Pomegranates have been around since ancient times and their health benefits have been recognized. Pomegranates can range from yellow-orange to red to deep purple. Rich in potassium, vitamin C, polyphenols and vitamin B6, pomegranates are real phytochemical powerhouses. Pomegranate juice may have two to three times the antioxidant power of equal amounts of green tea or red wine.
In one study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, pomegranate juice was a potent fighter in the battle against atherosclerosis. As little as a 1/4 cup of pomegranate juice daily may improve cardiovascular health by reducing oxidation of LDL cholesterol. In addition, animal studies suggest that pomegranates may cause regression of atherosclerotic lesions. It's unfortunate that many of us avoid pomegranates because it takes some work to get to the seeds.
Pomegranates possess potent anti-inflammatory phytochemicals, and consumption of pomegranate juice has been shown to lower blood pressure in hypertensive volunteers. Studies of several fruit juices and wines have reported the highest polyphenols concentration in pomegranate juice followed by red wine and cranberry juice.
If you've never tried a pomegranate, autumn is the perfect time. Select a pomegranate by weight: the seeds represent about half the weight of the fruit and so the heavier the fruit the better. The skin should be shiny without any cracks. You can store your pomegranate in a cool place for about a month but it will keep in the fridge for up to two months.
Traveling to Italy the US Department of State strongly suggests that you register your travel before you leave. Registering your travel will allow you to be contacted by family members and friends in case of an emergency. This is also especially important in case of a crisis in the country that you may be visiting. The Office of Overseas Citizens Services maintains a database of registered Americans out of the country so that you can be contacted if necessary. It is also strongly recommended that you leave a copy of your travel itinerary and copy of your passport photo page with a relative in the US before you leave for your vacation in Italy.
On the coast for your Italy vacation
If you are like many people you need to see some water to feel like you are truly on vacation-lots and lots of water! Italy boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and resorts in all of Europe.
For more beautiful coastal scenery during your Italy vacation, you may want to visit Bordighera. This is also a fishing village along the Italian Riviera. There will probably be fewer crowds here and this place is known for being a vacation spot for the wealthy in Europe. The palms used on Palm Sunday in the St. Peter's Basilica in Rome are from Bordighera.
Italian language for your Italian vacation
If the person you ask for help does not speak English at least they may be able to point you in the right direction if you can say "bus stop" in Italian. Another reason to learn some of the language is to enhance your experience. The words you know before you leave for your Italian vacation will serve as a basis for you to learn more words when you get there and expand your vocabulary.
If you plan on using public transportation at the very least make sure you carry around with you a card with words for "left, right, north, south, east, west, bus stop, train" etc. Or if you can, carry along an Italian dictionary. That will also be a big help on your Italian vacation.
Seeing art on your Italy vacation
If you are in Florence you must also go to the Uffizi Gallery. This place holds the greatest collection of paintings from the Italian renaissance period. Many of the painters from that time lived in Florence. This town has beautiful landscapes and rolling hills and it is no wonder that the great artists were so inspired by living in this region. An Italy vacation in this area will allow you to visit this museum and see famous works of art such as Michelangelo's "Doni Tondo" Leonardo da Vinci's "The Annunciation" and Raphael's "Maddonna of the Goldfinch." An Italy vacation here will be a true feast for your artistic soul as you will not only get to see the masterpieces of the greats but you will also get to walk the streets that they walked on.
If you are in Florence, Italy on vacation, you should probably see the Pallazo Vecchio. It is huge gothic town hall with a famous copy of Michelangelo's David statue. At one point in Italy's history, this building was the seat of the government around 1865. It is now where Florence's city council holds its offices. Each room, courtyard and entrance features beautiful architectural designs. There are private rooms and studies and each room is named after an architectural feature in the room. During your Italy vacation, you can take a guided tour of this huge building or you can walk through it at your leisure to marvel at the amazing ceilings and beautiful designs.
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