Using pomegranate peels as an alternative flour for macaroni

Numerous studies have discussed the many and varied applications and nutritional benefits of pomegranate peels. A study published in the Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences looks at another potential use for pomegranate peels as an ingredient in macaroni.

• Mature pomegranates were turned into pomegranate peel powder.
• Analyses of the nutritional contents of the powder revealed it to be rich in many compounds. Namely, dietary fiber (56.23 percent percent), calcium (338.5 mg/100g dry matter), potassium (146.4 mg/100g), and phosphorus (117.9 mg/100g).
• The pomegranate peel powder was combined with semolina wheat to create four different macaroni blends. In terms of physical quality, the blends with the highest amount of pomegranate peel powder had the greatest volume, weight, and total soluble solids.
• Sensory evaluations (which included criteria such as color, taste, and appearance) showed that the blends with the least amount of pomegranate peel powder had the highest acceptability scores.
• As part of the study, five groups of hyperglycemic rats were fed the different pomegranate peel powder blends for four weeks. By the end of the four weeks, the rats fed with the blends that had the most pomegranate peel powder had lost a noticeable amount of weight. The researchers credited this effect to the presence of dietary fibers causing poor food intake among the rats.
• Additionally, the animals’ lipid profile and blood sugar levels were found to have significantly decreased in the rats fed on blend five (25 percent pomegranate peel powder, 75 percent semolina wheat). A similar but less pronounced effect was observed in the rats given blends four (20 percent pomegranate peel powder, 80 percent semolina wheat) and three (15 percent pomegranate peel powder, 85 percent semolina wheat).

Thus, the researchers concluded that the addition of pomegranate peel powder in food would enhance their nutritional profiles and make them more suitable for health-conscious and hyperglycemic individuals. Furthermore, the total dietary fiber and antioxidants would be ideal for preventing coronary heart disease.

Visit FoodScience.news for more studies concerning the health benefits and effects of some of the world’s most nutritionally dense foods.

Journal Reference:

Khojah EY, Hafex DA. FORTIFICATION OF MACARONI WITH POMEGRANATE PEELS AS DIETARY FIBER AND NATURAL ANTIOXIDANT FOR THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY AND HIGH CHOLESTEROL IN RATS. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences. 2018; 12(2). DOI: 10.22587/ajbas.2018.12.2.6 [PDF File]