The Persian recipe's for your health

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Kerry Fletcher
5 years ago
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1 The Persian recipe's for your health By Maryam Tabibzadeh The author of "Persian Dreams"

"Your food is your Medicine Your Medcine is your food" Abo ali Sina "The famous Persian Doctor" Recent research after research have shown that Abo Ali Sina was right in this aspect and different food

2 "Your food is your Medicine Your Medcine is your food" Abo ali Sina "The famous Persian Doctor" Recent research after research have shown that Abo Ali Sina was right in this aspect and different food would make a difference on our lives and our health. This e-book will bring you an introduction to a rare fruit which had gotten the attention of so many scientist these days. After knowing the fruit and it's benefits. I will give you the recipe's which will delight you for their uniqueness and their marvelous taste.

This rare fruit is Pomegranate: The pomegranate is an ancient fruit with a rich history in myth, symbol, art, medicine and religion. It has always been an important part of the Middle Eastern diet.

3 This rare fruit is Pomegranate: The pomegranate is an ancient fruit with a rich history in myth, symbol, art, medicine and religion. It has always been an important part of the Middle Eastern diet. Until recently, however, pomegranates were something of a seasonal novelty in the West. Then medical studies suggested what the ancients believed and Middle Easterners probably take for granted: Pomegranates are really good for you. And thus, instant celebrity..

4 Scientists say the leathery-skinned, orange-sized fruit with the sweet-tart juice may help with heart disease, cancer and problems associated with aging. It's loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, potassium, folic acid and iron. Pomegranates are the new super food. Green tea and red wine, which have fewer antioxidants than pomegranates, are yesterday's health news. The popularity of pomegranates, which are native to Iran, may have been delayed in the West because it is such a labor-intensive fruit. Beneath its tough but thin skin, each pomegranate holds hundreds of tiny seeds encased in translucent ruby pulp. Bitter, inedible membranes hold the seeds, and getting the seeds out can be a struggle -- although it doesn't have to be (see left). Since the pomegranate's health profile has risen, though, more people are willing to make the effort. And what they find is a fruit with many uses. The seeds can be sprinkled into a green salad for color and crunch, or used in baked goods, soups, sauces and ice cream. You also can just put a bunch of them in a bowl to use as a centerpiece. Most U.S. pomegranates are grown in California, and they're in season right now. Look for fruit that is heavy for its size and has bright, unblemished skin. Pomegranates can be kept in the refrigerator for up to two months, or in a cool, dark place for up to a month.

5 Pomegranates are the fruit of a small, bushy tree and are used extensively in Middle Eastern cooking. One of the most famous pomegranate dishes is the traditional Persian fesenjan, a stew of duck or chicken, pomegranates and walnuts. Like many Middle Eastern dishes, fesenjan calls for pomegranate

6 juice or syrup. Once available only in ethnic markets, such products now are found in more mainstream markets. In her book In a Persian Kitchen, Maida Mazdeh writes, "I always connect fesenjan with the winter season. Grandmother used to say, 'Fesenjan is hot, therefore one shouldn't eat it in summer time.' Persians divide food into two categories some foods should be eaten in summer time because they have a cooling effect and others should be eaten in winter because they have a warming effect." Pomegranate soup is one way to enjoy the fruit's warming effects; it uses either the juice or seeds. One of the earliest cultivated fruits, the pomegranate has been traced back as far as 3,000 B.C. Some scholars even suggest that it was a pomegranate, not an apple, that tempted Eve. In their long history, pomegranates have been linked to health, fertility and rebirth. They figure prominently in many religions and are found in art and literature. King Tut and other ancient Egyptians, for example, were buried with pomegranates in hopes of a second life. The fruits are said to have been a favorite of the prophet Muhammad, and in Islam, the gardens of paradise hold pomegranates. In the Judeo-Christian Bible, Moses tells the Israelites they are going to a land of pomegranates (among other things.) Paintings often show the Virgin Mary or the infant Jesus holding a pomegranate. The Greek goddess Persephone's After opening the pomegranate by scoring it with a knife and breaking it open, the arils (seed casings) are separated from the skin (peel) and internal white supporting structures

(pith and carpellary membrane). Separating the red arils can be simplified by performing this task in a bowl of water, whereby the arils will sink and the white structures will float to the top.

