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.

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.

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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.
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.

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.

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

Pomegranate peels are rich in antioxidants. The many benefits of pomegranate peels are linked to their anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and anti-bacterial properties. In addition, the peels may effectively fight acne, pimples, and rashes, help detoxify the body, delay wrinkles, treat sore throat and cough, fight against skin cancer, and act as natural skin moisturizer and sunscreen. You can easily prepare tea with its powder. Ensure you do not throw the peels away the next time you eat a pomegranate. Instead, store the peels to prepare their powder.

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 (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).

Sources

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Check out our editorial policy for further details.

• Sorrenti, Valeria, et al. “Beneficial effects of pomegranate peel extract and probiotics on pre-adipocyte differentiation.”Frontiers in microbiology 10 (2019): 660.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6456667/
• Lee, Chia-Jung, et al. “Multiple activities of Punica granatum Linne against acne vulgaris.”International journal of molecular sciences 18.1 (2017): 141.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5297774/
• Colombo, Elisa, Enrico Sangiovanni, and Mario Dell’Agli. “A review on the anti-inflammatory activity of pomegranate in the gastrointestinal tract.”Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013 (2013).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3612487/
• Barathikannan, Kaliyan, et al. “Chemical analysis of Punica granatum fruit peel and its in vitro and in vivo biological properties.”BMC complementary and alternative medicine 16.1 (2016): 264.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4967515/
• Bae, Ji‐Young, et al. “Dietary compound ellagic acid alleviates skin wrinkle and inflammation induced by UV‐B irradiation.”Experimental dermatology 19.8 (2010): e182-e190.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20113347/
• Joshi, Chinmayi, Pooja Patel, and Vijay Kothari. “Anti-infective potential of hydroalcoholic extract of Punica granatum peel against gram-negative bacterial pathogens.”F1000Research 8 (2019).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6392158/
• Hajifattahi, Farnaz, et al. “Antibacterial effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Punica granatum Linn. petal on common oral microorganisms.”International journal of biomaterials 2016 (2016).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4738741/
• Karimi, Ali, et al. “In vitro anti-adenoviral activities of ethanol extract, fractions, and main phenolic compounds of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel.”Antiviral Chemistry and Chemotherapy 28 (2020): 2040206620916571.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7169357/
• Binic, Ivana, et al. “Skin ageing: natural weapons and strategies.”Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013 (2013).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3569896/
• Bassiri-Jahromi, Shahindokht. “Punica granatum (Pomegranate) activity in health promotion and cancer prevention.”Oncology reviews 12.1 (2018).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5806496/
• Gould, S. W. J., et al. “Antimicrobial pomegranate rind extracts: enhancement by Cu (II) and vitamin C combinations against clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.”British journal of biomedical science 66.3 (2009): 129-132.
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19839222/
• Mphahlele, Rebogile R., et al. “Effect of drying on the bioactive compounds, antioxidant, antibacterial and antityrosinase activities of pomegranate peel.”BMC complementary and alternative medicine 16.1 (2016): 143.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4881059/
• Pullar, Juliet M., Anitra C. Carr, and Margreet Vissers. “The roles of vitamin C in skin health.”Nutrients 9.8 (2017): 866.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/
• Wang, Dongdong, et al. “Vasculoprotective effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.).”Frontiers in pharmacology 9 (2018): 544.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5977444/
• Aviram, Michael, and Mira Rosenblat. “Pomegranate protection against cardiovascular diseases.”Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2012 (2012).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3514854/
• Umar, Dilshad, et al. “The effect of pomegranate mouthrinse on Streptococcus mutans count and salivary pH: An in vivo study.”Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research 7.1 (2016): 13.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4759979/
• Spilmont, Mélanie, et al. “Pomegranate peel extract prevents bone loss in a preclinical model of osteoporosis and stimulates osteoblastic differentiation in vitro.”Nutrients 7.11 (2015): 9265-9284.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4663593/
• Mastrogiovanni, Fabio, et al. “Anti-inflammatory effects of pomegranate peel extracts on in vitro human intestinal caco-2 cells and ex vivo porcine colonic tissue explants.”Nutrients 11.3 (2019): 548.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6471410/
• Ramalingum, Nelvana, and M. Fawzi Mahomoodally. “The therapeutic potential of medicinal foods.”Advances in pharmacological sciences 2014 (2014).
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4009199/
• Foss, Simone R., et al. “Antifungal activity of pomegranate peel extract and isolated compound punicalagin against dermatophytes.”Annals of clinical microbiology and antimicrobials 13.1 (2014): 32.
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4353666/
• Jaradat, Nidal Amin, et al. “Ethnopharmacological survey of herbal remedies used for treatment of various types of cancer and their methods of preparations in the West Bank-Palestine.”BMC complementary and alternative medicine 16.1 (2016): 93.
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• Evaluation of Pomegranate Peel Fortified Pan Bread on Body Weight Loss
  https://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/paperinfo.aspx?journalid=153&doi=10.11648/j.ijnfs.20140305.18
• Beneficial effects of pomegranate peel extract on plasma lipid profile, fatty acids levels and blood pressure in patients with diabetes mellitus type-2: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464619306164

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Sindhu Koganti

Sindhu Koganti is a health and wellness writer with over 5 years of experience. She has a bachelor’s degree in… more

Shivani Sikri

(PG 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… more

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