Citrus fruits are so packed with natural healing properties that no part should be trashed. Many people only use just the juice and pulp in maintaining their health but discard the peel and so may be missing out. For instance, it is said that lemon peels contain as much as 5 to 10 times more vitamins than the juice itself. Therefore, adding a little citrus peel in your diet can go a long way in giving you more health benefits.
The medical actions of citrus peels come in part from their essential oil, d-limonene. This has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It acts as a solvent for cholesterol. It also neutralizes gastric acid and supports normal peristalsis, making it useful for relief of heart burn. Research also indicates that d-limonene has cancer-preventive properties.
Citrus peels contain hesperidin, a flavonoid that also reduces the proliferation of cancer cells and induces programmed cell death in human colon cancer cells.
It is indicated that citrus peel extract containing polymethoxylated flavones may help prevent diabetes. In a study published in the journal of “Life Sciences,” it was reported that the extract significantly reduced serum triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol levels in hamsters (rodents). Since high cholesterol and TG are known to contribute to inflammatory disorders including obesity and diabetes, the results suggest that a daily intake of citrus peel extract could improve insulin sensitivity in people.
Several citrus peels used as medicine for numerous maladies include those of bitter orange (Citrusaurantium); sweet orange (Csinensis); grape (C. paradisi); tangerine (C. reticulata); lime (C. aurantifolia); and lemon (C. limon).
Discover the secret of healing with lemon peels – the zesty invigorating flavor can help support your health!
Lemon peels have an enormous amount of health benefits, including the ability to boost your immune system, lower cholesterol and also help prevent cancer like other citruses. Often overlooked, lemon peels offer anti-microbial protection against bacterial (and fungal) infections and also help the body to eliminate internal parasites and worms from the digestive system.
Every 100 gm of lemon peel is said to contain about 160 mg of potassium, 134 mg of calcium, 129 mg of vitamin C and about 10.6 gm of fiber. It also contains more than 44 kinds of flavone glycosides and other plant acids, minerals and nutrients which make this fruit peel a must for healthy body and mind.
The citrus aroma of lemon peel makes it an excellent ingredient for essential oils used to enhance moods.
Lemon peels help fight against cancerous cells in the human body, this is possible because of its two constituents -salvestrol Q40 and limonene as noted by Scientists at De Montfort University in the United Kingdom. Also the flavonoids present in the peels are known to be effective in curbing the division of cancerous cells. Start to in-cooperate lemon peel in your diet as a preventive measure against development of various types of cancers including breast, colon and skin cancers. Consuming for instance, your hot herbal tea with lemon peel is good way to start.
Its poly-phenol flavonoids help in decreasing cholesterol levels- Including lemon peels in your daily diet will help lower the LDL cholesterol, bad cholesterol as well as regulate blood pressure and maintain good health of your heart.
Since the peels have lots of vitamin C and calcium, consuming them may help prevent osteoporosis, arthritis, inflammation associated with arthritis, and other bone conditions. Thepeel being high in vitamin C, also boosts the immune system and fight against colds and flu, prevents teeth and gums related problems. It generally provides good hygiene and health of the oral cavity.
The human skin is not left out, its high vitamin C content helps in purifying the blood vessels in the body and eliminating all the impurities present in the skin cells. This actually promotes a healthy skin. Lemon peel is great for acne and pimples because it contains many other antioxidants which detoxify the skin to a great extent.
Lemon peel contains many other important nutrients that help promote growth of the nails, detoxifies the liver, and improves blood circulation, capillary fragility, and varicose veins.
The peel is also beneficial to the weight-conscious. It has a strong anti-depressive effect and also helps with cystitis and tumors.
That’s what we have been wasting! I was just thinking about the number of lemons that “malams” juice daily from their wheel-barrows and felt really sad that such flavorful potentials end up in the trash!
Haven known that the peel of lemon actually contains as much as 5 to 10 times more vitamins than the lemon juice itself. When next you squeeze a lemon (or peel an orange, tangerine) save the skin. While fresh citrus peels contain the most healing compounds, dried peels aren’t bad at all. Scrape away as much of the bitter pith as you can and leave the peels in a single layer in a plate or drying rack for a few days. Store dry peels in an air tight jar. Dried citrus peels make a nice addition to your basic cup of herbal tea.
Here’s one of my favorite ways to make my teas more palatable – you will need one whole lemon, a quarter cup of dried nettles or Moringa and some boiling water. Simply place the quarter cup of dried herbs in about 100 CL jar, grate the entire fresh lemon and pour boiling water to the brim, cover and stand overnight. Strain and enjoy!