7 (pith and carpellary membrane). Separating the red arils can be simplified by performing this task in a bowl of water, whereby the arils will sink and the white structures will float to the top. The entire seed is consumed raw, though the fleshy outer portion of the seed is the part that is desired. The taste differs depending on the variety of pomegranate and its state of ripeness. It can be very sweet or it can be very sour or tangy, but most fruits lie somewhere in between, which is the characteristic taste, laced with notes of its tannin. Health benefits described by wikipedia.org Providing 16% of an adult's daily vitamin C requirement per 100 ml serving, pomegranate aril juice is also a good source of the B vitamin, pantothenic acid, potassium and antioxidant polyphenols. Overall, however,

8 pomegranate is not a significant source of nutrients. The most abundant polyphenols in pomegranate juice are the hydrolyzable tannins called punicalagins shown in 39 peer-reviewed research publications over (August) to have potent freeradical scavenging ability in laboratory studies. [16] Antioxidant punicalagins absorb into the human body after consumption of pomegranate extracts, [17] and an ex vivo study of human plasma after consumption of a pomegranate extract standardized to punicalagins indicated an average 32% increase in plasma antioxidant capacity. [18] Many food and dietary supplement makers have found advantages of using pomegranate extracts ( which have no sugar, calories, or additives), instead of juice, as healthy ingredients in their products. Many pomegranate extracts are essentially ellagic acid which absorbs into the body after parent molecule punicalagins are hydrolyzed. In preliminary laboratory research and human pilot studies, juice of the pomegranate has been found effective in reducing heart disease risk factors, including LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation, [19] all of which are steps in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Tannins such as punicalagins have been identified as the primary components responsible for the reduction of oxidative stress which led to these risk factors. [20] Pomegranate has been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure by inhibiting serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). [21]

9 Metabolites of pomegranate juice ellagitannins localize specifically in the prostate gland, colon and intestinal tissues of mice, [22] leading to speculation that pomegranate juice may be effective against prostate cancer [23][24] and osteoarthritis. [25] In 2007, five clinical trials in the United States and Norway were conducted to examine the effects of pomegranate juice consumption on parameters of prostate cancer or prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes or lymphoma. [26]. The studies have not concluded (December 2007) but interim reports released to the public media were that pomegranate juice may slow onset or development of prostate cancer (above). Containing polyphenols which inhibit estrogen synthesis, pomegranate seed oil was effective against proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro. [27] The lists the pamagranate Medicinal properties Phytochemicals site describes that The pomegranate has been traditionally used as medicines in many countries Diarrhoea Pomegranate juice is a mild astringent, used to treat diarrhoea, and reduces some fevers. Anti-parasites The root bark is used to treat intestinal parasites, mainly tapeworm. The alkaloids narcotise the tapeworms so they lose their grip to the intestinal wall and are expelled. These alkaloids are also very toxic so they should no t be used for self-medication. Antioxidant Pomegranate contains many phytochemicals with antioxidant action, such as ellagic acid. Ellagic acid has anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic and antifibrosis activity.

10 Skin Whitening! Studies have shown that ellagic acid can suppress UV-induced skin pigmentation when applied topically or when administered orally. Mineka Yoshimura and colleagues have shown in their study "Inhibitory Effect of an Ellagic Acid-Rich Pomegranate Extract on Tyrosinase Activity and UV-induced Pigmentation" (Bioscience, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, 2005) that pomegranate extract has skinwhitening property. This effect was probably caused by the inhibition of proliferation of melanocytes and melanin synthesis. Pomegranate juice is a popular drink in the Persia, and is also used in Persian cuisine;

