Lemon peel: health benefits, skin care and heart health
Lemon juice is used and lemon peel is thrown away. But do you know how useful that discarded shell is? Some studies have shown that lemon peel is full of bioactive compounds that have many health benefits.
Lemon peel provides a high amount of fiber and 9% (DV) of vitamin C.
It is considered to be the best source of vitamin C worldwide. Lemon contains so much vitamin C that it is very beneficial for our health and skin.
There are many more physical benefits to eating lemon peel than just eating lemons. It also contains small amounts of calcium, potassium and magnesium.
It also contains beta carotene, folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium which are useful for the body in many ways.
Health benefits of lemon peel
Let’s find out about the health benefits of lemon peel –
Rich in antioxidants:
Antioxidants are plant compounds that fight against free radicals in the body and prevent cellular damage. These antioxidants, including D-limonene and vitamin C, are high in lemon peel.
Taking flavonoid antioxidants such as D-limonene reduces the risk of some diseases such as heart disease and type-2 diabetes. Vitamin “C” in lemon peel acts as a powerful antioxidant and also improves immunity.
Maintains good oral health:
Lemon peel can protect against oral diseases caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, infections of the tooth cavity and gums.
Lemon peel contains antibacterial ingredients that can inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
In one study, researchers identified four compounds of lemon peel that have strong antibacterial properties and can effectively fight bad bacteria in the mouth.
Has antimicrobial and antifungal properties:
Lemon peel has several antimicrobial and antifungal properties. In a test-tube study, this shell can significantly reduce the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Another test-tube study found that lemon peel juice fought a drug-resistant fungus that causes skin infections.
Enhances skin beauty:
The antioxidants inside the lemon peel remove toxic substances that accumulate under the skin. As a result, the skin naturally begins to age. With that, the wrinkles are reduced and the skin becomes taut.
This is the reason why the doctors recommend eating lemon peel every day as soon as the age quota is 30.
May boost immunity:
The flavonoid and vitamin “C” in lemon peel can strengthen the immune system. A review of 82 studies found that 1-2 grams of vitamin C per day reduced the severity of the common cold cough by 8% in adults and 14% in children.
Improve heart health:
High blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity are some of the leading causes of heart disease. Lemon peel contains flavonoids, vitamin “C” and fiber. Research suggests that flavonoids, vitamin “C” in lemon peel and fiber can reduce the risk of heart disease.
A review of 14 studies out of 344,48 found that an increase of 10 mg of flavonoids per day reduced the risk of heart disease by 5%. D-limonene also lowers blood sugar, triglycerides, and LDL (bad) cholesterol, while HDL (good) cholesterol increases.
Anticancer properties:
Lemon peel has various anti-cancer properties. Taking flavonoids reduces the risk of various types of cancer and vitamin “C” helps in the growth of white blood cells, which helps in eradicating cancer cells.
A test-tube study found that D-limonene helped kill cancer cells in the stomach.
Healing gallstones:
Some studies have shown that the D-limonene in lemon peel helps treat gallbladder. Giving D-limonene to 200 people with gallbladder stones cured 48% of them completely.
It may be an effective alternative to gallbladder stone surgery although more research is needed.
Increases liver capacity:
Several studies have shown that regular consumption of lemon peel increases the amount of antioxidants in the body to such an extent that the toxic substances accumulated inside the liver begin to be expelled.
As a result, the performance of this important organ in the body does not take time to increase.
In conclusion, lemon peel contains more vitamin C than lemons. Lemon peel may contain pesticides. So before using the lemon, it should be washed well with water.