Both Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson rave about the fruit's allure. And whether it's Oprah going wild about pomegranate martinis (the official 2005 Oscar cocktail . . .see below for her recipe); Jennifer Lopez insisting on a supply of pomegranate green tea, or Charlize Theron and Sienna Miller swigging pomegranate flavoured soda, the pomegranate is here to stay.

And the good news is that the pomegranate is not only delicious, it's packed with health-giving properties. The best-known antioxidants are vitamin E, vitamin C and folic acid . . . all abundant in whole pomegranates and their freshly squeezed juice.

One pomegranate gives 40% of an adult's daily vitamin C requirement and the juice has three times the antioxidant properties of red wine or green tea. Since ancient times it's been used as a natural astringent, and it's believed to provide natural antiviral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial benefits too.

"Picking up some pomegranate . . . either the juice or the fruit itself . . . is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself, " says yoga expert and health nutritionist Heidi Troughton. "This unique fruit is a good source of potassium, which helps lower blood pressure, and antioxidants which can helps prevent cancer, heart disease, and some eye problems."

Her three-day detox plan is a simple, effective way to capitalise on this latest, must-have wonder fruit.

"Of course, anyone who wants to detox must do it sensibly. You should cut out alcohol, drink at least two litres of water a day, and you shouldn't try it if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or under medical supervision. Otherwise, this plan should leave you feeling refreshed and alive . . . even if you have had too many pomegranate martinis the week before!"

Pomegranate three-day detox You can drink pomegranate juice straight, eat the delicious pulp and seeds, or separate the seeds to be eaten raw as a garnish. To extract the seeds, cut off the crown (like a stalk), lightly score the fruit's surface and soak it in a bowl of water for five minutes. Keeping the pomegranate immersed (the juice can stain), break it apart with your fingers and pop all the seeds out of their casings. Skim off the pith, pour the seeds into a sieve, and drain. Pomegranate juice, either pure or concentrated, is available at good healthfood shops.

Day one Breakfast:

>> Pomegranate fruit smoothie: one cup pomegranate juice, one small banana, one cup of rice milk or soya milk. Blend until smooth.

>> One piece of rye bread, with honey.

Lunch:

>> Pomegranate spritzer: blend together one cup pomegranate juice, one cup sparkling water.

>> Garlic mushrooms on wholemeal toast.

Dinner:

>>Pomegranate spritzer, as above.

>> Jacket potato with raw, grated carrot and beetroot, garnished with crushed walnuts, sunflower seeds and pomegranate seeds.

Day two Breakfast:

1/2 cup soya yoghurt, together >> One large banana, three brazil nuts and a large handful of raisins.

Lunch:

>> Fresh spinach, tomato and mixed bean salad with pomegranate vinaigrette:

reduce four tablespoons of pomegranate juice in a saucepan until it is halved in quantity. Add to two tablespoons of olive oil, and one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for the vinaigrette.

Dinner:

>> Steamed fresh vegetables with brown rice, lentils cooked with garlic and ginger, and a quick pomegranate chutney: crush half a pomegranate into a paste, and mix with organic tomato ketchup, a dash of Worcester sauce, and a squeeze of lemon.

Garnish with fresh coriander.

Day three Breakfast:

>> One cup pomegranate juice, one cup orange juice, one cup sparkling water.

Blend.

>> Pomegranate fruit salad: mix pomegranate with apples, pears, melon and seasonal berries. Sprinkle with finely chopped nuts and serve with a spoonful of honey.

>> Organic low-fat peanut butter on wholemeal toast.

Lunch:

>> Pomegranate spritzer.

>> Baked yellow pepper stuffed with precooked brown rice, sauteed onions, tomatoes and fresh parsley.

Dinner:

>> Lemon and pomegranate juice spritzer >> Marinated tofu fried with courgettes, pomegranate and sesame seeds.

Oprah's pomegranate martini 11/2 cups pomegranate juice 2 oz Absolut citron vodka or white tequila 1 oz Cointreau Cup of ice Splash of sparkling water (optional) Squeeze of lemon (optional) Shake ingredients in a shaker and put in chilled martini glasses. Put pomegranate fruit into glass as garnish.