6 Surprising Lemon Peel Benefits

We often squeeze lemons for their juice and toss the peel, but that's a mistake! Studies show that the peel is just as rich in antioxidants as the juice. Lemon peel contains polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, fiber, carotenoids, and essential oils that help protect against many diseases.

Nutrition and Diet, Phytotherapy Expert Sıla Bilgili Tokgöz explains 6 hidden benefits of lemon peel that you can add to your tea or grate into salads and cookies, and shares a healthy lemonade recipe made with lemon peel.

Strengthens gums

Lemon peel prevents the development of scurvy, a type of bleeding gum disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. Thanks to the vitamin C found in lemon and its peel, scurvy does not occur.

Reduces liver fat

Thanks to its pectin, essential oils, and PMF (polymethoxylated flavones), lemon peel reduces total cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and liver fat.

Protects intestines

The dietary fiber present in lemon peel supports intestinal function and gut health. Additionally, the pectin in lemon peel helps prevent constipation.

Prevents cell damage

With its high antioxidant capacity, it neutralizes free radicals that cause cell damage. Moreover, lemon peel prevents DNA damage thanks to its high vitamin C content, which exhibits antioxidant properties.

Reduces cancer risk

Lemon peel helps fight cancer cells thanks to its limonene and salvestrol Q10 content. A study conducted in Australia revealed that it reduces the risk of mouth, throat, and stomach cancer by 40-50%.

Protects vascular health

Lemon, thanks to the flavonoids hesperidin and naringin found in its peel, protects blood vessel structure and reduces the risk of clotting. Its high vitamin C content helps reduce coronary artery disease.

Healthy lemonade recipe:

4 lemons
300 g strawberries
1 cup date syrup
1 liter water
Mint leaves

Grate the lemons into a bowl. Squeeze the juice from the grated lemons. Wash and hull the strawberries, then blend them. Soak the dates in water for 2 hours, remove the pits and skins, then blend them, add hot water, and strain the liquid through a cheesecloth. In a large bowl, combine the lemon zest, strawberries, lemon juice, and date liquid and let sit for one hour. Add one liter of water to the mixture. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth. Serve cold with mint leaves.

Source: mahmure