Orange Pomegranate and Walnut Salad

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Compound derived from walnuts and pomegranates may boost mitochondrial and muscle health.

As a person ages, mitochondrial function declines, driving many age-related conditions, including the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. Findings from a recent study suggest that a compound derived from ellagic acid metabolism helps restore mitochondrial and muscle health in older adults. 

Ellagic acid is a bioactive compound found in a wide variety of fruits, nuts, and vegetables, especially walnuts, pomegranates, and rose hips. Bacteria in the human gut break down ellagic acid to produce compounds called urolithins. Scientists have identified about 20 urolithins, but the most studied of these is urolithin A, which exerts potent anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. The capacity to form urolithin A from ellagic acid varies considerably from person to person and decreases with age.

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/940275

Recipe idea from Author Beautiful Eats & Things

Orange Pomegranate and Walnut Salad

Servings 6

Ingredients

  • 6 cups spring salad mix
  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 1/2 cup mandarin oranges drained ( I use fresh orange pieces)
  • ½ cup walnuts chopped
  • 1/3 cup reduced fat feta crumbled 

 

For the Honey Dijon Dressing

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1½ tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 Tbsp honey ( I reduce to 2 teaspoons)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

 

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together spring salad mix, pomegranate seeds, mandarin oranges, and walnuts.
  2. Arrange salad on a large platter.
  3. To make the dressing: whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
  4. Drizzle dressing over the salad, add feta, and serve.
  5. Top with additional pomegranates, feta, and walnuts if desired.  Enjoy!

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