Pomegranates are the healthy and tasty fruit. Skin of pomegranate is thick, inedible, but there many benefits of the peel. Each seed is surrounded by a red, juicy and sweet seed covering known as an aril.The peel of fruit has healing properties, it can effectively fight acne, pimples and rashes. The peels are rich in antioxidants and fruitful in keeping infections at bay. The peel prevents breakdown of collagen in skin, and helps in promoting cell growth, which delays signs of ageing and reduces wrinkles effectively. It is helpful in hydrationof skin and protects it from pollutants, environmental toxins. Ellagic acid present in the peel locks moisture in the skin, keeping it soft and supple.
Pomegranate peels have sun-blocking agents that can save from the harmful UVA and UVB rays. It also restores the pH balance of the skin. Pomegranate peels can also help you fight hair loss and prevent the menace of dandruff.Pomegranate peels contain powerful antioxidants that help fight against heart diseases, it lowers cholesterol levels, reduces stress and restores heart health. They reduce oxidative stress and lowers blood pressure too. Pomegranate peels can help to deal with some of dental problems like preventing bad breath, gingivitis, carries and mouth ulcers. It has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties and are effective in reducing bone density loss, especially in menopausal women. Studies indicate that consuming concoctions made from pomegranate peels boost bone health and also helps to prevent the onset of menopausal osteoporosis. The tannins present in peels help to reduce inflammation of the intestine, swelling of haemorrhoids and tighten the intestinal lining, stop bleeding duringdiarrhea and also improves digestion. Some studies depict that Pomegranate wastes are produced during agricultural production, industrial manufacturing, and processing. Hence, it is good to take advantage of pomegranate by-products as they are a rich source of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins. Many researchers state that pomegranate extracts have an effective free radical scavenging and antioxidant capacity. Pomegranate extracts (PEs) also possess noticible antibacterial, antiviral, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory bioactivities which includes punicalagins, gallic acid, and ellagic acid derivatives. The researchers say that the pomegranate extracts are beneficial against viruses such as “influenza virus, herpes virus, poxviruses, and human immunodeficiency virus.” because it contains punicalagin, punicalin that have powerful effect in interacting with the selected protein targets and thereby possibly stop the viral entry into the host cell.
Few methods to use the peel are ;
For Acne: Take sun-dried pomegranate peels and roast them over a hot tava, make a powder of it. Then make a paste of this powder with lemon juice or rose water. Apply it especially on your pimples or acne. Let it dry for a while then wash it off thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use the powder of peel and mix with lotion or cream, preferably 20 minutes before use. One can also mix the powder with some essential oils and apply on face, and can be used a natural sunscreen.
For tonsil : Take a handful of sun-dried pomegranate peels, boil in water. Then strain the concoction. Cool for a while. Gargle with this water to get relief from sore throat and tonsil pains.
For bones: Add two spoons of sun-dried pomegranate peel powder to a glass of warm water and mix well. A spoonful of lemon juice can be added also with a dash of salt, to make it taste better. Drink this concoction at night to strengthen bones.
For Hair: Mix dried-pomegranate peel powder with your hair oil. Apply it on the roots of hair and massage thoroughly. Then wash hair with a mild shampoo after two hours of the application.

Dr Afsah Iqbal Nahvi, Dr Qurezza and Dr. Poonam Sharma from Division of FST ; SKUAST-K

Dr Afsah Iqbal Nahvi, Dr Qurezza and Dr. Poonam Sharma