The latest researches reveal that pomegranate peel can be a fruit part of many health benefits. It can reduce risk factors for diseases such as hypoglycemia, high blood pressure level, and cholesterol. In addition to that, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects.[1][2]

What are the Phytochemicals in pomegranate peel??

Pomegranate is a rich source of bioactive compounds. However, the pomegranate peel is the richest part of the fruit in terms of phytochemicals. Most of these bioactive compounds available are powerful antioxidants. They are,

• Phenolics 
• Flavonoids
• Tannins
• Anthocyanins etc.

In addition to these, the peel contains many minerals with functional benefits. Sodium, Nitrogen, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium are some highly available minerals with those benefits.

The flavonoids present in the peel include quercetin and kaempferol. While the phenolics acids include ellagic acid, p-coumaric acid,caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid. In addition to that, it contains anthocyanins and anthocyanidins(pelargonidin, delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin, and delphinidin) too.

Peel is rich in polyphenols which gives many desirable antioxidant properties to your body. Among them, Ellagitannins are the most important phenolic compound in peel which gives the anti-oxidant properties. In addition to that, it contains all the amino acids including essential amino acids, specifically proline, leucine, lysine methionine, cysteine, and valine. The only lacking amino acid is tryptophan.

However, the most available compounds in this peel are polyphenolics and ellagitannins. You can use different alcoholic solutions to extract the phytochemical compounds in Pomegranate.[3][4]

The scientists investigate the different uses of pomegranate peel on health. Due to its rich phytochemical profile, you can use it against many diseases. Now let’s have a look at Its antioxidant properties.

What about the antioxidant activity of Pomegranate peel??

Oxidation is one of the dominant causes of non-communicable disease conditions in your body. It can destroy the nutrition quality of your food. Definitely that will result in plenty of ailments in your body. This antioxidant property is the major clue for preventing cardiac disorders ( heart diseases), Inflammation conditions, etc.

Similarly, this antioxidant property is crucial for preventing cancer and scavenging free radicals too. The key compound responsible for super antioxidant activity in the peel is ellagitannins. What are the diseases you can prevent?

How pomegranate peel Protects you from cancer??

Pomegranate peel seems to have healthy effects to prevent cancer due to the many antioxidant properties it possesses. Well, let’s see how pomegranate can prevent cancer. There is a number of cancer types that pomegranate can prevent. [8] They are;

• Prostate cancer
• Skin cancer
• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Lung cancer

Use of herbal extract is a growing trend against cancer now. People like to go for them because of their safety and low cost.

1. Pomegranate peel For prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a very common cancer type among males. Statistics reveal that, As a proportion to different types of cancers about 20% of the men subject to this cancer. Moreover, Scientists consider it one of the most lethal types of cancers.

What are the main compounds responsible for cancer prevention?? punicalagin, ellagic acid, and gallic acid are the most significant compounds. These phytochemicals in the peel extract can regulate certain proteins that can induce apoptosis and downregulate the proteins that prevent apoptosis. In addition that it can reduce the transmembrane potential of mitochondria. This is a far more significant factor in avoiding cancer.

According to the results of Some scientific studies on animals suggest that pomegranate peel extracts can suppress the viability of the cell lines of prostate cancer. Therefore this peel extract can be a good solution in preventing cancer.[5]

2. Pomegranate peel For Breast cancer

How pomegranate peel can prevent breast cancer? Well, certain studies suggest that Peel extracts together with punicalagin can inhibit breast cancer cell lines. This is done by preventing the proliferation of cancer cells. Punicalagin can induce apoptosis to prevent cancer cell growth.

However, scientists found that organic extracts like ethanol and methanol are best in preventing proliferation. But pomegranate juice has more antioxidants, and therefore high cancer prevention potential. So it’s better to use Juice extracts and peel extracts with genistein to get the best results!![5][6]

3. For lung cancer

How could you prevent lung cancer with pomegranate peel !! let’s see. Lung cancer is the most causative disease for deaths in cancer patients around the world. To prevent lung cancer pomegranate leaf extracts have the best effects. But the peel extracts also have significant potential on that. [1]

Similar to the above chapter, The peel has more phytochemical compounds including punicalagin. Therefore it can prevent the proliferation of cancer cell lines of the lung too.

