Have you ever thought that what you simply discard in the trash can might be a priceless health and nutritional treasure? Lemon peel – this small part that we usually toss after extracting the juice – is actually a storehouse of vital benefits, starting from supporting the immune system, protecting the heart and skin, to being used as a natural and eco-friendly cleaner in your kitchen.
Why Shouldn’t You Throw Away Lemon Peels?
Throwing lemon peel in the trash means losing an important component rich in fiber, vitamins, and concentrated antioxidants, all of which enhance general health.
There are many health benefits that you can get by incorporating lemon peel into your diet by adding it grated to baked goods, salads, or yogurt, including:
1 – Obtaining numerous nutrients: According to "Healthline", just 6 grams of lemon peel, about one tablespoon, contains: a gram of carbohydrates, and a 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 scent, and is referred to by experts as responsible for many of the health benefits of lemons.
2 – Supporting oral health: Studies have shown that lemon peel contains antibacterial agents that inhibit the growth of microorganisms, such as Streptococcus mutans, a type of oral bacterium that naturally occurs in human mouths and is a primary cause of tooth decay and gum infections.
During a study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology in 2011, researchers identified 4 compounds in lemon peel, and found that 3 of them had strong antibacterial properties. The researchers also confirmed that these compounds could effectively combat common bacteria that cause oral diseases.
3 – Reducing the risk of certain diseases: Lemon peel contains a high amount of antioxidants, which are substances and compounds that prevent cell damage by fighting free radicals in the body.
Research indicates that citrus peels contain more antioxidants than the juice or the pulp, and evidence suggests that specifically the antioxidant activity of lemon peels is stronger than that of mandarin or grapefruit peels.
Among the most prominent antioxidants found in lemon peel, we mention: flavonoids, compound D-limonene, vitamin C.
It is noted that consuming antioxidants is linked to a reduced risk of certain diseases, such as heart diseases and type 2 diabetes. Also, they play a crucial role in fighting 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 for people who consume higher amounts of dietary flavonoids, compared to those who don’t consume them, and also the death rate resulting from heart diseases decreases among them, which supports the idea that foods rich in these compounds help protect general health and reduce the risks of heart diseases.
5 – Enhancing the immune system: Lemon peel enhances immune system health, due to its content of flavonoids and vitamin C, as confirmed by a study that lasted about 15 days, during which fish were given dried lemon peel, and showed improvement in immune responses.
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 by the Royal Society of Chemistry in the United Kingdom showed that flavonoid compounds extracted from lemon peel have the ability to protect the skin from damage caused by ultraviolet rays.
The study was conducted on mouse models that experienced skin stress similar to the effect of sunlight, and the results showed that flavonoids from lemon peel enhanced the activity of enzymes responsible for protecting skin cells, and also reduced inflammation and tissue damage levels, which demonstrated a significant improvement in skin structure.
According to experts, there are two ways you can use lemon peel to enhance the health and vitality of your skin, they are:
- Using it as a natural body scrub: Here, you can mix sugar with olive oil and finely ground lemon peels to obtain a uniform mixture. Massage your wet skin with the mixture through gentle circular movements, then rinse the skin well with lukewarm water to remove any residues.
- Homemade face mask: To make the mask, you can mix rice flour with lemon peel powder, and gradually add some cold milk until a creamy consistency is formed. The mask is applied to the face for a short period to help cleanse and gently exfoliate the skin, then washed well with water.
The role of lemon peel is not limited to beauty care, but it also extends to include a number of versatile household uses that make it a practical element, and among the most prominent of these uses:
- Multipurpose household cleaner: Place lemon peels after adding white vinegar to them in a tightly sealed container, and leave the mixture for several weeks to ferment. After that, the peels are removed, and the resulting liquid is diluted with an equal amount of water to become a natural and effective surface cleaner.
- Natural odor remover: Lemon peels can be used to absorb unwanted odors, by placing a few peels inside the fridge or at the bottom of the trash can to reduce foul smells.
Important Tips for Safe Use
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration lists lemon peel as a safe ingredient, as no side effects from using lemon peel have been recorded. However, the peels might carry traces of pesticides, so it is recommended to wash lemon fruits well and scrub them carefully while washing, or soak them in a solution of water and baking soda, to reduce any remaining traces of pesticides.
