Among its many properties, the pomegranate, a typical fruit of the autumn season, also has that of promote weight loss. With the help of Sonia Bolognesi, nutrition biologist in Porto Sant'Elpidio (Fermo) and Osimo (), we explain why and how to make the most of it.
LIGHT AND FAT BURNER
"In addition to having a negligible calorie content (60 calories per 100 grams), this fruit has a fat burning action certified by several studies. In particular, an authoritative research conducted on obese people by the National Center for Biotechnology Information of Maryland (USA) has shown that anthocyanins, tannins, polyphenols and flavonoids of which the pomegranate is rich, they accelerate metabolic reactions ”, explains the expert. «Also, thanks to the high fiber content, modulates blood sugar levels and prevents glycemic peaks responsible for the high secretion of insulin on which the increase in adipose mass may depend. Finally, it contains electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, selenium, zinc, phosphorus and vitamin C, which stimulate diuresis and improve circulation, thus helping the body to deflate ».
BECAUSE IT WORKS TO THE MAXIMUM
«To preserve all its virtues, consume the pomegranate fresh and at the right degree of ripeness, choosing bright red fruits, not too dark. A further verification lies in the tap the peel with a spoon the fruit, after dividing it in two: if the seeds fall off on their own, it means it's time to eat it, ”suggests the nutritionist. "You can also extract the juice with a juicer and drink it on an empty stomach as soon as you wake up; or add the grains to fruit salad or yogurt for breakfast ».
Furthermore, you can try it in salads in the recipe below, taken from the book SmartFood recipes by Eliana Liotta and Lucilla Titta (Rizzoli, € 16,90).
SALAD WITH LETTUCE, CHICORY, GRAPES, PEAR AND POMEGRANATE
Ingredients for people 4
√ 250 g of white or red grapes
√ 1 pomegranate
√ 1 radicchio
√ 1 pera matura bio
√ 2 lettuce hearts
√ 12 walnut kernels
v 3 tablespoons of linseed oil
v 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
√ 1 bunch of chives
√ 1 teaspoon of spicy paprika
√ 1 handful of sunflower seeds v salt to taste v black pepper to taste
How to prepare it
Wash the lettuce, radicchio, grapes, pear and chives, drying everything carefully. Chop the salads with your hands, divide the grapes in half without removing the seeds, peel the pear and slice it into thin slices. Cut the pomegranate into quarters and shell the grains. Combine everything in a salad bowl and sprinkle with the finely chopped chives. In a small bowl, prepare a sauce by emulsifying the linseed oil, balsamic vinegar, paprika, a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper. Sprinkle the salad with the emulsion, add the walnut kernels and sunflower seeds and serve immediately.
