Lemon Peel Benefits

 Studies have determined that lemon peel is full of bioactive compounds that may provide numerous health benefits.

Here are 9 potential benefits and uses of lemon peel. 

🍋 Benefit 1. High nutritional value

Despite being eaten in small amounts, lemon peels are very nutritious. One tablespoon (6 grams) provides :

• Calories:3

• Carbs: 1 gram

• Fiber: 1 gram

• Protein: 0 grams

• Fat: 0 grams

• Vitamin C: 9% of the Daily Value (DV)

Lemon peel packs a high amount of fiber and vitamin C, providing 9% of the DV in only 1 tablespoon (6 grams).

Additionally, it boasts small amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

D-limonene, a compound that gives lemon its characteristic aroma, is also found in the peel and may be responsible for many of this fruit’s health benefits.

🍋 Benefit 2.  May support oral health

Dental cavities and gum infections are widespread oral diseases caused by bacteria like Streptococcus mutans .

Lemon peel contains antibacterial substances that may inhibit microorganism growth.

In one study, researchers identified four compounds in lemon peel that have powerful antibacterial properties and effectively fight common oral-disease-causing bacteria .

What’s more, a test-tube study found that lemon peel extract combats Streptococcus mutans activity, with higher doses being more effective .

🍋 Benefit 3. High in antioxidants

Antioxidants are plant compounds that prevent cellular damage by fighting free radicals in your body .

Lemon peel is high in antioxidants, including D-limonene and vitamin C .

Intake of flavonoid antioxidants like D-limonene is linked to a reduced risk of certain conditions, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes .

One test-tube study determined that lemon peel had stronger antioxidant activity than grapefruit or tangerine peels.

Animal studies also show that D-limonene increases the activity of an enzyme that helps reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is associated with tissue damage and accelerated aging .

Additionally, the vitamin C in lemon peel acts as a powerful antioxidant and likewise promotes immune health .

🍋 Benefit 4. May have antimicrobial and antifungal properties

Lemon peel may have several antimicrobial and antifungal properties .

Notably, in a test-tube study, this peel significantly harmed and reduced the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria .

Another test-tube study showed that lemon peel extract fought a drug-resistant fungus that causes skin infections .

🍋 Benefit 5.  May boost your immune system

Lemon peel extract may bolster your immune system due to its flavonoid and vitamin C content .

A 15-day study that gave fish dehydrated lemon peel showed improved immune responses .

What’s more, a review of 82 studies found that 1–2 grams of vitamin C per day reduces the severity and duration of the common cold by 8% in adults and 14% in children.

Vitamin C also accumulates in phagocytes, a type of cell that ingests harmful compounds.

🍋 Benefit 6. May promote heart health

High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity are all risk factors for heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the world.

Research suggests that compounds such as flavonoids, vitamin C, and pectin — the main fiber in lemon peel — may reduce your risk.

A review of 14 studies in 344,488 people found that an average increase of 10 mg of flavonoids per day reduced heart disease risk by 5% .

Additionally, in a study in mice with obesity, D-limonene lowered blood sugar, triglyceride, and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, while increasing HDL (good,  high density lipids) cholesterol .

A 4-week study in 60 children with excess weight noted that supplementing with lemon powder (containing peel) led to reductions in blood pressure and LDL (low density lipids) cholesterol .

The pectin in lemon peels may also reduce cholesterol levels by increasing the excretion of bile acids, which are produced by your liver and bind to cholesterol.

🍋 Benefit 7.  May have anticancer properties

Lemon peel may have several cancer-fighting properties.

For example, flavonoid intake is associated with a reduced risk of several types of cancer, and vitamin C may bolster the growth of white blood cells, which help eliminate mutated cancer cells .

🍋 Benefit 8.  May treat gallstones

Some studies suggest that D-limonene may help treat gallstones — hard deposits that can develop in your gallbladder .

In a study in 200 people with gallstones, 48% of those injected with a D-limonene solvent experienced complete gallstone disappearance, suggesting that this treatment could be an effective alternative to surgery. 

🍋 Benefit 9. Other uses

Lemon peel likewise has many applications as a cosmetic or household item. Some of its most popular uses include:

• All-purpose cleaner. Fill a lidded jar with lemon peels and white vinegar and let it sit for several weeks. Remove the peels and mix the remaining solution with equal parts of water.

• Fridge and trash-can deodorizer. Place a few lemon peels inside your fridge or at the bottom of your trash can to absorb odors.

• Stainless-steel cleaner. Spread some salt on the item you want to clean and scrub any stains using lemon peels. Remember to rinse afterward.

• Kettle cleaner. Fill your kettle with water and lemon peel and bring it to a boil to remove any mineral deposits. Let the water sit for an hour before rinsing.

• Body scrub. Mix sugar, olive oil, and finely chopped lemon peel,

then massage onto wet skin. Make sure to rinse well once you’re done.

• Face mask. Mix rice flour, lemon peel powder, and cold milk for an exfoliating and skin-cleansing mask.

Although animal studies link high doses of D-limonene to carcinogenic effects, this finding is irrelevant because humans lack the protein responsible for this association.

All the same, lemon peel may contain pesticide residue. Be sure to thoroughly scrub the fruit or wash it with a baking soda solution to remove any residues .