4. Pomegranate peel for a nice skin??

Solar radiations cause many ailments such as skin cancer, aging, and burns in your skin. pomegranate peel extract has the ability to heal them. Of course, you know why Clearly Because of its natural bioactive compound profile.

These compounds can prevent oxidative reactions on your skin. Furthermore, they can destroy the infection-causing microbes in your skin. Let’s talk about that later. Surely these phytochemicals will heal the pimples, rashes, and acne, etc. Using these peels You can prepare home remedies easily.

• First, remove the peels
• Then Sundry them or use whatever method you like to dry them
• Powder the dry peels
• Now it’s ready!!

Now You can either apply them with yogurt or any other milk. Or else use water or rose water. Doing this regularly twice a week will help your skin to be healthy and pretty.

Moreover, you can use the peels as a moisturizer too. Because It will help to keep the moisture in your skin trapped. Ellagic acid is very important for that. [7]

5. Protect you from microbial  infections

When considering the antimicrobial properties, you can use pomegranate extracts as natural inhibitors of pathogens like  Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. And also against fungi and bacteria.[8]

Peel has the highest anti-microbial properties, Compared to whole fruit. Ellagitannins and gallic acid are the most dominant compounds responsible for this effect. As the Pomegranate peel is rich with these compounds, you can easily use the peel extracts against microbes. The peel extract of methanol is better for this.

6. to improve your heart health

The oxidation of Low-density lipids and cholesterol (Unhealthy fats) are the major reasons for heart ailments in your body. So the intake of natural extracts of antioxidants as the treatments is an appropriate solution. Clearly, The peel extract is rich with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. That means it can prevent inflammation and damage to arterial walls.

Some scientists did animal studies on extracts of peel for heart health. They included nearly 15% of the diet with the peel. However, as the end results, they found that the inclusion of peel can change several factors.

• Reduce the harmful cholesterol level
• Decrease the LDL levels
• Improve the HDL levels

As an overall effect, this is very healthy for the heart. Therefore we can conclude that peel extract is a good solution for your heart health. [9][10]

7. Pomegranate peel for your gut health

Scientists say that pomegranate peel has a positive effect on gut microflora. That means the peel extract can prevent the ailments associated with the colon. Peel is richer with polyphenols than the palatable part. The compounds in the peel can affect and destroy harmful microbes in the gut. Therefore on a treatment basis, peel extracts are a better solution.[11]

8. Improves your bone health

How pomegranate peels help the bones??

The phytochemicals like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in the peel can make a favorable microenvironment around the bones. That will prevent bones from inflammation and oxidation. Thereby it will help in preventing osteoporosis.

Furthermore, Antioxidants in pomegranate peel hydrolyze in the intestine by gut microflora. They release punicalagin that facilitates the growth of certain bacteria types. These bacteria will help to increase the absorption of calcium in your body. In that case, it is very beneficial for your health.[13]

9. Helps to prevent Aging

Free radicals can oxidize and causes your skin to wrinkle and age quickly. But the antioxidants in pomegranate peel can scavenge those free radicals and help to keep your skin pretty. It helps the regeneration of skin cells. Therefore you can prevent wrinkles and aging by consumption of pomegranate with including peels. Or else you can apply it as a face mask. [12]

Because Nearly 1/3rd of the fruit contains the peel. So easily you can include into your diet or make a face pack.

How pomegranate peel helps for hair growth??

Hair is an essential part of your beauty. So how can you improve that with pomegranate peels?? Antioxidants in the peel can detoxify the scalp. So that your hair loss is prevented. This is done by strengthening the hair follicles. That will improve your hair growth.

Grape belongs to the Genus Vitis of the family Vitaceae which consists of about 60 to 80 species all around the world. The plant is native to the temperate zone and includes varieties that can be consumed as a raw fruit, or crushed to make grape juice or wine types. But Wine is produced in the world in small percentages. The main varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Airen, Syrah, Chardonnay, Garnacha Tinta, etc. The major grape growing countries are China, India, the USA, Italy,  France, and Spain. Grapes contain a huge number of nutrients and let’s talk about Grapes health benefits for humans.

