What Nutrients Are in Pomegranate Peel?

December 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Though often discarded, pomegranate peel can constitute up to 50% of the fruit's total weight and is a surprisingly concentrated source of beneficial nutrients. Unlike the sweet arils, the peel is bitter and inedible raw, yet it possesses a powerful profile of bioactive compounds that offer numerous health advantages. Recent studies have highlighted its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making it a valuable byproduct worthy of attention.

Quick Summary

The peel of the pomegranate is a rich source of bioactive compounds, far more concentrated than the juice or seeds. Key components include potent antioxidant polyphenols such as punicalagins, ellagic acid, and flavonoids, as well as significant amounts of dietary fiber. These nutrients contribute to the peel's anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and potentially anti-cancer effects.

Key Points

Rich in Polyphenols: Pomegranate peel contains higher concentrations of antioxidant polyphenols, such as ellagitannins (punicalagins) and flavonoids, compared to the fruit's edible parts.
High in Dietary Fiber: The peel is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health and can help manage cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Contains Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Key micronutrients in the peel include vitamin C, potassium, and calcium, supporting overall bodily function and antioxidant activity.
Provides Potent Antioxidant Effects: The high antioxidant content helps combat oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to aging and various chronic diseases.
Offers Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Properties: The bioactive compounds in the peel demonstrate significant antimicrobial activity and can help manage inflammatory conditions, supporting immune health.
Supports Skin Health: Topical applications or extracts of pomegranate peel can help protect the skin from damage, address hyperpigmentation, and fight acne.

A Treasure Trove of Polyphenols

The most significant class of nutrients found in pomegranate peel is its abundant and diverse polyphenols. These potent antioxidants are present in much higher concentrations in the peel than in the edible arils and juice, making the discarded skin a valuable resource for nutraceuticals. The therapeutic effects of pomegranate peel are largely attributed to these compounds, which protect the body from oxidative stress and help manage inflammation.

Key Polyphenolic Compounds

Punicalagins: These are the most abundant and well-researched ellagitannins in pomegranate peel. Punicalagins are responsible for a significant portion of the peel's antioxidant capacity and are hydrolyzed in the gut to form ellagic acid and other beneficial metabolites. Their potent antioxidant properties contribute to a wide range of health benefits.
Ellagic Acid: A powerful antioxidant, ellagic acid is a key component released from punicalagins during digestion. It is known for its protective effects against free radical damage, with research suggesting it may also play a role in cancer prevention and managing chronic inflammatory diseases.
Flavonoids: The peel contains a variety of flavonoids, such as quercetin, rutin, and catechins. These compounds contribute to the peel's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, enhancing its overall therapeutic potential.
Phenolic Acids: Several phenolic acids are also present, including gallic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid. These compounds add to the peel's antioxidant profile and play a role in its biological functions.

Dietary Fiber

Besides its rich array of polyphenols, pomegranate peel is an excellent source of dietary fiber, comprising between 33% and 62% of its dry weight. The fiber content consists of both soluble and insoluble components, including cellulose and lignin. This high fiber concentration offers significant benefits for digestive health and can be used as a food additive to increase the nutritional value of various products. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements and can aid in managing cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Vitamins and Minerals

Pomegranate peel also provides essential micronutrients, though the levels can vary depending on the cultivar and environmental factors. Some of the notable vitamins and minerals include:

Vitamins: The peel contains vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which contributes to its antioxidant properties and supports immune function.
Minerals: Important minerals found in the peel include potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which are vital for maintaining overall health.

Potential Health Benefits of Pomegranate Peel Nutrients

The high concentration of bioactive compounds in pomegranate peel translates into a wide array of potential health benefits, supported by various studies.

Antioxidant Effects: The powerful antioxidant profile helps combat free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and chronic diseases. This is largely due to the high content of polyphenols like punicalagins.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: The anti-inflammatory effects of pomegranate peel are well-documented, helping to manage inflammatory conditions like arthritis and supporting overall immune health.
Antimicrobial Activity: Pomegranate peel exhibits significant antibacterial and antifungal activity against various pathogens, including strains of Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. This property has applications in both internal health and topical skincare.
Cardiovascular Health: Studies suggest that extracts from pomegranate peel can help improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Skin Health: The antioxidants in the peel protect against UV damage and can help with conditions like acne and hyperpigmentation.

Comparison of Nutrients in Pomegranate Peel vs. Arils and Juice


Nutrient Type	Pomegranate Peel	Pomegranate Arils (Seeds) & Juice	Key Difference	Source(s)
Polyphenols (Antioxidants)	Significantly higher concentration, especially of ellagitannins like punicalagins.	Contains polyphenols, but in lower, less potent amounts compared to the peel.	The peel is a far richer source of concentrated, bioactive polyphenols.	,
Dietary Fiber	Abundant, comprising a large portion of its dry weight.	Present, but in lower quantities than the peel.	The peel is a primary source of dietary fiber within the fruit.
Vitamin C	Present, contributing to overall antioxidant activity.	Also contains vitamin C, but the peel's bioactive compounds are more concentrated.	The overall nutrient profile in the peel is more complex and concentrated.
Minerals (e.g., K, Ca, Mg)	Contains various minerals.	Also contains these minerals, supporting overall nutrition.	Both parts contain minerals, but the peel offers a unique combination of minerals with other bioactive compounds.

Uses and Future Outlook

With a growing understanding of what nutrients are in pomegranate peel, innovative applications are emerging across various industries. Powdered pomegranate peel is already used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. However, modern science is exploring its potential in developing functional foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetic products. Pomegranate peel extract is used to fortify foods, such as juices and baked goods, and its antimicrobial properties make it a viable natural food preservative. The cosmetic industry is also leveraging the peel's antioxidants for skincare products, tapping into its potential for protecting the skin and fighting infections. As research continues, the value of this once-discarded byproduct is becoming increasingly clear, promising a sustainable and beneficial use of pomegranate waste.

Conclusion

Pomegranate peel is an incredibly rich source of diverse and powerful nutrients, particularly polyphenols like punicalagins and ellagic acid, alongside significant amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Far from being mere waste, this byproduct is a concentrated powerhouse of bioactive compounds that offer a wide range of potential health benefits, including potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Its impressive nutritional profile makes it a promising ingredient for use in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, driving sustainable innovation and offering a compelling reason to reconsider the value of the entire pomegranate fruit. National Institutes of Health (NIH) | (.gov).

Frequently Asked Questions

While the raw peel is bitter and generally not eaten whole, it is commonly consumed in powdered form, steeped as a tea, or used as an extract. However, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional before trying new supplements or treatments.

You can dry the peels thoroughly in direct sunlight for a few days, then grind them into a fine powder. This powder can be used to make an herbal tea by steeping it in hot water.

The most significant antioxidant in pomegranate peel is punicalagin, an ellagitannin that is hydrolyzed in the gut to release ellagic acid, another powerful antioxidant.

The antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds in pomegranate peel can help protect the skin from UV damage, reduce inflammation associated with acne, and lighten dark patches caused by hyperpigmentation.

Yes, small studies have indicated that pomegranate peel extract may improve risk factors for heart disease, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects.

It is considered valuable because it contains a much higher concentration of bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, than the edible arils and juice. This makes it a sustainable and cost-effective source for nutraceuticals, food additives, and cosmetics.

Yes, besides polyphenols and dietary fiber, pomegranate peel also contains various minerals, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium, as well as vitamins like vitamin C.