Lemon Peel Benefits and Side Effects - You Might Not Be Aware of

Lemons are among the most widely known and used home remedy in the world today. Additionally, lemons were used in ancient times for medicinal purposes. But, most of us don't know the benefits of the whole lemon. We often squeeze off the lemon juice and toss the lemon peel in the trash. What we don't know is that lemon peels are very important to our health. In fact, lemon peels are said to contain more vitamins and nutrients than lemon juice. In this article, let's discuss a few lemon peel benefits and side effects you should be aware of. 

Benefits of Using Lemon Peel

1. Improves Bone Health

Lemon peels are rich in vitamin C and calcium which are essential in enhancing and maintaining the health of our bones. Additionally, lemon peels inhibit bone-related diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory polyarthritis, and osteoporosis. Therefore, next time you decide to drink lemon water, don't throw away the peels.

2. Treat Oxidative Stress and Eradicate Toxins

Am sure all of us want to reduce the level of oxidative stress. Lemon peels are rich in citric bioflavonoids which are vital in minimizing the levels of oxidative stress. Additionally, this component is essential in eradicating the toxic elements in our bodies as well as removing carcinogenic elements.

3. Fight Cancer

• If you consume lemon peels regularly, they aid in preventing various types of cancers including colon cancer, skin cancer, and breast cancer. According to studies, inhibiting the growth and development of cancer cells is one of the lemon peel tea benefits.
• Additionally, the fact that lemons are alkalizing in nature, they make your body to be alkaline and therefore prevent cancer growth since cancer thrives in an acidic body.
• Lemon peels are also rich in limonene and salvestrol Q40 which are known to fight against cancerous cells in the body.

4. Reduces Cholesterol

Lemon peels are rich in polyphenol flavonoids which helps decrease the levels of cholesterol in the body thereby promoting good health for the heart. Additionally, lemon peels contain potassium which is essential in preventing heart-related complications such as heart attacks and stroke.

5. Maintains Oral Health

Lemons peels are vital for overall oral health and hygiene. Usually, the lack of enough vitamin C in the body can encourage teeth related complications such as scurvy, gingivitis, and bleeding gums. Lemon peels are rich in vitamins C and therefore can help fight off teeth and gum related problems.

6. Promotes Weight Loss

Lemon peels contain the pectin components that are essential in promoting weight loss in the body. Therefore, if you want to lose weight, make sure you make use of the whole lemon.

7. Fight Skin Conditions

Lemon peels are useful in preventing and fighting off skin problems including wrinkles, acne, pigmentation, and dark spots. Free radicals also play an important role in promoting skin health. Lemon peels also contain antioxidants which are important in detoxifying the skin.

8. Other Benefits

The benefits of lemon peels are numerous, and we can't mention them all. Other benefits include cleansing the liver, improving blood circulation, strengthening the capillaries, promoting eye health, and reducing muscle contractions among others.

Side Effects Of Using Lemon Peel

1. Development Of Kidney Stones

Lemon peels are rich in oxalates which when they react with calcium, it can lead to the development of kidney stones. Make sure you regulate the amount of oxalate foods you consume.

2. Increases Iron Content

Lemon peels increase iron content in the body. Lemon peels are rich in vitamin C which encourages iron absorption in the blood. Too much iron in the blood can be harmful to your internal organs.

3. Trigger Migraines

Lemon peel can trigger a migraine. Although further studies are required to ascertain this claim, citric foods and drinks are said to trigger migraines. If you often experience migraines, it's important to avoid a lemon.

4. Develops Nausea

Lemon peels can cause nausea and vomiting. Usually, lemon peels are rich in vitamins C which if consumed in excess, it can cause nausea, and in serious cases vomiting

It’s also important to remember that non-organic lemons are sometimes covered pesticides, insecticides, and wax covering. Therefore, make sure that you wash thoroughly before using them. Additionally, you may consider using organic lemons to avoid the issue of wax coverings.

How to Use Lemon Peels

There are plenty of ways on how you can consume lemon peels.

• You can eat the lemon whole- having both the lemon juice and the peels at the same time
• You can grate the lemon peels and sprinkle it on your drinks or meal
• Eat them- the taste, however, is not great.

According to research, lemon peels are packed with numerous potential health benefits. And, now that you know the lemon peels benefits and side effects, make sure that when you come along a lemon, you will make full use of it. If you used to throw away the lemon peels, now you know what you have been missing.