Discover the Nutritional Value in the Pomegranate Seed Cover

Uncovering the Protective Pomegranate Seed Cover

The glistening red jewels tucked inside every pomegranate are wrapped in a protective white membrane known as the pomegranate seed cover. This little-known botanical feature not only safeguards the delicate arils inside the fruit, but offers unique health advantages of its own.

Anatomy of the Pomegranate Seed Covering

Pomegranates contain numerous chambers lined with red pulp and small edible seeds called arils. Each aril is surrounded by a white membrane referred to as a sarcotesta. Together, the juicy red aril and white membrane encasing it make up the pomegranate seed cover.

Purpose of the Seed Covering

This covering serves an important biological function for the pomegranate seeds. It helps protect them from damage while the fruit develops and ripens. The membrane maintains moisture around the seed, preventing it from drying out.

It also protects the tender inner arils from sunburn which can happen when pomegranates crack open slightly while still on the tree. Exposure to sun causes unattractive brown discoloration of the arils.

Nutritional Value in the Seed Cover

While most people discard the white pomegranate seed cover, research shows it contains unique health benefiting plant compounds not found in the juice or arils.

Rich Source of Punicalagins

The seed covering contains very high levels of ellagitannins, specifically punicalagins which are extremely potent antioxidants. In fact, testing reveals the membrane holds over three times more antioxidants than the juice.

Greater Antioxidant Strength

Antioxidant assays comparing the juice, arils and inner membrane all demonstrate that the white pomegranate seed cover has superior free radical scavenging abilities. The seed coat helps neutralize DNA-damaging toxins in the body.

Anti-Inflammatory Characteristics

Animal studies indicate the ellagitannins abundant in the membrane have significant anti-inflammatory effects. The seed coat was shown to reduce inflammatory cytokine levels better than the other pomegranate components.

Best Uses for the Seed Cover

Traditionally, the bitter taste and texture of the white seed covering have limited its culinary usefulness. But given the unique health advantages of punicalagins, scientists have been researching innovative ways to leverage the membrane.

Powdered Extract

Drying and grinding the membrane into a fine supplement powder allows easy consumption while retaining all the phytonutrients. Taking just a half teaspoon of seed coat powder provides the antioxidant equivalent of several pomegranate fruits.

Addition to Smoothies

For those who don't mind a bit of bitterness, the powder extract can be blended into smoothies. Even a slight gritty texture from the powder is masked when paired with strongly flavored fruits like berries or pineapple.

Tablet Form

For convenience, the extract is also manufactured into capsules or tablets to get a concentrated dose of these protective compounds. Typical doses range from 500-1000mg taken daily with food.

Though the seed coat has been overlooked in the past, scientists continue exploring innovative ways to capture its unique nutritional value in supplements, functional foods and even cosmetics.

At-Home Uses for Pomegranate Membranes

If you enjoy hand-harvesting pomegranate arils, don’t discard those white bits of peel. There are convenient ways to use them right at home.

Pomegranate Seed Cover Tea

Brewing the dried membrane into a medicinal tea takes advantage of the punicalagins while avoiding any bitter taste or texture issues. Simply dry the seeds covers, crush finely and steep like regular tea leaves.

Add to Baths or Lotions

Soaking in a warm bath infused with pomegranate peel offers a soothing aroma while antioxidants are absorbed directly through the skin. Likewise, adding powdered seed coat to your body lotion helps protect skin.

Natural Plant Fertilizer

Like many fruit byproducts, the leftover membranes make excellent fertilizer for gardens and houseplants. The peel adds nutrient density to compost piles allowing microbes to break it down into plant food.

Though underappreciated, the seed covering powerfully nurtures pomegranate seeds from inception through maturity. With innovative uses, we can now capture those protective compounds for our own health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.