02. Nutrient Composition of Grapes

Grape is considered one of the healthiest food because of its high content of phytochemicals including carotenoids(beta-carotene, lutein, etc), phenols, polyphenols, and resveratrol.  In addition, grapes contain nutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, copper, vitamin C vitamin K,  vitamin A  many of the B vitamins,  fiber, and sugars ( glucose and fructose). (1)

But the quantities are different  depending on the variety. Varieties with high sugar content can be fermented to produce wines (red wine or white wines). Usually purple-red, or black grapes are more healthy because they have higher quantities of phytonutrients, and flavonoids due to anthocyanins present in the skin. while most of  white varieties contain catechins and epicatechins.(2)

The highest quantities of antioxidants like resveratrol are present in extracts of grape skin and the seeds. Resveratrol is present in high quantities in the skin than the seeds. However, the Flesh of the grapes contains a very less percentage of the above compounds. Although the Phenolic acid content varies with the grape cultivar, basically myricetin ellagic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin are present in all varieties. (2,3)

crushed seeds give grape seed oil which can be used in cosmetic products. Oil from grape seed includes (vitamin E in the form of tocopherols and high contents of unsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid,  linoleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid.

03. Health Benefits of Grapes

Grapes have shown to provide many benefits in the human body in terms of preventing cardiovascular diseases, immunity disorders,  high blood sugar effects, respiratory, and nerve disorders. In addition to the above benefits, grapes are very important in the prevention of cancers like breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. (4)

01. High Amount of Antioxidants to Prevent Chronic Disease.

Antioxidants are compounds that can be found in plants. These compounds help in reducing cell damages caused by free radicals that cause oxidative stress for the cells.

Oxidative stress is defined as the imbalance between the elevated levels of reactive oxygen species and reduced activities of antioxidant mechanisms. So, the elevated oxidative stress affect for the cells, and this can damage the cellular structure and destroy the tissues. (5)

Grapes contain a huge number of antioxidant compounds in this fruit. Can you imagine?? It’s over 1600 compounds we can found in this fruit. (6)

Grape seeds and skin are the best sources of antioxidants. So, most of the researches are going on seeds and skin of grapes.

Also, you know about red wine which is made by fermenting grapes. So, after the fermentation also these antioxidants remain. So, you can understand why Red wine is that much good for health. Resveratrol one of antioxidant which classified into polyphenol and this can prevent you from many diseases such as heart diseases, Cancers and also this can reduce sugar level in your blood. (7)

02. Anti-inflammatory effects

Grapes contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that lower the risk of excessive inflammation and the production of inflammatory enzymes in the human body.  (8)

There are many pro-inflammatory molecules such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukin etc,  in which their activity level can be reduced by grape consumption.

Damages to many-body systems are prevented by antioxidants present in grapes as they avoid the oxidative damage to all the body cells. Optimal regulation of the activity of the inflammatory system is important in minimizing the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. (9,10)

Arthritis Foundation Says,

Both white and darker-colored varieties of grapes are a great source of beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols. “Fresh red and black grapes also contain resveratrol, the heart-healthy compound found in red wine that contributes to cardiovascular health by improving the function of blood vessels,” says Dulan. 

03. Anti-aging properties and Regulating blood sugar level

7% of the population of the US is affecting with Type 2 Diabetes. This Type 2 Diabetes can occur due to decreased glucose disposal in peripheral tissues due to overproduction of glucose in the liver, insulin resistance, defects in pancreatic beta-cell functions, decreased physical exercise, consumption of high glycemic index foods, etc. (11)

Grapes is categorized as a low glycemic index food. Also, it contains a high number of polyphenols such as flavonol quercetin, anthocyanins, stilbene resveratrol which can improve beta-cell function, protecting against beta-cell loss and these compounds can reduce hyperglycemia. (11)

Phytonutrients such as resveratrol may play a major role in longevity because it has been proven that resveratrol has effects in increasing gene expression of longevity.

