Nutrition

Lemon Peel Benefits

Lemons are easy to add to your favorite foods and taste delicious. They also happen to be extremely good for your health. If you use lemon juice on your hair, it can make it naturally lighter. While most people use lemon juice or the fruit for their amazing benefits, lemon peel can be useful as well. The enzymes within the lemon peel can help cure common conditions and help improve your skin naturally.

Lemon Peel Benefits

According to the USDA’s Nutrient Database, 100 grams of lemon peel contains 160 milligrams of potassium. It also has an impressive 134 milligrams of calcium. In just 100 grams of lemon peel, you will also find 10.6 grams of fiber and 129 milligrams of vitamin C.

You can get many of these benefits by eating lemons. This can be done with fresh or dried lemon peel. Other than eating lemons for their health benefits, you can use them for medical conditions or cosmetic purposes. Different uses of lemon peel can help heart problems, high cholesterol, scurvy, acne and a variety of health issues. Lemon peels are naturally high in enzymes and nutrients, so they are something that you should keep well stocked in your kitchen cupboard.

The Amazing Benefits of Lemon Peels

1. Immune Booster and Digestive Aid

Lemon peels are high in vitamin C, so they are a natural way to give your immune system a boost. Vitamin C is known for providing immune system support and can shorten the severity and duration of your illness. Eating lemon peel can help when you have a cold, flu or sore throat. In addition, the high levels of fiber in lemon peel help to encourage healthy bowel movements and a strong digestive system.

2. Lose Weight With Lemon Peels

Fiber comes in soluble and insoluble forms. While one type of fiber forms a gel to slow digestion, the other type binds with fats and cholesterol in the body and speeds them through your digestive system. The first kind means that you will feel fuller for longer. Meanwhile, the other type of fiber means that cholesterol and fat that you have already eaten is removed from your digestive system. Lemon peel also contains pectin which has been shown to help with weight loss.

3. Reduce Free Radical Damage

Free radicals exist in our body because of environmental pollutants, stress and other factors. These unrepaired electrons can damage your cells and are a leading cause of aging. Free radicals are also responsible for some types of cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, heart problems and other diseases. Since lemon peels are naturally high in vitamin C, they help to reduce free radical damage. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant that neutralizes free radical damage. Since free radicals cause damaged blood vessels, vitamin C can also reduce the chances of heart problems and can promote healthy blood circulation.

4. Cancer Fighting Agents

Two nutrients that are found in lemon peels are known as salvestrol Q40 and limonene. Both of these nutrients are known to fight cancer. In addition, the flavonoids found in lemon peels can stop cancer cells from dividing. While it may not cure cancer, lemon peel can help prevent cancer types like colon, skin or breast cancer.

5. Boost Your Oral Health

Long ago, sailors would often end up suffering from scurvy on long sea voyages. It took years to realize the cause: a lack of vitamin C. The vitamin C in lemon peels can help prevent scurvy, but it can also prevent dental problems like bleeding gums or gingivitis. The citric acid in lemon peels also helps to fight dental or gum issues.

6. Improve Your Skin

Free radicals cause more than just cancer. They can also cause your skin to look older than it should. Over time, you may develop odd skin pigmentation, dark spots, acne or wrinkles. Using lemon peels on your skin helps to even out your skin tone and remove impurities. The acid in the lemon peels can also help to treat acne by removing the bacteria on your skin. Plus, the antioxidants in lemon peels are great for the way your skin looks. You can eat lemon peels for this effect or use them topically.

To use lemon peels on your skin, cut the lemon into four pieces. Squeeze all of the juice into the bowl. Then, cut the lemon peel and blend it into the juice. Allow this mixture to dry out completely. Later, you can leave this blend on your fave for five minutes several times a week for more beautiful skin.

7. Lower Your Cholesterol Levels

Lemon peels are amazing for your heart health. The potassium in lemon peels can help to regulate your blood pressure. Plus, the polyphenol flavonoids can help to reduce the level of bad cholesterol in your body. Vitamin P and C help your blood circulation and the health of your blood vessels. As a result, lemon peels can help lower high blood pressure, reduce the chances of diabetic heart disease, lower your cholesterol and prevent heart problems.

8. Enjoy Having Stronger Bones

Calcium is present in a high quantity in lemon peels, which makes this fruit great for your bone health. Eating lemon peels can prevent bone fractures, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. It can also reduce your chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Things to Remember

Before using lemons, make sure to wash them completely to remove any pesticides. You should make sure to buy organic lemons whenever possible to prevent chemicals from being on or in the peels. In addition, you should avoid eating lemons if you have gallbladder stones or kidney stones. The oxalates in lemons are fine for healthy adults, but can contribute to crystallization if you already have gallbladder or kidney stones.