Pomegranate is a juicy fruit and is known for its numerous health benefits. The peels of pomegranate comprise 50% of the fruit and as have more antioxidants than the juice.^{(1, 2)} While eating a pomegranate, the peels are discarded as they are thought of as inedible. Not to be forgotten, the peels of pomegranate are used for various health and beauty benefits.^{(3, 4)} The peels can be used by drying and grounding in fine powder. This powder can be steeped in hot water and consumed as tea and can also be mixed with water and applied on the skin as a paste.

7 Useful Health Benefits of Pomegranate Peels

Due to the high antioxidant level, pomegranate peels offer several health benefits.

Benefits of Pomegranate Peels in Treating Skin Condition

Pomegranate peels can be effective in treating hyperpigmentation of the skin, which is characterized by dark patches on the skin. It is due to the high antioxidant and polyphenols in it.

A study was performed on 30 volunteers with hyperpigmentation. A pomegranate mask and serum were applied daily to the skin for one month. It was observed that it lightened the areas of pigmentation without any side effects.⁽⁵⁾

Pomegranate peel powder can help in treating skin conditions due to the high levels of antioxidants.

One rat study found pomegranate to be effective in treating acne. It needs to be researched in humans to find its effectiveness in treating human acne.⁽⁶⁾

Pomegranate peels can also be effective in decreasing signs of aging and in promoting wound healing.^{(7, 8)}
Reduce the Risk of Chronic Disease

Pomegranate peels can be effective in reducing the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes.⁽⁹⁾ A study conducted for 30 days found that supplementing with 1000 mg of pomegranate peel extract improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels in overweight people and it was thought to be due to its anti-inflammatory effects.⁽¹⁰⁾One more study done on 37 people with type 2 diabetes found that taking 500 mg of pomegranate peels improved the blood pressure, cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1c, compared with those taking placebo.⁽¹¹⁾
Protects Against Hearing Loss

Oxidative stress contributes to hearing loss. Pomegranate peels are rich in antioxidants that play a role in reducing oxidative stress and may thereby prevent hearing loss.^{(12, 13)} There are promising results in mice studies and most robust human research is needed on the same.
Improves Brain Function

Oxidative stress has a part to play in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Pomegranate peels with antioxidant properties improve the quality of life of people with this disease.⁽¹⁴⁾ A human study done on healthy adults found the pomegranate extract to be effective in improving cognitive performance.⁽¹⁵⁾
Has Cancer-Fighting Properties

A polyphenol punicalagin present in pomegranate peels has anti-cancer properties.^{(16, 17)} A study was conducted in which pomegranate peel extract was found to be effective in treating prostate cancer. It was due to its ability to induce the death of cancer cells.⁽¹⁸⁾ It has shown anti-proliferative properties in breast, oral, and colon cancer. It helps by slowing or stopping the spread of cancer cells.
Improves Dental Health

Pomegranate peel extract when used in mouth rinse help in preventing plaque build-up.⁽¹⁹⁾ A study was performed on 50 individuals and it was that a mouth rinse containing pomegranate peel extract prevented tooth decay.⁽²⁰⁾ Due to its strong antibacterial properties, pomegranate peel extract may help in treating tooth and gum disease.⁽²¹⁾
Helps in Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition and pomegranate peels with their antioxidant properties may help in reducing the disease severity. Punicalagin present in it was found to reduce inflammation and cartilage damage in arthritic mice.⁽²²⁾

Another study tested a combination of substances including pomegranate peel on arthritic mice and was found to delay the onset of disease and its severity.⁽²³⁾

Pomegranate peel that is often discarded is indeed a very useful and health benefitting agent. Its powder can be easily made at home or can also be purchased as a supplement.

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7 Useful Health Benefits of Pomegranate Peels