9 Benefits Lemon Peel You Didn't Know About! Check It Now

 Lemon Peel

Lemon Peel

Updated on 12/5/2024
Martin AlvarezBy Martin Alvarez
Nutritionist/Dietitian Professional Guide
Learn More about Martin Alvarez

Citrus limon, more often known as lemon, is one of the most prevalent types of citrus fruit, along with grapefruit, limes, and oranges.

The peel is typically thrown away, in contrast to how frequently the pulp and juice are consumed.

However, research has shown that the peel of a lemon contains a wealth of bioactive substances that could bring a variety of advantages to one's health.

The following is a list of nine possible applications and benefits of lemon peel.

1. Exceptionally High Dietary Value

Lemon peels are extremely healthy, despite the fact that they are only consumed in very small amounts. Two trusted sources provide the following information for one tablespoon (six grams):

  • Calories: 3
  • Carbs: 1 gram
  • Fiber: 1 gram
  • Protein: 0 grammes
  • Fat: 0 grams
  • 9 percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C (DV)
Lemon peel

Lemon peel

Only one tablespoon's worth of lemon peel (6 grams) contains a significant quantity of fiber, and it contributes 9% of the daily value of vitamin C.

In addition to this, it contains trace levels of the minerals calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

In addition to being present in the peel of a lemon, the molecule known as d-limonene, which is responsible for the citrus fruit's signature scent, is thought to be the active ingredient in many of this fruit's beneficial properties to human health.

In conclusion, lemon peel is low in calories while providing a significant amount of fiber, vitamin C, and D-limonene. Additionally, it contains various minerals.

2. It May Be Beneficial To Dental Health.

Oral disorders such as dental cavities and gum infections are quite common. Bacteria such as Streptococcus mutants are the culprits behind these conditions.

The peel of lemons includes antibacterial compounds that may prevent the growth of some microorganisms.

Lemon peel

Lemon peel

In one study, researchers identified four chemicals in lemon peel that have potent antibacterial activities and efficiently combat common bacteria that cause oral diseases. These compounds were found in the lemon peel.

In addition to this, a study conducted in test tubes indicated that lemon peel extract inhibits the activity of Streptococcus mutans, with greater doses proving to be more effective.

In conclusion, lemon peel possesses antimicrobial qualities that have the potential to inhibit the development of microorganisms and cause illnesses in the oral cavity.

3. Rich In Several Types Of Antioxidants

Antioxidants are plant components that protect cellular damage by combating free radicals in your body. They do this by scavenging electrons from reactive oxygen species.

Vitamin C and D-limonene are two of the many antioxidants that are abundant in lemon peel.

Consumption of flavonoid antioxidants such as D-limonene is associated with a lower risk of developing certain illnesses, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

A study conducted in test tubes found that lemon peel possessed a higher level of antioxidant activity than either grapefruit or tangerine peels.

Lemon peel

Lemon peel

In addition, research conducted on animals demonstrates that D-limonene boosts the activity of an enzyme that contributes to the alleviation of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been linked to both the breakdown of tissues and the acceleration of the aging process.

In addition, the vitamin C found in lemon peel is a potent antioxidant and helps keep the immune system in good shape.

In conclusion, lemon peel provides your body protection with various antioxidants, such as vitamin C and D-limonene.

The immune system lowers the likelihood of contracting an illness.

4. Could Have Qualities That Inhibit The Growth Of Microorganisms And Fungi

The lemon peel has been shown to have potent antibacterial and antifungal effects.

Lemon peel

Lemon peel

Notably, an experiment conducted in test tubes showed that this peel considerably hindered antibiotic-resistant bacteria and lowered their rate of growth.

Another study conducted in test tubes demonstrated that extract from lemon peel was effective against a drug-resistant fungus that causes skin infections.

In spite of these encouraging findings, further research on humans is required.

In a nutshell, the lemon peel may protect against microbes and fungi, including bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

Strains. Nevertheless, additional investigation is required.

5. It Might Give Your Immune System A Boost

Lemon peel extract may enhance your immune system due to its flavonoid and vitamin C content.

A study that lasted for 15 days and offered fish dehydrated lemon peel found that the fish's immunological responses were improved.

Lemon peel

Lemon peel

Furthermore, a meta-analysis of 82 research indicated that taking between 1 and 2 grams of vitamin C per day reduced the severity and duration of the common cold in children by 14% and in adults by 8%.

Additionally, phagocytes, which are cells that consume potentially dangerous substances, have been shown to collect vitamin C.

In a nutshell, lemon peel consists of flavonoids and vitamin C both of which have been shown to potentially boost the immune system to safeguard your state of health.

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6. It May Be Beneficial To The Health Of The Heart

Lemon peel

Lemon peel

Obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels are all risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of mortality in the United States. High blood pressure also increases the chance of stroke.

According to research, some chemicals, such as flavonoids, vitamin C, and pectin, the primary fiber found in lemon peel, can potentially lower your risk.

The risk of developing heart disease was shown to be lowered by 5% among 344,488 adults who participated in 14 research and had their flavonoid intake increased by an average of 10 mg per day.

D-limonene was also shown to reduce blood sugar, triglyceride, and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in obese mice while raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels simultaneously. This was discovered in a study conducted on mice.

