Lemon not only tastes delicious but it can also help stimulate good health. When applied topically, it can also do wonders for our skin and hair. Most of the time when focusing on the benefits of lemons, people tend to think of lemon juice, but lemon peel can be just as effective as it has some enzymes that help us live a healthier life.

Nutritional Facts of Lemon Peel

The USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard References states that:

• Every 100 grams of lemon peel has 134 milligrams of calcium.
• The same amount has 160 milligrams of potassium.
• The same amount contains 129 milligrams of vitamin C.
• The same amount contains 10.6 grams of fiber.

Benefits of Eating Lemon Peel

The scientific name of the lemon peel is citrus limonum whether it is fresh or dried and this part of the lemon can be used for many medical, cooking and cosmetic purposes. Both consuming it and using it topically has helped those who suffer from scurvy, cholesterol, acne, heart issues and others. That is because it contains many essential vitamins, minerals and enzyme.

1. Decrease Cholesterol Level

Eating lemon peel can help decrease the body’s cholesterol level which in turn can promote better heart health. In addition, the potassium found in the peel can help maintain blood pressure levels. The peels are able to lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) because of the polyphenol flavonoids. In addition, the vitamins C and P help clear the blood vessels and by doing so reduce the risk of developing certain conditions such as diabetic heart disease, heart disease and high blood pressure.

2. Fight Cancer

We already mentioned that two of the nutrients in lemon peel are limonene and salvestrol Q40 and these two components both fight cancerous cells. In addition, the flavonoids that can be found in the peel can help counter cancerous cell division. Because of that, eating lemon peel is considered a preventive action against several types of cancers such as skin, colon and breast.

3. Improve Bone Health

In order to develop strong, healthy bones, we need to ingest a good quantity of calcium and lemon peel contains this in addition to vitamin C. because of this, eating lemon peel has shown to help prevent osteoarthritis, inflammatory polyarthritis, bone fractures, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.

4. Boost Immunity and Digestion

Lemon peel contains essential nutrients including vitamin C which allow the body to resist infections as well as the subsequent ailments. Because of this, eating lemon peel is considered a good method for treating sore throat, flu, cold and similar infections. It can also help boost healthy digestion due to its dietary fiber that encourages healthy bowel movements.

5. Improve Oral Health

A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to several gum and dental problems such as gingivitis, bleeding gums and scurvy. Because lemon peel is rich in citric acid and vitamin C, it is able to prevent these and other related gum and dental problems.

6. Neutralize Free Radicals

Free radicals are unpaired electrons that occur in our body’s cells and they are responsible for certain health problems including autoimmune diseases, swelling, aging, heart issues and some types of cancer. Lemon peels contains vitamin C which can help neutralize these free radicals and therefore prevent those health concerns. Free radicals are also associated with blood vessel damage so vitamin C is also able to help maintain healthy blood circulation.

7. Improve Skin Condition

Free radicals play an important role in signs of aging and skin problems such as dark spots, acne, pigmentation and wrinkles. The citric acid and vitamin C in lemon peel help purify blood vessels as well as remove the impurities found in skin cells which in turn promotes healthy skin. In addition, the antioxidants in lemon peel detoxify the skin, making it great for pimples and acne. While there are topical options, consuming the peel is ideal.

One option for topical application is the following: cut the lemon into two to four pieces, squeezing the juices into a bowl. Cut up the lemon peel and mix it into the juice, storing the mixture somewhere cool and dry. Add an optional teaspoon of honey and apply it to your face. Leave it on for around 5 minutes before rinsing.

8. Boost Metabolism and Reduce Weight

One of the elements in lemon peel is pectin which has been shown to help in weight loss. This substance has some properties that will convert it into a jelly which prevents your body from absorbing excessive quantities of sugar, helping maintain your weight.

Cautions and Tips for Eating Lemon Peel

1. Wash Properly and Go Organic

You must wash lemon peel before eating it as pesticides or insecticides may have been used during the growing process. Lemons that have been shipped great distances may contain a wax coating that prevents damage but it can be made using animal, plant or insect based products. Therefore, it is best to opt for organically grown peels.

2. Be Aware Of Crystallization

Lemon peels contain a high amount of oxalates which are found in humans. When we have high concentrations of oxalates it can lead to problems which are associated with crystallization such as kidney or gallbladder stones. Therefore if you already suffer from these problems, avoid eating lemon peel.

Click here to watch a video on the benefits of lemon peels as well as how to eat them.