5 Amazing Lemon Peel Benefits

Most people know that the juice and pulp of citrus fruits such as lemons are rich sources of immune-boosting vitamin C.

But did you know that the seeds, pith, and peel of lemons also have significant nutritional benefits and household uses? 

Here are five surprising lemon peel benefits and practical tips and tricks for using lemon peel to improve your health and wellness. 

5 benefits of lemon peel 

Lemons, scientifically known as Citrus limon, are used worldwide for cooking, cleaning, and to create fragrances.

While all parts of lemons offer nutritional advantages, lemon peels are exceptionally rich sources of essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive nutrients, including phenols and flavonoids.

These plant compounds provide many benefits, such as supporting metabolic health, reducing the risk of fatty liver disease, and serving as a potent antimicrobial agent. 

Here are five impressive health benefits of lemon peel.

1. Supports liver health 

Excess fat in liver cells, often linked to poor dietary habits, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle, is the primary characteristic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). 

According to American Liver Foundation (ALF) data, it's estimated that around 25 percent of U.S. adults have some degree of fatty liver disease.  

NAFLD is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that, if left unmanaged, can progress to more severe liver conditions and even liver cancer. 

Research published in Scientific Reports found that eriocitrin, a flavonoid in lemon peel, effectively reduces diet-induced liver fat. 

This effect is achieved by activating genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, a critical process that enhances the liver's capacity to process and metabolize fat.

These findings suggest that lemon peel extract, which is particularly rich in eriocitrin, may offer a promising strategy to manage or prevent NAFLD.  

2. Potential anticancer properties

Apigen, another flavonoid found in lemon peel, has shown promise as a chemoprotective agent.

Evidence published in A Centum of Valuable Plant Bioactives states that “apigenin is considered as one of the most promising agents in cancer chemoprevention and numerous evidence support its utilization in numerous types of tumors.”

3. Promotes metabolic health

Balanced blood sugar regulation is crucial to prevent obesity, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels. 

Maintaining metabolic health helps lower the risks of metabolic syndrome, which is linked to the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Research published in Nutrition and Food Science Technology highlights the ability of lemon peel to positively affect blood sugar balance and, therefore, may support metabolic health. 

According to the study, flavonoids found abundantly in citrus peel “can help regulate metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes, as manifested by α-glucosidase inhibition, insulin sensitization, and decreased blood lipid levels.”

4. Promotes cardiovascular health 

In addition to supporting liver health, the lemon peel-derived flavonoid eriocitrin can help protect the integrity of blood vessels.  

According to research published in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, eriocitrin has shown significant effects in preventing the hardening and narrowing of arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis.

Hardened blood vessels are linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, and stroke. 

5. Antibacterial effects 

Lemon peel contains flavonoids that have been shown to possess potent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, even against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

A study published in Food Control found that lemon peel oil was particularly effective at inhibiting the growth of common foodborne pathogens, including Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enterica.

This has been confirmed by evidence published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology that demonstrated the antibacterial value of lemon peel. 

Researchers isolated several antibacterial compounds from lemon peel that were effective against oral bacteria responsible for tooth decay, gum infections, and periodontitis.

These findings support the use of lemon peel extracts in oral care products, as natural food preservatives, and for other antibacterial applications such as cleaning and sanitation products.

Watch this video to learn more about the amazing benefits of eating lemons.

How to use lemon peel

When using lemons it's crucial to choose organic, pesticide-free lemons to avoid harmful chemicals and pesticides. It’s equally as important to thoroughly wash lemon peel to remove any potential residues or contaminants. 

Lemon zest, which is finely grated lemon peel, is a common ingredient in many recipes. 

It adds a bright, citrusy flavor to various desserts, such as 

• Keto Lemon Ricotta Cookie Cakes

• Lemon Coconut Fat Bombs

• Keto Lemon Blueberry Muffins Recipe

• Lemon Cream and Blackberry Fat Bombs

• Pound Cake Muffins

Finely chopped lemon peel can also be used in savory dinners such as lemon garlic chicken and lemon pepper salmon and can be added to salad dressings, marinades, and sauces for a tangy pop of flavor.

Lemon Blueberry Smoothie recipe

Consuming the pith, outer peel, and seeds, in addition to the juice, can maximize the benefits of eating lemons. 

Including all components of lemons significantly boosts your vitamin C intake and offers a broad spectrum of phytonutrients that work together to support overall health.

One of the easiest ways to do this is to blend the whole lemon into a refreshing beverage. 

