“Pomegranates are one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits,” says Madelyn Fernstrom, PhD, founding director of the Weight Management Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Research shows this fruit’s juice has more inflammation-fighting antioxidants than red wine or green tea.
Eat some fresh pomegranate (in season now through January). Or, use it in
the age-fighting scrub recipe below; apply once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells, suggests Cleo Londono, aesthetician and owner of Metamorphosis Day Spa in New York City.
Cut off pomegranate crown, and score rind in sections, without cutting all the way through. Place in a bowl of water for 5–10 minutes. Break rind away from seeds, which will sink; strain seeds. In a food processor, combine 2 tablespoons seeds and 1 cup uncooked oatmeal. Transfer to bowl; stir in 2 tablespoons honey (an antiseptic) and 2 tablespoons buttermilk. Apply to face for a few minutes, then rinse. For rough patches (like elbows), add 3⁄4 cup turbinado sugar.
Eat it: Enjoy remaining pomegranate seeds (from recipe below) au naturel or with your favorite cheese.
