Pomegranate peel has powerful natural chemicals that make it way better at fighting inflammation and damage in the body than the juicy part — and it could be a cheap way to boost health foods with good-for-you ingredients.

Pomegranate peel contains natural compounds that might help protect cells from damage by fighting harmful molecules in lab and animal studies.

Pomegranate peel might help fight bacteria that cause tooth decay and food spoilage, thanks to natural compounds in the peel.

Adding pomegranate peel extract to foods like juice, yogurt, and meat might boost their natural freshness and keep them from spoiling, without changing how they taste or smell — kind of like a plant-based version of artificial preservatives.

We don't have enough proof yet that the plant chemicals in pomegranate peels actually help people feel better or stay healthy, and scientists need to study how our bodies process them and what effects they might have over time.