For a nutrient-packed drink, try this Lemon Blueberry Smoothie recipe.

Ingredients:

•  1 whole organic lemon

•  8 oz water 

•  5 to 10 drops liquid stevia or 1 cup frozen blueberries 

Optional ingredients:

• 1 serving electrolyte powder

• Splash apple cider vinegar

Directions:

1. Add water and whole lemon to a blender. 

2. Add stevia or frozen blueberries and optional ingredients.

3. If using sweetened electrolyte powder, adjust stevia or blueberries to taste.

4. Blend for 30 to 45 seconds until desired texture.

5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Lemon peel nutrition facts

While lemon juice and pulp are well-known for their high vitamin C content, the peel also contains a wide array of other essential nutrients. 

“The peel, the pith, and the seeds of a lemon contain five times more nutrition than the juice and the pulp,” explains Dr. Berg.

However, the nutritional value of lemons may vary depending on factors such as the specific variety and growing conditions.

Lemon peel is a rich source of various essential nutrients, including:

• Vitamin B1

• Vitamin B2

• Vitamin B6 

• Vitamin C

• Folate

• Vitamin E 

• Calcium

• Potassium

• Magnesium

• Copper 

Other lemon peel uses 

The valuable attributes of lemon peel go beyond nutritional use and have long been utilized for household applications, including cleaning and deodorizing.

Lemon peels can be used to create a natural, eco-friendly cleaning solution for your home. 

Steep lemon peels in white vinegar for a few weeks, strain the liquid and use it to clean surfaces such as countertops, sinks, and floors. 

When combined, lemon’s citric acid and vinegar’s acetic acid help cut through grease and mineral buildup on various surfaces. Acetic acid also neutralizes odors, while lemon scent leaves your home smelling vibrant and clean.

Lemon peels can also be used as a natural air freshener and deodorizer. 

Boil lemon peels in water on the stove to fill your home with a pleasant, citrusy aroma. You can also toss used lemon peels in the garbage disposal to eliminate odors and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.

Rubbing lemon peel powder on faucets and other bathroom fixtures can help remove hard water stains, leaving them clean and shining. Citric acid powder can also be used to remove limescale and other mineral buildup.

However, be cautious when using lemon on porous material. It can be corrosive to some surfaces if applied in excess or left on for extended periods.

Key takeaways

Lemon peel benefits span from nutritional value and antimicrobial properties to various household applications such as clearing and deodorizing.

The high concentrations of nutrients and bioflavonoids in lemon peels make consuming whole lemons even more nutritious than using just juice. 

When using lemon peel for nutritional purposes, it's crucial to choose organic lemons and wash them thoroughly to minimize exposure to potential residues or contaminants. 

FAQ

1. Is the peel of a lemon good for you?

Yes, the peel of a lemon is highly nutritious and contains five times more nutrients than lemon juice or pulp.  

Lemon peel is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids. These nutrients help support weight management, may lower blood pressure, enhance immunity functions, and reduce the risk of various chronic diseases.

2. What happens after you eat a lemon peel?

Eating lemon peel can provide a concentrated dose of phytonutrients such as phenols and flavonoids.  

These nutrients can support liver health, aid digestion, improve insulin sensitivity, provide anti-inflammatory effects, and protect against oxidative stress. 

3. Is lemon peel good for the kidneys?

Yes, lemon peel can benefit kidney health. Lemon peel contains citric acid that may help prevent kidney stones by increasing urinary citrate levels and reducing calcium crystallization. 

Additionally,  lemon peel may protect the kidneys from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lower the risk of kidney disease.

4. Is lemon peel anti-inflammatory?

Yes, lemon peel has anti-inflammatory properties. It contains flavonoids like hesperidin and eriocitrin, which help reduce inflammation in the body.

Lemon peel's antioxidant content also helps combat inflammation by neutralizing harmful free radicals that can cause oxidative stress and cellular damage.

5. Is drinking lemon juice good for you?

Yes, drinking diluted lemon juice can be beneficial for your health. Lemon juice is a rich source of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that supports a strong immune system, promotes skin health, and protects cells from oxidative damage.

Other potential advantages of drinking lemon water include benefits for weight loss, bone health, and kidney function.  

Sources

1. https://liverfoundation.org/liver-diseases/fatty-liver-disease 

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3892443/

3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/apigenin

4. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2 022.888745/full#B11

5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332222009520

6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PC3551112/

7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S095671351200059X