Lemon is a citrus fruit that comes from the Rutaceae family. The pulp and juice of lemon are widely used for various purposes. But, most people fail to observe the amazing benefits of the lemon peel. Several studies have shown that lemon peel is packed with bioactive compounds that have numerous health benefits.
Table of Contents
Here are 16 science-backed uses and health benefits of lemon peel.
1. Improves Bone Health
Lemon peels can help in improving bone health as it contains a high amount of Vitamin C and Calcium, which assist in maintaining and improving bone health. With regular use, it can also help in preventing bone diseases such as osteoporosis, inflammatory polyarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Treats Oxidative Stress
Lemon peels are effective in reducing oxidative stress (the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body). Lemon peels have a high amount of citrus bioflavonoids, which is a very powerful agent for reducing Oxidative stress from the body.
3. Eradicates Toxins from the body
The toxic elements present in the body can not only make the individual weak from the inside but can also increase the addiction or craving for hard drinks and other harmful foods. Because of their citrus bioflavonoids elements, lemon peels can be helpful in eradicating toxic elements present in the body naturally.
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4. Reduces the Risk of Cancer
Lemon peels have detoxifying properties and thus are a helpful and natural way for preventing cancer. However, it is not a sure-shot way to prevent cancer, it is more of a precautionary measure. The salvestrol Q40 and limonene contents of lemon peel can help in fighting the pre-cancerous cells in the body. More research is needed to confirm the benefits of lemon peel in preventing and reducing the risk of cancer.
5. Reduces Cholesterol
Lemon peel can also help in decreasing the cholesterol levels in the body and can thus help in maintaining a healthy heart. The presence of polyphenol flavonoids in lemon peels plays a role in reducing and maintaining cholesterol.
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6. Prevents Heart-Conditions
Lemon peels are rich in potassium, which can help in maintaining the optimum blood pressure in the body and cholesterol ( as mentioned previously). Thus, lemon peels can be effective in preventing diabetes, various heart diseases, and heart attacks.
7. Maintains Oral Hygiene and Health
Lemon peels are very effective for maintaining oral hygiene. Vitamin D deficiency can cause dental problems including bleeding gums, scurvy and gingivitis. Lemon peel is enriched with citric acid, which can help in fighting various teeth and gum related problems.
8. Promotes Weight Loss
Lemon peels can help in promoting weight loss. It contains Pectin, a component which promotes weight loss.
9. Fights many Skin Related Conditions
Lemon peels can help in preventing and fighting several skin problems including acne, acne scars or dark spots, wrinkles, and pigmentation. They are rich in antioxidant properties, which detoxify the skin to a great extent.
10. Various Health Benefits
Lemon peels have various other health benefits including cleanses the liver, strengthens the blood capillaries, treats ear infections, improves blood circulation, reduces muscle contractions and prevents strokes.
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Other uses
Lemon peel has many benefits, from cosmetics to household purposes. Some of the most popular and effective uses of lemon peel include:
11. All-purpose cleaner
Fill and seal a glass jar with fresh lemon peels and white vinegar. Allow it to sit for a few weeks. After that, remove the lemon peels and mix the solution with water (in equal parts) and directly use it from cleaning or removing stains. When mixed with water for cleaning, it also leaves a mild lemon fragrance.
12. Fridge deodorizer
Put a few lemon peels in your fridge to absorb odor. This will prevent smelly odor inside your fridge and keep it fresh.
13. Stainless-steel cleaner
Put a tablespoon of salt on your stainless steel item (which you want to clean) and scrub it using lemon peels to remove stains. Make sure to not do it over a minute or two and rinse thoroughly after doing so.
14. Kettle cleaner
Fill the kettle with water and add lemon peels to it. Boil the water in it to remove any remnants or mineral deposits. Let the water sit for about an hour and then rinse it with normal water.
15. Body scrub
Lemon peels can be used as an effective and natural body scrub. To use it, chop lemon peel and mix sugar, and olive oil to it. Massage the mixture gently on wet skin. Rinse well after you’re done.
16. Face mask
Add lemon peel powder to the rice flour and cold milk and apply it on the face for an exfoliating and cleansing face mask.
The bottom line
Although most people just throw away the lemon peels, various studies and research show that it has numerous health benefits. The fiber, vitamin, and antioxidant contents of lemon peels may support heart, immune, and oral health and may even have anti-cancer properties. The next time you use a lemon, keep the peel, and put it to use.
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