Pomegranate, an elixir of youth

Pomegranates aren't native to our climes, but have been cultivated for more than 5,000 years around the Mediterranean and Middle East. Nowadays you'll also find them in tropical zones, India and Morocco. This round, red/pink fruit contains slightly acidic, juicy seeds. Legend states that a treasure trove awaits anyone who can peel and eat a pomegranate without losing a seed! What's for sure is that this fruit hides a wealth of benefits under its skin. Both its skin and seeds are packedhealth-boosting antioxidants, but they can also help prevent atherosclerosis, cancer (skin cancer in particular), scar healing, inflammations and infections. A symbol of beauty and life, at the heart of many an old wives' tale, pomegranate is taking the beauty world by storm, thanks to its anti-ageing and regenerative properties.

You may not know it, but skin loves a bit of pomegranate! Alongside tea andgrapes, it's one of the top 3 most powerful antioxidants. Bursting with polyphenols and vitamin E is helps prevent cell oxidation (thanks to free radicals) that causes our skin to prematurely age. And that's not all: pomegranates are packed with vitamins C and B, mineral salts and trace elements, meaning it kick starts and stimulates our cells' metabolism. It's rich in poly and mono-unsaturated fatty acids that hydrate and soften skin, whilst its phytosterol content boosts collagen production. Finally it stimulates aquaporins (molecules that transport water) meaning it helps hydrate our skin. When our skin is well hydrated, its tissues tone up - like we said, an elixir of youth !

Pomegranate juice (with no sugar or additives) is even richer in antioxidants than the flesh and is highly recommended if you want to keep your flawless glow. Whether fresh or bottled, it has three times more antioxidants than green tea and red wine and an antioxidant level that far outweighs guava, mangoes, tomatoes, oranges and papaya. The idea is to enjoy a glass on a regular basis.You can also pick up pomegranate supplements in oil or capsule form.On the cosmetics front, it's often included in creams, shampoos, shower gels and body oils. Face-wise pomegranate is highly recommended when we reachour forties, a time when our skin needs a good pick-me-up.