12 Promising Benefits Of Pomegranate Peel For Skin, Hair, And Health

Pomegranate peel benefits might inspire you to start eating it. Its medicinal properties have several health benefits, mostly linked to its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Pomegranate peel is loaded with antioxidants and may cure acne, help detoxify the skin, prevent early signs of aging, and ease sore throats and coughs. So, store them instead of throwing them away to reap these benefits. This article discusses the benefits of pomegranate peel, how to make peel powder and how to use it. Take a look.

Know Your Ingredient: Pomegranate

What Is It?
Pomegranate is a deciduous fruit-bearing shrub belonging to the lythraceae family.

What Are Its Benefits?
Pomegranates can help with sore throat, detoxification, and improve gut health.

Who Can Consume It?
Anyone looking for a great source of vitamin C and improved body health

How Often?
You can consume 1 cup of pomegranate seeds daily.

Caution
Avoid this fruit if you are suffering from diarrhea.

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). You can easily prepare a pomegranate face mask at home by mixing its peel powder with other beneficial natural ingredients like milk and rose water. 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 pomegranate’s benefits for the skin.

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 synthesisⁱ  The formation of procollagen that takes place in the cells and aids in collagen production. , 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 gingivitisⁱ  A commonly occurring gum inflammation characterized by bleeding gums that are caused due to a bacterial infection. , dental plaque, cariesⁱ  Tooth decay caused due to bacterial action on the teeth that produces acids, degrades the teeth, and creates holes. , and mouth ulcers (16). However, more long-term studies are required to understand this benefit of pomegranate peels.

Quick Tip

You may use the powder to brush your teeth or mix it with your toothpaste. Alternatively, you can gargle with pomegranate peel powder and warm water to maintain oral hygiene.

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 hemorrhoidsⁱ  Swollen veins in the rectum and the anus that cause extreme discomfort, itching, and even bleeding. (19). Some anecdotal evidence suggests that pomegranate peel also helps stop bleeding during diarrhea and improves digestion.

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.

While pomegranate peels may benefit your health in many ways, it also comes with several side effects. Keep reading to understand how it may adversely affect your health.

Side Effects Of Pomegranate Peel

Pomegranate peel is generally considered safe for consumption when properly prepared. However, it contains natural compounds that might cause allergic reactions such as itching, swelling, or rash. Additionally, the peel may be difficult to digest, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort or constipation (22). Therefore, wash the peels thoroughly to remove any traces of pesticides or contaminants. Also, ensure the fruits are organic and sourced from sustainable places.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should be cautious and avoid using the peels without consulting the doctor. Seek medical attention if you notice any side effects after consuming pomegranate peel.

You can easily prepare pomegranate peel powder at home. However, before that, check out the proper way to peel a pomegranate.

How To Peel A Pomegranate

1. Using a sharp knife, cut off the top and bottom of the pomegranate.
2. Score the skin of the pomegranate from top to bottom. Make 4 total incisions to create 4 equal sections. Only cut through the skin, stopping when you hit the white part. Michael Garrico, a nutritionist and a fitness coach, says, “You’ll want to leave about 1/4 inch at each end intact so that when you squeeze out all those seeds, they don’t get stuck inside anything else nearby like another seed or a piece of flesh!”
3. Place the pomegranate in water and begin to break it apart along the incisions you made earlier to separate the 4 sections.
4. Pull the seeds away from the skin. The seeds will sink to the bottom of the bowl, and the skin/pit will float to the top.
5. Before straining, skim the top of the water and remove any excess skin and pulp.

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.

Garrico says, “Pomegranate peels have an astringent taste that works well with a variety of spices, especially cinnamon.” Keep scrolling to learn interesting ways of incorporating pomegranate peel into your diet.

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

1. To a frying pan, add a little oil (coconut oil or olive oil works best) and the pomegranate peels, pepper, and cumin seeds. Roast them till the pomegranate peels turn slightly crisp or change in color.
2. In a mixer-grinder, add the grated coconut and the roasted ingredients from step 1. Add some salt and grind the mixture to a fine paste
3. Mix the paste with the thinned yogurt. This is the tambli.
4. To a frying pan, add a little oil, the mustard seeds, and curry leaves. As the mustard seeds pop, pour the contents of the pan on the top of the tambli.