In this way, grapes can improve your health by preventing your blood sugar level.

Also, you can eat these foods to reduce Blood sugar level. Legumes, Garlic, Oatmeal and oat bran, Most nuts, Greens, Greek yogurt, cheese, eggs, and lean meats. (12)

04. Anticancer Properties

What is cancer?? It’s the uncontrolled growth of the cells in the human body. And there are many categories of cancers. But Skin cancer is one of the most frequent cancer in human population.

Studies have found that resveratrol in Grapes a the best source of preventing cancers. It can reduce the multiplication cell nuclear antigen. It also can suppress anti-apoptotic proteins. With these functionalities, resveratrol has shown 98% diminution in skin tumors.

Also, studies have shown that resveratrol can prevent the development of a mammary tumor, and this inhibited tumor growth reduced angiogenesis and induced apoptotic cell death. (13)

This way you can understand how much potential have on Grapes in preventing cancers.

Also, you can add these foods which helps in preventing cancers. Broccoli, Carrots, Beans, Berries, Cinnamon, Nuts, Olive Oil, Tumeric, Beans

05. Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases

In the US one person dies every 37 seconds from cardiovascular disease. About 647,000 of US Population die from heart diseases each year. You can understand the severity of this disease and you should ready for this kind of disease just by doing a small change in your diet. (14)

Studies have shown that oral dose of grape extracts (100 and 200 mg/kg) can provide significant cardioprotection by enhancing post-ischemic ventricular recuperation. (13)

Also, tannins in grape seeds can exhibit anti-hypercholesterolemic properties by incrementing bile acid extraction, lowering reducing cholesterol transportation and animal studies show that this reduces the absorption of intestinal cholesterol. (13)

Resveratrol in grapes also does an excellent job of preventing heart diseases. (15)

Potassium in grapes is an essential element in regulating blood pressure in the human body. Studies show that lower potassium level in blood can affect mostly for heart diseases. (16)

One study shows that eating three cups of red grapes a day for eight weeks, can reduce ‘bad’ LDL Cholesterol. (17)

This way Grapes can help in preventing heart diseases in various ways. Like grapes, you can add these foods to your diet which also can prevent heart diseases.

Also, you can add these foods which helps in reducing heart diseases, Omega-3 fatty acids, Nuts, Berries, Oats, legumes, Soy, Green veggies, Dark Chocolate, Oranges, Papaya. (18)

06. Healing of Wounds

One study shows that Resveratrol in grapes could boost wound curing and tightening amazingly. Resveratrol is the best source that can induce vascular endothelial growth factor by working as H₂O₂ and this boosts curing wounds. (17)

Also, add these to your diest which may beneficial in curing wounds. Meat, poultry or fish, Tofu, Cheese, Soy, Greek Yogurt. (19)

07. Boost Your Memory and Attention

A study was going around 12 weeks with 111 healthy adults with 250mg of grapes per day. They found an amazing improvement in memory and attention with this treatment. (20)

Grape is a huge source of resveratrol. This antioxidant has given positive effects on the hippocampus, an area of the brain essential to memory, learning, and mood. Researchers have found that this effect can improve learning ability, mood, and memory. These changes could be identified significantly within 4 weeks. (21,22)

Also, you can use these fruits in boosting your memory. Walnuts, Olive Oil, Blueberries, Tumeric, Broccoli, Dark Chocolate, Nuts, Pumpkin Seeds. (23)

08. Improve EYE Health

Grapes contain antioxidants zeaxanthin and lutein which can improve the health of Eyes. They can neutralize free radicals and this will reduce the oxidative stress and damages for the retina. Also, these can prevent cataracts. (24)

Also, resveratrol is a compound that protects retina cells from UV lights. And this compound helps in preventing the age – related degeneration in eye cells. (24, 25)

Resveratrol also protects eyes from glaucoma, diabetic eye diseases, etc.(26)

You can add these foods which may help in improving eye health. Oranges, Oysters, Eggs, nuts, Green leafy vegetables like kale, collards, spinach.

This way you can prevent many more diseases by adding Grapes to your diet. Start today for a happy, healthy future.

Thank you!!!