Pomegranates and their juice may help improve blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels, among other benefits. The red peels comprise about 50% of the fruit and contain more antioxidants than the juic
Pomegranate peels are typically discarded and thought of as inedible, but they’re used regularly for various health and beauty benefits in Ayurvedic medicine, an alternative practice with roots in Indian culture
After being separated from the fruit, the peels can be dried out and ground into a fine powder to be steeped in hot water and consumed as tea or mixed with water to make a paste that can be applied topically. The powder can also be purchased as a supplement.
Thanks to their high levels of antioxidants, pomegranate peels offer several benefits. Here are 9 surprising benefits of pomegranate peels.
1. May help treat some skin conditions
Pomegranate peels are high in antioxidants and polyphenols, and they’ve been shown to treat hyperpigmentation, a condition characterized by dark patches of skin.
One study including 30 volunteers with hyperpigmentation found that applying pomegranate masks and serum daily for about 1 month helped lighten areas of hyperpigmentation with no adverse side effects
Also, it’s thought that a paste made from pomegranate peel powder and water can help treat acne and other skin conditions, likely due to its high levels of antioxidants.
One rat study found that pomegranate was an effective acne treatment. However, more research, specifically human studies, is needed to confirm the role of pomegranate peels in treating acne
Pomegranate peels may also protect against ultraviolet B (UVB) damage and decrease signs of aging, though human research is lacking
Lastly, when used as an ointment, pomegranate peels promoted wound healing in guinea pigs. Again, human studies in this area are lacking