A study that took place over four weeks and involved sixty overweight youngsters found that supplementing with lemon powder containing the peel led to reductions in blood pressure and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Pectin, found in lemon peels, has been shown to lower cholesterol levels by increasing the number of bile acids excreted from the body. The liver and bind produce bile acids to cholesterol.

Summary Flavonoids, vitamin C, and pectin found in lemon peel may be beneficial to heart health.

Lemon peel

Lemon peel

Reducing the levels of cholesterol in the blood as well as other risk factors for developing heart disease.

7. Could Inhibit The Growth Of Cancerous Cells

There is some evidence that the peel of lemons contains cancer-fighting qualities.

For instance, consuming flavonoids is linked to a lower risk of developing multiple types of cancer. Vitamin C may promote the creation of white blood cells, which destroy mutant cancer cells and thus lower the chance of cancer overall.

Additionally, there is speculation that d-limonene possesses anticancer characteristics, particularly in relation to stomach cancer.

This chemical was discovered to be effective in killing stomach cancer cells in a study conducted in test tubes. Similarly, a study that lasted for 52 weeks and was conducted on rats found that various concentrations of D-limonene prevented stomach cancer by increasing the rate at which mutant cells died.

In Conclusion, the use of lemon peel in any form is not recommended as a treatment or cure for cancer, and research involving humans is required.

Lemon peel

Lemon peel

It's possible that some of the chemicals in lemon peel have anticancer properties.

Potential. However, research involving humans is required in order to validate these findings.

8. Used In The Treatment Of Gallstones

According to several research findings, D-limonene can be an effective treatment for gallstones, which are solid deposits that can form in the gallbladder.

A study that involved 200 persons who had gallstones found that 48 percent of those who were injected with a D-limonene solvent saw total gallstone removal. This finding suggests that this treatment could be a successful alternative to surgery.

In any case, additional research is required after this one.

Overall, it is possible that the D-limonene found in the lemon peel can dissolve gallstones.

9. Other Applications

The peel of lemons can also be used for a variety of purposes in the realm of cosmetics and household goods. The following are some of its more common applications:

Lemon peel

Lemon peel

All-purpose cleaner. Put some lemon peels and white vinegar in a jar that you can cover, and then let it aside for a few days. After removing the peels, the remaining solution should be combined with equal amounts of Water.

Fridge and Trash Can odor neutralizer. Place a few lemon peels stored in your refrigerator or at the bottom of your garbage can to help deodorize the space and absorb smells.

Stainless-steel Cleaner. Put some salt on the thing that you want to preserve.

Peels from lemons can be used to scrape and remove any stains. Remember to rinse afterward.

Kettle Cleaner. Put some lemon peel in the water that's in your teapot, and then, bring it to a boil to eliminate any mineral deposits that may have been present. Just let the water sit there for one hour prior to being rinsed.

Body Scrub. Combine sugar, olive oil, and lemon peel that has been coarsely diced.

After that, rub into the skin that has been soaked. After you are finished, it is imperative that you thoroughly rinse.

Face mask. Mix rice flour, lemon peel powder, and milk that have been refrigerated to create a mask that will cleanse and exfoliate the skin.

Lemon peel

Lemon peel

In conclusion, lemon peel possesses a variety of contexts, including as a beauty product and a cleaner for the home.

Does Lemon Peel Produce Side Effects?

The consumption of lemon peel has not been linked to any adverse effects. The Food and Drug Administration has determined that it does not pose any health risks (FDA).

Studies conducted on animals have shown a link between high dosages of d-limonene and carcinogenic consequences; however, this conclusion does not apply to people because we do not possess the protein that is responsible for this association.

All the same, lemon peel may contain pesticide residue. Be sure to scrub the fruit very well or wash it in a solution of baking soda to get rid of any residues.

In conclusion, lemon peel does not have any adverse effects and is regarded as being risk-free for human consumption by the FDA.

Lemon peel

Lemon peel

How To Incorporate It Into Your Eating Routine

There are many different ways that you can increase the amount of lemon peel that you consume, such as the following:

  • Adding the grated rind of a lemon to baked products, salads, or yogurt.
  • Grating and peeling off frozen lemons and using them as a garnish for dishes such as soups, beverages, sauces, and marinades.
  • Dehydrate the peels by slicing them into strips and roasting them at a temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius), then adding them to tea.
  • Cutting up dried peels and combining them with other ingredients to make the homemade seasoning, you only need salt and pepper.
  • The addition of fresh peel to hot tea or your preferred alcoholic beverage.

This peel is also available for purchase in powdered or candied form. You can purchase lemon peel items over the internet if you do not wish to grate the fruit on your own. It's possible to eat the lemon peel. Consumed fresh, dried, frozen, powdered, powdered, or covered with sugar makes it more palatable. Incredibly simple to use in a wide number of different recipes.

Lemon peel

Lemon peel

The Bare Essentials

Research has shown that lemon peel has a number of beneficial properties for one's health, despite the fact that it is typically discarded.

Oral, immune system and cardiovascular health may benefit from this food's high fiber, vitamin, and antioxidant content. It is perhaps possible that it possesses a number of anticancer characteristics.

Keep the peel until the next time this common citrus fruit is called for in a recipe and put it to good use.