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Lemons are filled with antioxidants such as vitamin C, nutrients such as potassium, and alpha hydroxy acids, among others. (1) It can have several beneficial effects on your general health. (2)
Health Benefits of Lemon Peels
Here are a few uses of lemon peels you should know about. (3)
1. Support the growth of gut microorganisms
Lemon peels are rich in pectin, a soluble fiber that can help in the growth of colonies of beneficial gut bacteria. (4) This in turn helps improve many health conditions such as allergies, heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, and even colon cancer.
Lemon peel powder can be used in baking, added to soups, or blended with fruits as smoothies.
2. Manage sore throat
Lemon peels are rich in vitamin C, which is an important nutrient for the immune system. It is also said to have antibacterial qualities. (1)
Soak lemon peels in a glass of water for 1–2 hours. Heat the water until it is lukewarm, and gargle with this solution twice a day.
3. Improve canker sores
Lemon peel powder may be helpful against canker sores by relieving inflammation.
You can apply lemon peel powder directly to the sore and wash it off after 2–3 minutes. (This may cause discomfort to some people. Do not use it if it causes a burning sensation).
Alternatively, you may gargle with lemon peel powder. (5)
4. Relieve indigestion and constipation
Lemons have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can be very useful for the digestive system. Drinking lemon peel-infused water every day may help provide relief from diarrhea and indigestion. (5)
5. Whiten teeth
Lemon peels are rich in citric acid, which can help whiten your teeth by bleaching them. However, overusing this remedy may lead to tooth sensitivity and enamel erosion.
You can use lemon peels to scrub your teeth occasionally (once a fortnight) to prevent teeth yellowing and stains. (6)
Beauty Benefits of Lemon Peels
Here are a few ways to use lemon peels for your skin.
Note: Always perform a patch test before using lemon peels as they can be harsh on sensitive skin.
1. Help in skin toning and brightening
Lemon peels are powerhouses of vitamin C and other antioxidants. They can help get rid of acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and dark circles.
You can also sun-dry lemon peels to make lemon peel powder that you can store. Use it to wash your face once a day or use it in scrubs and homemade masks.
2. Soothe dry, scaly elbows or feet
Lemon peels can also be used as an exfoliant. Sprinkle some baking soda inside a used lemon peel and use it to scrub your elbows or other areas of dry, scaly skin such as rough or calloused feet.
3. Help to treat dandruff
Lemon peel masks made of powdered peels can be used to get rid of dandruff. Dandruff usually occurs as a result of fungal overgrowth on the scalp. Lemon has antifungal properties that help curb this growth.
You can also rub a used lemon on itchy spots of the scalp to relieve itchiness caused by dandruff.
Lemon Peels for Cleaning
Lemon peels can be a useful household item that can assist you in your cleaning routine. Abundant in citric acid, lemon peels can help get rid of stains and grease.
- Make an all-purpose cleaner – Lemon peels make a great all-purpose cleaner. They can clean grease, remove stains, and also get rid of bacteria. Simply mix powdered lemon peel with white vinegar and water to make a natural cleaning solution.
- Clean microwave and stovetop – You can use lemon peels as a scrub to clean your stovetops and ovens. Lemon peels eliminate grease and lingering food smells due to their acid content.
- Clean windows – Lemon peel powder and vinegar can also help make your windows and mirrors squeaky clean.
- Remove hard water stains – Rubbing out your faucets and sink with lemon peels and vinegar may help get rid of water stains.
- Make dishes sparkle – Adding a lemon peel or pulp to the dishwasher can help get rid of oil stains from plates and dishes.
- Remove grease or underarm stains on clothing – Rubbing a lemon peel on sweat stains can help clear them. You can also use this hack for grease stains on clothes.
- Deodorize the garbage bin – Placing a couple of lemon peels under the garbage bags in your trash can will get rid of unwanted odors.
- Polish copper and chrome – Lemon peels can be used to polish silverware and copper and chrome utensils.
- Freshen up cutting boards – Rubbing lemon peels on cutting boards will clean up any odors and stains.
Properties of Lemon Peels
Here are a few beneficial properties of lemon peels:
- One hundred grams of lemon peel contains 9–10 g of fiber.
- Lemon peels have high amounts of antioxidants, including vitamin C, AHAs, and other antioxidants.
- Lemon peels have high concentrations of calcium and potassium. (7)
- The polyphenol flavonoids in lemon peels can help reduce cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation.
- Lemon peels have anti-inflammatory properties that can improve digestion.
Most-Asked Questions About Lemon Peels
Do lemon peels keep pests and pets away from plants?
Lemon peels in plant pots can drive pests and pets away from plants. Cats dislike the citrusy smell.
Can I make tea with lemon peels?
Some people use lemon peels and rinds to make lemon tea. Lemon peel tea can boost digestion and immunity. Simply boil a few peels in 1–2 cups of water to make a lemon peel tea.
Can I make lemon-infused oil with lemon peels?
Adding dried lemon peels to a mason jar of olive oil will give it a lemony flavor that may be good for salad dressings and seasonings.
Final Word
Lemon peels have just as many benefits as the pulp. So, the next time you decide to make some lemonade, do not discard the peel and use it to clean your oven, give your face a lemon facial, or whiten your teeth!
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