Health Benefits Of Pomegranate Peels
1. May Fight Acne, Pimples And Rashes
Pomegranate peel is said to possess antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties (1) It can effectively fight skin problems like acne, pimples, and rashes. The peel is rich in antioxidants and helps in keeping bacteria and other infections at bay (2). Anecdotal evidence suggests that pomegranate peels can also help in removing dead skin cells from your face when it is used in the form of a face pack or facial scrub. However, more studies are required to understand this benefit of pomegranate peel.
2. May Help In Detoxification Of The Body
Antioxidants proactively combat toxic agents in the body. Hence, the high antioxidant content of pomegranate peel is a capable tool when used to detoxify the body. A study conducted on mice found that the aqueous extract of pomegranate peel may promote detoxification (3). It is said to be very useful in fighting the toxins that are present in the body. However, limited data is available in this context.
3. May Prevent Wrinkles And Other Signs Of Aging
Over-exposure to the sun and pollution are two main causes of premature aging. Research indicates that pomegranate peel extract – when used with seed oil – promotes procollagen synthesis, fights the enzymes that break down collagen, and effectively promotes skin cell growth. Thus, it naturally and effectively delays skin aging and wrinkles (4). A study conducted by the Hallym University (Korea) on human skin cells and hairless mice found that the ellagic acid that is found in pomegranate peel extracts may alleviate wrinkles (5). Therefore, it may help keep your skin looking younger.
4. May Cure Sore Throat And Coughs
According to traditional medicinal practices, pomegranate peel helps relieve cough and is used in a powdered form with water as a gargle to help relieve sore throat (6). Multiple studies suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of pomegranate peel possesses antibacterial properties that may help in treating sore throat and cough (7), (8).
5. May Act As A Natural Moisturiser And Sunscreen
Limited data is available on this point. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the ellagic acid found in the pomegranate peel may prevent the moisture in skin cells from drying out, hence keeping your skin hydrated. Furthermore, pomegranate peel is said to hydrate and protect your skin from environmental toxins and restore its pH balance. That is also why they are used in skin care products for their moisturizing properties. Pomegranate peel contains effective sunblock agents and acts as a natural sunscreen to prevent and repair the damage caused to the skin by UVA and UVB rays (9).
6. May Fight Against Skin Cancer
Amazing new research has revealed that pomegranate extracts contain a preventive agent that fights against the onset of skin cancer (10). The anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of pomegranate peel are purported to be effective in the prevention and treatment of skin cancer. Pomegranate peel prevents the cancer cell proliferation process, thereby reducing the risk of skin cancer. However, very few research studies are available in this regard, and more long-term research is required to understand this benefit of pomegranate peel in humans.
7. Rich Source Of Vitamin C
Vitamin C, another must-have nutrient for which we often purchase expensive supplements, is found in abundance in pomegranate peel (11), (12). Vitamin C is an extensive growth agent that helps heal wounds and form scar tissue. It forms proteins to build body mass and is an important player in the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth (13).
8. May Protect Against Heart Disease
Pomegranate peel is rich in antioxidants that are highly capable of protecting LDL cholesterol against oxidation. It is also said to possess vasculoprotective effects that prevent heart problems (14). This is beneficial because LDL cholesterol oxidation in your body can lead to oxidative stress, a major contributing factor toward heart disease and other ailments (15).
9. May Improve Dental Hygiene
Pomegranate peels are often used in tooth powders and toothpaste. These peels are said to possess antibacterial and anticaries effects that can help deal with a host of dental problems like gingivitis, dental plaque, caries, and mouth ulcers (16). However, more long-term studies are required to understand this benefit of pomegranate peels.
10. May Boost Bone Health
Pomegranate peels are effective in reducing bone density loss. Studies indicate that consuming concoctions made of pomegranate peels can help boost bone health and prevent the onset of osteoporosis after menopause. A study states that pomegranate peel is rich in tannins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, and the consumption of its extract as a dietary supplement has a beneficial effect on bone health (17).
11. May Improve Gut Health
Pomegranate peel contains tannins that help reduce inflammation of the intestine with its anti-inflammatory properties (18). Furthermore, this fruit peel helps in reducing the swelling of hemorrhoids (19). Some anecdotal evidence suggests that pomegranate peel also helps stop bleeding during diarrhea and improves digestive health.
12. May Arrest Hair Loss And Prevent Dandruff
Pomegranate peel extracts have been effectively used to combat hair loss and proactively control dandruff.The antifungal activity of pomegranate peel helps reduce the hair loss caused by fungal activity and prevents dandruff (20), (21). However, limited research is available in this regard. Now that you know everything about the health benefits of pomegranate peel, let’s check out how to peel a pomegranate.
How To Peel A Pomegranate
Here’s how you can make pomegranate peel powder at home.
How To Make Pomegranate Powder
Follow these steps to make pomegranate powder in the confines of your home.
Take four to five pomegranate fruits and cut each fruit into four sections, longitudinally. Remove all the seeds and separate the peels. Further, cut each peel into two halves. With a knife, peel away the yellow portion just beneath the red skin if you wish to use the peels for therapeutic purposes. This is because the yellow portion, when dried and powdered, can give a bitter taste to your concoctions. However, if you are using the peel for external application, you can keep the yellow portion intact. Place the peels on a plate or dry cloth and put them under direct sunlight. Allow them to dry. Leave the peels under the sun until they become hard and lose all moisture. Add all the sun-dried peels to a clean, dry food processor and grind for two minutes until you get a fine powder. Store the powder in a clean airtight glass jar.
Recipes
1. Pomegranate Peel Tambli
Ingredients
Pomegranate peel – 3-inch piece Freshly grated coconut – 1/2 cup Thinned yogurt – 1/2 cup Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds – 1/2 teaspoon Salt – 3/4 teaspoon Cooking oil – 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds – 1/2 teaspoon A few curry leaves
Directions Get the advantage of pomegranate peel tambli as a diarrhea treatment at home.
2. Pomegranate Herbal Tea
Ingredients
Pomegranate powder – 1 teaspoon Mint leaves Ginger Cumin seeds Organic green tea leaves Honey – 1 teaspoon
Directions You may use this pomegranate powder in almost any herbal mixture you want. Is pomegranate peel good for weight loss? Pomegranate peel-fortified bread, which is high in fiber and antioxidative properties, helps in weight loss (22). Is pomegranate peel good for diabetes? Pomegranate peel contains polyphenols, and its extract helps improve lipid status in people with type 2 diabetes ( 23).