Pomegranate Soup: 2 large eggplant 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 0r 4 stems of Basel and mint 4 cup pomegranate Juice (not from concentrated) 5 one pound walnut Whole wheat pita bread Salt Cut eggplant

11 Pomegranate Soup: 2 large eggplant 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 0r 4 stems of Basel and mint 4 cup pomegranate Juice (not from concentrated) 5 one pound walnut Whole wheat pita bread Salt Cut eggplant into 1/4 inch slices and place on paper towels. Sprinkle slices with salt, weight them down with heavy plates or a board for 30 minutes, then pat them dry with paper towels. Lightly brush with olive oil and place eggplant slices on grill. Grill them for 3 minutes on each side, or until they are lightly browned on both sides. Remove from grill and arrange the eggplant overlapping on a serving dish. Cook it for 20 minute. While the eggplant is cooking wash the mint and Basel, take the stems out add the walnut and in a food processor crush and mix them together. add it to the pomegranate Juice. In a non-metallic bowl, combine the walnut paste and pomegranate Juice. Cut Pita bread to small pieces and mix it with the Juice. add the eggplant and enjoy. Serves 6.

Pomegranate Meatball Soup SOUP BASE 3 large leeks 6 tablespoons butter 3 quarts chicken stock 1/2 cup lentils, rinsed 1-1/2 cups pomegranate juice 1/2 cup raw rice 2 cups carrots- cut 1 cup parsley,

12 Pomegranate Meatball Soup SOUP BASE 3 large leeks 6 tablespoons butter 3 quarts chicken stock 1/2 cup lentils, rinsed 1-1/2 cups pomegranate juice 1/2 cup raw rice 2 cups carrots- cut 1 cup parsley, minced 2 cups fresh spinach 1 tablespoon fresh mint 1 tablespoon fresh coriander salt and pepper MEATBALLS 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon butter 2 tablespoons fresh mint, minced 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds 1/4 cup butter

13 Saute the garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon butter in a small skillet over moderately high heat. In a bowl combine the ground beef, mint, cumin, and garlic. Mash the mixture with a wooden spoon or use hands until smooth and pasty. Carefully work in the pomegranate seeds. Form 1/2 inch balls and place in hot skillet with 1/4 cup butter. Cook meatballs until lightly browned and transfer them with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain. Wash and mince the white parts of the leeks and put in a large flameproof enameled casserole with 6 tablespoons of butter. Cook over moderately low heat for 10 minutes, or until they are soft and golden. Add the chicken stock, lentils, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the mixture, covered, for 45 minutes. Skim the froth, add pomegranate juice, parsley, carrots, rice and meatballs and continue to simmer, covered, for 20 more minutes. Wash, trim, and chop the spinach and add to soup for the last 5 minutes of simmering. Ladle into heated bowls and sprinkle with fresh mint and coriander. Serves 6.

Chicken with Pomegranate and Walnuts (Fesenjon) 2-3/4 pound fryer chicken 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped 3 tablespoons shortening 3-1/2 cups water 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning 1 teaspoon

14 Chicken with Pomegranate and Walnuts (Fesenjon) 2-3/4 pound fryer chicken 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped 3 tablespoons shortening 3-1/2 cups water 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon pepper 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 cup fresh pomegranate juice 3 teaspoons butter 2 teaspoons tomato sauce 1 teaspoon sugar

15 Prepare chicken for frying. Saute chicken with poultry seasoning in shortening until light brown, set aside. In a large pot saute the onion in 3 teaspoon butter until golden brown. Add tomato sauce and saute for a few minutes. Add walnuts to the onions and saute over meduim heat about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add water, remaining seasonings, lemon juice, and pomegranate syrup. Cover and let cook on low about 35 minutes. Taste the sauce and add sugar if needed. Arrange browned chicken pieces in the sauce, cover and let simmer minutes. Serve over white rice.

Fruit of the Month Pomegranate What Is It?

Fruit of the Month Pomegranate What Is It? A pomegranate is a fruit the size of a large orange. The leathery reddish-pink skin shelters the membranous walls and bitter tissue that house compartments or