Lemon Peels.. A "Yellow Treasure" Rich in Health Benefits

SadaNews - Have you ever thought that what you simply throw away in the trash could be a priceless health and nutritional treasure? Lemon peel – this small part that we are used to discarding after juicing – is actually a reservoir of vital benefits, starting from supporting the immune system, to protecting the heart and skin, and even being used as a natural and eco-friendly cleaner in your kitchen.

Why should you not throw away lemon peels?

Throwing lemon peels in the garbage means losing an important component rich in fibers, vitamins, and concentrated antioxidants, all of which enhance overall health.

There are many health benefits that you can gain by incorporating lemon peel into your diet, by adding it grated to baked goods, salads, or yogurt, including:

1 - Obtaining many nutrients: According to Healthline, just 6 grams of lemon peel, equivalent to one tablespoon, contains: one gram of carbohydrates, one gram of fiber, in addition to 9% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C.

Lemon peel also contains the compound D-limonene, a natural organic compound that gives lemons their distinctive aroma, and is recognized by experts as responsible for many of lemon's health benefits.

2 - Supporting oral health: Studies have shown that lemon peel contains antibacterial agents that inhibit the growth of microorganisms, such as Streptococcus mutants, a type of oral bacteria that resides naturally in the human mouth and is a major cause of tooth decay and gum disease.

In a study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology in 2011, researchers identified four compounds in lemon peel, three of which exhibited strong antibacterial properties. The researchers also confirmed that these compounds can effectively combat common bacteria responsible for oral diseases.

3 - Reducing the risk of certain diseases: Lemon peel has a high concentration of antioxidants, substances and compounds that prevent cellular damage by combating free radicals in the body.

Research indicates that citrus peels contain more antioxidants than the juice or pulp of the fruit, with evidence showing that the antioxidant activity of lemon peels is specifically stronger than that of mandarin or grapefruit peels.

Among the prominent antioxidants found in lemon peel are: flavonoids, D-limonene, and vitamin C.

It's worth noting that consuming antioxidants is associated with a lower risk of certain diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and plays a significant role in combating cancer.

4 - Supporting heart health: Lemon peel is rich in flavonoids, active plant compounds known for their strong antioxidant properties.

A comprehensive analysis published in the American Journal of Epidemiology and Public Health in 2017 indicated that the risk of death decreases in individuals who consume higher amounts of dietary flavonoids compared to those who do not, as well as a decreased mortality rate from heart diseases, supporting the notion that foods rich in these compounds help protect public health and reduce the risks of heart disease.

5 - Enhancing the immune system: Lemon peel enhances the immune system's health, due to its flavonoids and vitamin C content, as emphasized by a study lasting about 15 days, in which fish were given dried lemon peel and displayed improved immune responses.

Moreover, a review of about 82 studies found that consuming 1-2 grams of vitamin C daily reduces the severity and duration of colds by 8% in adults and 14% in children.

Other Benefits of Lemon Peel

A scientific study published in 2020 in a peer-reviewed journal of the Royal Society of Chemistry in the UK indicated that the flavonoid compounds extracted from lemon peel possess the capability to protect skin from damage caused by ultraviolet rays.

The study was conducted on mouse models exposed to skin stress similar to the effects of sunlight, and the results showed that lemon peel flavonoids enhanced the activity of enzymes responsible for protecting skin cells, as well as reduced inflammation levels and tissue damage, indicating a significant improvement in skin structure.

According to experts, there are two ways to use lemon peel to enhance your skin's health and vitality:

Using it as a natural body scrub: Here, you can mix sugar with olive oil and finely ground lemon peels to create a homogeneous mixture. Massage your wet skin with the mixture using gentle circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any residue.

Homemade face mask: To make the mask, mix rice flour with lemon peel powder, gradually adding some cold milk until a creamy consistency forms. Apply the mask to the face for a short period, to help cleanse and gently exfoliate the skin, then wash off well with water.

The role of lemon peel is not limited to beauty care alone; it extends to a number of practical household uses that make it a versatile ingredient. Among these notable uses are:

Multipurpose household cleaner: Place lemon peels after adding white vinegar to them in a tightly sealed jar, and let the mixture ferment for several weeks. Afterward, remove the peels and dilute the resulting liquid with an equal amount of water to create an effective natural surface cleaner.

Natural odor remover: Lemon peels can be used to absorb undesirable odors by placing a few peels inside the refrigerator or at the bottom of the trash can to reduce unpleasant smells.

Important Tips for Safe Use

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists lemon peel among the safe ingredients, as no side effects of using lemon peel have been reported. However, peels may carry residues of pesticides, so it is recommended to wash lemons thoroughly and rub them carefully while washing or soak them in a solution of water and baking soda to minimize any residual pesticide traces.

Source: Various online sources