Lemons not only taste delicious but also work wonder for your health, skin and hair.
But if you are in the practice of throwing away lemon peel after squeezing the juice out of it, think again. Did you know lemon peel contains 5 to 10 times more vitamins than lemon itself?
Lemon peel contains a list of vitamin, mineral and fibre like calcium, potassium and Vitamin C, which gives your body a nutritional boost.
Lemon peels also have some healthy enzymes, which help us to live a healthier life. So, by throwing away the lemon peel, you are doing a great disservice to your body.
Below are some of the most important benefits of lemon peels and the ways in which you can include them in your diet.
1, Cancer prevention
It’s surprising but lemon peels are used in prevention and treatment of cancer. It contains salvestrol Q40 and limonene, which helps in fighting the cancer cells. A study found that consumption of lemon peels in tea prevented the growth of cancer cells. Also, cancer thrives in an acidic body and lemon peel being alkaline in nature helps to maintain the pH of our body. Lemons are also anti-microbial, thus, ward off bacterial and fungal infection. Their low pH also make them perfect for beauty and personal care, and when applied directly to skin, lemon peel can lighten sun spots.
2. Bone health
Lemon peel contain high amounts of Vitamin C and calcium and thus helps in improving and maintaining bone health. It also helps in preventing bone related diseases like inflammatory polyarthritis, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Oral health
Vitamin C deficiency can result in teeth related problems like scurvy, bleeding gums and gingivitis. Lemon peels are rich in citric acid, which helps in covering up for deficiency of Vitamin C and thus help to fight common teeth related problem.
4. Weight loss
Lemon peels promote weight loss. They are able to do so because of a component called pectin present in them. Pectin is responsible for the promotion of weight loss in the body.
5. Treats oxidative stress
Lemon peels have high amounts of citrus bio flavonoids, which are a good source for reduction of oxidative stress in your body.
6. Reduces cholesterol and prevents heart related condition
Due to the presence of polyphenol flavonoids in lemon peel, it is helpful in maintaining the cholesterol level in our body. The presence of potassium in lemon peels helps to maintain the blood pressure. In addition to all this, lemon peels also help in preventing heart diseases like stroke and heart attack by maintaining the cholesterol level.
7. Fights skin related problems
Lemon peel is very helpful in fighting and preventing skin problems like acne, wrinkles, dark spots and pigmentation. Lemon peel is also rich in antioxidants and thus helps to detoxify our skin.
8. Boosts immunity and digestion
The presence of dietary fibre in it encourages healthy digestion by regulating the bowel movement. Vitamin C helps the body fight infections.
9. Strengthens the blood vessel
The presence of Vitamin P in lemon prevents internal haemorrhage, also making it useful for treating high blood pressure.
Nutrients in 1 serving (6 grams) of lemon peel:
How to consume lemon peel:
1. Deep freeze the lemon peel for a couple of hours. Grate them. You can sprinkle this grated peel in your drinks or food. You can also do this without freeing the lemons.
2. Grated lemon can also be added to the tea.
3. Dry the lemon peel in a oven at 200-degree temperature. Add whole pepper corn and coarse sea salt and grind this mixture. The seasoning for your dinner is ready.
Prevents fruits from turning brown
Add lemon peel to water and put the cut fruits in it. You can keep this in the fridge as long as needed. This water will prevent the browning of fruits.
