Lemon is a type of citrus fruit, along with grapefruit, tangerine, and orange. According to Healthline, lemon peel is particularly rich in high levels of bioactive compounds that provide numerous health benefits.
Health Benefits of Lemon Peel
Here are 7 health benefits of lemon peel based on proven scientific research.
High Nutritional Value
Even though only a small amount is consumed, every 6 grams of lemon peel provides:
- 3 calories
- 1 gram of carbohydrates
- 1 gram of fiber
- 9% of the daily value (DV) of vitamin C.
Additionally, lemon peel contains calcium (134 mg/100 grams), potassium (160 mg/100 grams), and magnesium. D-limonene, the compound responsible for the characteristic lemon fragrance, is also found in lemon peel and offers potential health benefits.
Supports Oral Health
Cavities and gum infections are common oral diseases primarily caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans. Lemon peel contains antibacterial properties that help inhibit the growth of these microorganisms.
Lemon peel is rich in antioxidants beneficial for health. (Image: Internet).
According to Healthline, a 2011 study on NCBI examined the antibacterial properties of lemon peel against oral bacteria and found that lemon peel has strong antibacterial properties that effectively combat common oral pathogens.
Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are plant compounds that prevent cellular damage by combating free radicals in the body. Lemon peel is rich in antioxidants, including D-limonene and vitamin C.
Consuming antioxidant-rich flavonoids like D-limonene is associated with a reduced risk of several diseases, including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Notably, some in vitro studies have also identified that lemon peel has even stronger antioxidant activity compared to grapefruit or tangerine peel.
According to Healthline, animal studies have shown that D-limonene helps enhance the activity of an enzyme that reduces oxidative stress, which is linked to tissue damage and accelerated aging.
Moreover, vitamin C in lemon peel has long been recognized as a potent antioxidant that boosts the immune system and reduces the risk of illness.
Potential Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
A 2018 in vitro study on NCBI indicated that lemon peel could significantly reduce the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and combat drug-resistant fungi that cause skin infections.
However, these studies have yet to be confirmed on a larger scale in humans, so further high-quality research is needed before drawing definitive conclusions.
Lemon peel can significantly reduce the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. (Image: Internet).
Boosts Immune System
Lemon peel extract can help boost the immune system due to its high content of flavonoids and vitamin C. A review of 82 studies showed that 1-2 grams of vitamin C daily reduced the severity and duration of the common cold by up to 8% in adults and 14% in children.
Enhances Cardiovascular Health
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity are all risk factors for heart disease. According to Healthline, compounds such as flavonoids, vitamin C, and pectin—the primary fiber in lemon peel—can help reduce disease risk.
A review of 14 studies involving 344,488 participants found that an additional 10 mg of flavonoids daily reduced the risk of heart disease by 5%.
Additionally, a study on obese mice indicated that D-limonene in lemon peel can help lower blood sugar, triglycerides, and levels of bad cholesterol while increasing levels of good cholesterol.
Furthermore, pectin in lemon peel has also been shown to help reduce cholesterol levels by enhancing bile acid secretion by the liver and binding with cholesterol.
Potential Anti-Cancer Properties
Flavonoids and vitamin C are associated with a reduced risk of certain types of cancer and promote the growth of white blood cells to eliminate cancer-causing mutated cells, particularly stomach cancer.
According to Healthline, a 52-week study on mice showed that D-limonene in lemon peel at varying concentrations could inhibit stomach cancer cells and eliminate these cells.
Lemon peel has potential benefits in combating stomach cancer. (Image: Internet).
However, cancer patients should not consider lemon peel as a primary treatment method for cancer, as studies on its anti-cancer effects in humans remain limited.
In addition to the aforementioned benefits, lemon peel also has various applications in cosmetics or cleaning and deodorizing household items, such as:
- Lemon peel as a cleaning agent combined with white vinegar
- Lemon peel helps deodorize the refrigerator or trash can
- Lemon peel aids in descaling kettles
- Exfoliating body skin using a mixture of lemon peel, olive oil, and brown sugar, etc.
Beyond its medicinal uses, lemon peel is also applied in beauty treatments, such as a skin whitening mask made with lemon peel and milk; moisturizing skin with a mixture of lemon peel, cucumber, clay, and rose water; exfoliating skin with lemon peel powder, sea salt, and rose water;… Many people also use lemon peel to enhance detox water for weight loss and add flavor to plain water which is often considered “bland.“
Overall, lemon peel is benign and safe for most individuals. However, lemon peel may contain pesticide residues, so it is advisable to clean lemons using a fruit wash solution or baking soda to remove these residues.
