Ever had a scrap over which is better, pomegranate seeds (aka the elusive "arils") or the juice? If your dinner conversations have sunk this low, frankly, we need to talk. But first, let's gratify your twisted need for pomegranate-battle trivia.

Sure, both pomegranate seeds and juice are known to pack an antioxidant punch, but just like Instagram influencers and real life, they are not created equal.

Let's start with the fiber, because let's be honest, everyone loves a good poop story. Pomegranate seeds are pretty well loaded, whereas the juice… well, it ain't. See, like many juice versions of foods, all that lovely fiber is left behind in the juicing process like an unwanted third date. And if you don't know why you need fiber in your life, it's time to grow up. Not only does it help prevent you from feeling like a blimp after a carb fest, but it also might cut your risk of colon cancer. And guess what darling, while supping on your juice, you ain't helping your fiber intake.

Moving on to antioxidants, the pomegranate packs three times the antioxidant power of your beloved green tea and red wine (yes, your bottle-a-day habit isn't as virtuous as you think). Antioxidants are like the VIP bouncers of your body, kicking out the destructive free radicals causing chaos and damage in their wake. Right now, there's a bit of a grey area when comparing pomegranate seeds and juice directly, because science hasn't provided a definitive answer yet – they're too busy trying to create Covid vaccines and such, sorry.

As for your ticker, both pomegranate seeds and juice have bragging rights. Again, science hasn't given us a definite "seeds vs juice" verdict, but both have characteristics beneficial to heart health. If you’re worried about your heart health or managing a cardiovascular condition, wholesome advice - consult your healthcare provider before you drown yourself in a sea of pomegranate.

So, until science puts on its battle gear, your safe bet - both pomegranate seeds and juice are full of antioxidants and heart-friendly properties. But if you want that fiber boost in your diet sans a kale smoothie, go for the seeds.

In conclusion, dear reader, pomegranates in any form are beneficial to your health. Enjoy its sweet, tart delightfulness while we work on arranging a Mortal Kombat-style fight between juice and pulp for your entertainment. Until then, keep crunching those arils and gulping that juice; just maybe not at the same time.