Who doesn’t enjoy a chilled glass of lemonade on a hot day? Likewise, have you smelt the fresh and awakening scent of a lemon while cutting it? Lemons are among the most popular and hydrating citrus fruits. They can treat colds, coughs, an upset stomach, scurvy, or even kidney stones. Further, they can reduce inflammation, blood pressure, fever-like symptoms, and even aid optimal blood flow and digestion.

For these reasons, the lemon peel (or alternatively, citrus lemona or nimbu ka chilka) is valuable in its own right. For instance, it is rich in detoxifying compounds such as vitamin C, fibre, calcium, and pectin. Thus, this helps with weight loss, immunity, and oral, skin, heart, and bone health. That’s not all – it serves as a natural cleanser too. For example, many use this as a non-toxic cleaner, insect repellant, and deodorant.

This is just a glimpse into the wonders of the peel. Not convinced yet? Here are specific reasons that will get you to stop throwing them away for good!

Rich in Nutrients

One tablespoon of lemon peel contains just 3 calories and virtually none existent carb and fibre levels (<1 gm each). It contains zero protein and fat. Most importantly, it packs a whooping 6 grams of vitamin C, housing 9% of how much you need in a day. In addition, it contains negligible levels of calcium, potassium, and magnesium – all of which are ‘micronutrients’, meaning that these are crucial to the body in small doses.

Another noteworthy compound is D-limolene. This brings a pleasant aroma and helps to keep your body disease-free.

Oral Health

Brushing and flossing cannot always fight hidden mouth bacteria. Streptococcus mutans, for instance, is a common type which festers quickly. Over time, it may cause dental infections and cavities. Similarly, tooth plague and gangrene are symptoms or poor oral health.

Thankfully, lemon peels are a simple and effective ingredient you can use to counter this. This is due to its antibacterial properties which hinders pathogen growth. Don’t just take this from us – various studies demonstrate this too. First, one study confirms that such properties effectively kill or prevent bacteria of this strain. Similarly, a test tube study finds that higher doses of the peel are most effective against the same.

Rich in Antioxidants

Antioxidants can fight and prevent free radical activity. In this manner, they prevent cell damage and ward away wrinkles and fine lines. In other words, an antioxidant-rich diet is the key to youthful and glowing skin. Most citrus fruits are a perfect way to incorporate you daily dose of this.

Lemon peels are an essential citrus ingredient. Above all, the presence of D-limonene can lower risks of heart disease and type-2 diabetes. Further, one test tube study confirms that it also lowers oxidative stress, which can damage tissues and cause ageing. You will also find that it improves immunity. This keeps your system robust and disease free.

Among citrus fruits, these peels rank highest among antioxidant levels. Thus, be sure to choose them above orange or tangerine peels.

Immune Boosting Properties

Lemon peels act as a natural immune booster. This is due to its high flavonoid and vitamin-c levels. In fact, there are studies confirming this. For instance, one study finds an improvement in immune response among dehydrated fish on a lemon peel diet. Further, a review of 82 studies finds that just 1-2 grams of the vitamin per day can common cold rates, by 8% in children and 14% in adults.

Further, vitamin-C contains phagocytes which ingest harmful pathogens to keep illnesses away.

Better Heart Health

There are a number of risk factors for heart diseases. For instance, sustained high cholesterol, blood pressure, and obesity are some such examples. However, you don’t have to opt for over-the-counter medications straight away. Rather, try opting for natural healing options. For instance, lemon peels contain flavonoids, vitamin C, and pectin fibres, each of benefit heart health.

There are multiple studies which demonstrate this too. First, a review of 14 studies finds that heart disease risk reduces by 5% by increasing flavonoid content by just 10% per day. Secondly, a study among obese mice finds that D-limonene lowers blood sugar, triglyceride, and LDL (harmful) cholesterol levels. It also increases HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Thirdly, a study among 60 obese children finds that powdered lemon peel supplements increase the chance of weight loss. Thus, lemon peels help to lower overall cholesterol levels.

Anticancer Properties

Some foods can naturally protect you from cancer cells. Lemon peels are one such example.

First, they contain high flavonoid levels which lowers risk of various cancer types. Next, the added boost of vitamin C which raises white blood cell growth. This helps get rid of mutated cancer cells. Further, D-limonene present can especially defeat stomach cancer.

Gallstone Treatment

Gall stones are hard deposits which form in your gall bladder. These are typically genetic, and worsened by prolonged dehydration. However, this is fortunately curable through lemon peels. This is because of D-limonene presence, which can dissolve gallbladder deposits. Thus, this property may serve as a cheaper alternative to surgeries at early stages.

Many studies consider the effects of lemon peels on gallstone formation. For instance, a study among 200 gallstone patients finds a success rate of 48%. However, further robust research in this area can help develop a cure.

Miscellaneous Uses

Do the benefits of peels stop at good health? Not quite. Lemon peels have cosmetic and household purposes too.

First, lemon peels make a valuable all-purpose cleaner. To prepare this yourself, simply fill an airtight jar with lemon peels and white vinegar. Then, let it sit for at least a month before straining out the peels. Finally, mix the residue with equal amounts of water.

Second, you may use this to refresh your fridge and trash can. Simply place the peels in your fridge or tat the bottom of your trash can.

Third, many use this as an effective stainless steel cleaner. Just sprinkle salt on any item you wish to clean, and use the peel (as a soap) to scrub off stains. Also, remember to rinse the utensil afterwards. Similarly, you can use this to clean out your hot water kettle. Fill your kettle with a lemon peel residue sandpit to boil. In this manner, the mineral residue at the bottom of the kettle tend to loosen.

Takeaways

Lemon peels are a fantastic immune booster and cleanser to your system. They are nutrient and antioxidant rich, immune boosting, anti cancerous and can treat gallstones and heart ailments. Further, it contains antibacterial properties which make it an effective cleanser. For instance, many use this as a household and stainless steel cleanser, as well as a fridge and trash can cleanser. Therefore, be sure to store your lemon peels – they can help you easily cleanse, refresh, and detoxify your body and surroundings.

Find out about Ayurvedic immunity boosters here. 

Find out how to naturally improve your immunity with just four simple steps. 

Join us here at Mekosha for an Ayurveda detox treatment in Kerala.