found on the BBC Good Food site.
Pomegranates are in season in the Northern Hemisphere from October to February and from March to May in the Southern Hemisphere. At the supermarket you should look at the skin of the fruit, which should be thin, tough and unbroken (this means the flavour is well developed).
Enjoy!