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

1. Put all the herbs in a coffee grinder and grind them to a fine powder.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of the mixture to 1¹/₄ cup of water and bring it to boil for 1 minute.
3. Remove the mixture from the stove and let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain the tea and add the honey when warm.

Barbara Kovalenko

, Nutrition Consultant, says, “Pomegranate peel tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage and lower your risk of certain diseases. It also contains anti-inflammatory compounds, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and promote overall health.”

She adds, “One of the most interesting benefits of pomegranate peel tea is its potential ability to stop diarrhea. This is thought to be due to the presence of tannins in the peel, which can help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the gut. However, more research is needed to confirm this effect, so it is not recommended to use pomegranate peel tea as a sole treatment for diarrhea.”

You may use this pomegranate powder in almost any herbal mixture you want.

Quick Tip

You can also use jaggery instead of honey to sweeten your tea. Jaggery is also beneficial for the digestive system and may improve the tea’s efficacy.

Infographic: Top 5 Benefits Of Pomegranate Peels

Pomegranate peels are full of antioxidants. They have healing properties and numerous health benefits due to their anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial qualities. Check out the infographic below to learn about their top 5 health benefits. Scroll down.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pomegranate peel good for weight loss?

Pomegranate peel-fortified bread, which is high in fiber and antioxidative properties, helps in weight loss (23).

Is pomegranate peel good for diabetes?

Pomegranate peel contains polyphenols, and its extract helps improve lipid status in people with type 2 diabetes and may help manage blood pressure ( 24).

Are there any risks or side effects associated with using pomegranate peel?

Intake of pomegranate peel might cause skin irritation or naphylaxis (25). These peels may also interact with anticoagulants like warfarin, further enhancing the effects of the drug (26).

How does pomegranate peel compare to other fruits in terms of health benefits?

Pomegranate peels are packed with antioxidants and beneficial vitamins and possess anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties, which make them a top, effective ingredient.

Are there any cultural or historical uses of pomegranate peel that are still relevant today?

Pomegranate peel features extensively in Ayurveda and other traditional medicinal texts for its medicinal uses. In some cultures, it was used as a traditional natural dye, which is still relevant today.

Can pomegranate peel be used as a natural alternative to synthetic supplements or medications?

Possibly not. While the benefits of pomegranate peels are backed by a few scientific studies, one can use them as a natural supplement in their everyday life but not as an alternative to traditional medications. Consumption of pomegranate peels for medicinal purposes should be done after consulting a doctor.

Illustration: Promising Benefits Of Pomegranate Peel For Skin Hair And Health

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Dive deeper into the amazing benefits of pomegranate peel for skin, hair, and health. Watch this video for insights into how you can incorporate it in your daily routines for maximum results.

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Shivani SikriPG Diploma in Dietetics & Public Health Nutrition

     

Shivani Sikri is the founder and chief nutritionist at Nutri4Verve and has more than 10 years of experience. She recommends a well-balanced, holistic lifestyle modification approach, based on combinations, metabolism, and genetic and medical requirements of her clients.

Read full bio of Shivani Sikri

• 
  Barbara KovalenkoNutrition Consultant Barbara Kovalenko is a nutritional consultant with 4 years of experience in nutrition and mindful eating coaching. She earned her bachelor's degree in nutrition from Bogomolets National Medical University, Ukraine and master's degree from Boston University, USA.
  
  Barbara Kovalenko is a nutritional consultant with 4 years of experience in nutrition and mindful eating coaching. She earned her bachelor's degree in nutrition from Bogomolets National Medical University, Ukraine and master's degree from Boston University, USA.

Sindhu KogantiSenior Health & Wellness Writer

 

Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

Read full bio of Sindhu Koganti

Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Payal KarnikSenior Health & Wellness Writer

Payal Karnik is a senior health and wellness writer and a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach. She is a biotechnology graduate from the University of Mumbai with a keen interest in writing and a natural curiosity for science.

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