Pomegranate Ginger Chia Juice

By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by POM Wonderful and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

This time of year is all about resolutions and things we want to achieve over the next 12 months to improve the quality of our lives. One piece of advice that is frequently given regarding New Year’s resolutions is to set realistic, manageable goals that won’t overwhelm you. Committing to drastic lifestyle changes is a surefire way to fail, so it’s important to keep this in mind as you think about your goals for the new year. I’m a big believer in the idea that small changes, over time, can add up to big results.  If one of your resolutions for 2018 is to eat healthier, then here is an easy, small change you can make to your diet with some potentially big health benefits – drink pomegranate juice daily.  You can start by mixing up a batch of Pomegranate Ginger Chia Juice using Pom Wonderful 100% Juice. Pom Wonderful is the leader in the pomegranate juice market.  The pomegranates they use to make their #CrazyHealthy juice are whole-pressed, meaning a unique blend of polyphenol antioxidants from two whole pomegranates – including its fruit, pith and rind – is found in each 8-ounce serving. But that’s not the only reason you should drink it. Read on!

There is some interesting research on individuals who consume 8 oz. of pomegranate juice daily that has important implications for memory and cognition. (Note that each serving of Pomegranate Ginger Chia Juice contains 8 oz. of pomegranate juice.) In a preliminary 2013 UCLA study, it was found that a small group of older adults with age-related memory complaints who drank 8 oz. of pomegranate juice daily had increased verbal memory performance and functional brain activity in fMRI testing after just four weeks. *These early scientific results on the impact of pomegranate juice on the brain have not yet been adequately studied. Further clinical research on larger populations is needed to help establish causation and to determine the long-term effects of pomegranate on memory and cognition.

I love having a glass of Pomegranate Ginger Chia Juice with breakfast, but I often have a glass after exercising as well. The reason? 100% pomegranate juice is powered by unique polyphenols that early research suggests have promising results for post-workout muscle strength recovery. Certain types of polyphenol antioxidants, like those found in pomegranate juice, may help increase nitric oxide bioavailability by protecting it from breaking down in the body. Nitric oxide helps your body get the oxygen and nutrients in needs during exercise. *Although the research reported is promising, additional clinical research is needed to establish causation and the potential impact of pomegranate polyphenols and exercise. 

One serving of Pomegranate Ginger Chia Juice contains as much potassium as a medium banana. An added nutritional boost comes from the chia seeds, providing 6 grams of protein and 12 grams of fiber per serving. It seems unusual to drink seeds, but when chia seeds are stirred into warm water, and left to sit overnight, they become hydrated and tender, and, when mixed with juice have a pleasant mouthfeel. Ginger root is another ingredient that has impressive medicinal properties and health benefits, but the main reason you’ll love it in this juice is for the zesty zing it imparts – perfect to wake you up when you’re feeling groggy in the morning. Look for Pom Wonderful 100% Juice at your grocery store in its unique hour-glass shaped bottle. I love that it’s so easy to spot. I often buy it in the giant 48 oz. size at my warehouse store. Remember, small changes over time = big results. Incorporating pomegranate juice into your diet is one small change you can make that’ll  be easy!  Happy New Year and best of luck with your resolutions!

5.0 from 1 reviews

Pomegranate Ginger Chia Juice

 

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Author: QUEEN OF MY KITCHEN

Serves: 2 servings

Ingredients

• 1½ ounces fresh ginger root (about a 2-inch knob)
• 16 fluid ounces (2 cups) filtered water
• 6 tablespoons chia seeds
• 16 fluid ounces (2 cups) Pom Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
• 1 Halos mandarin orange, peeled and segmented

Instructions

1. Place the ginger and water in a high-powered blender (or food processor) and process until you can no longer see chunks of ginger.
2. Transfer the mixture to a quart size mason jar (or similar size microwave safe container) and heat in the microwave for 1 minute or until warm to the touch, but not steaming hot. (See note below.)
3. Add the chia seeds and stir well. Cover the jar and store in the refrigerator overnight.
4. Transfer the water/ginger/chia mixture to a pitcher and add the Pom Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice. Stir well with a fork, breaking apart any chunks of chia that may be stuck together.
5. Pour into glasses, garnish with Halo mandarin orange segments, and serve.

Notes

If you don’t own a microwave, transfer the ginger water to a small saucepan and heat on the stovetop.

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