When life gives you lemons, it's time to start exploring their benefits! Did you know that a raw lemon with the peel on can have as little as 21 calories? In this article, we'll dive into the nutritional benefits of raw lemon peel and explore how it can do wonders for your health.
Lemons are packed with vitamins and minerals, but what about their peel? Raw lemon peel is loaded with antioxidants and can help fight inflammation in your body. It's important to note that while lemon is generally considered safe to eat, some people may be sensitive to its acidic properties.
Let's take a closer look at the many ways raw lemon peel can benefit your health.
Calories in Raw Lemon Peel
Raw lemon peel contains about 3 calories per teaspoon, or 15 calories per tablespoon. While this may not seem like a lot, those calories can add up if you're consuming a lot of lemon peel. It's important to balance your overall calorie intake with the amount of lemon peel you're eating. If you're tracking your calories, be sure to account for the calories in raw lemon peel when cooking with it or adding it to drinks.
How to Eat Raw Lemon Peel
While lemon peel may be bitter on its own, there are plenty of ways to incorporate it into your diet. One simple way is to add fresh lemon peel to water or tea for added flavor and nutrition. You can also zest lemon peel and use it as a seasoning in cooking or baking. If you're eating raw lemon peel, be sure to wash the fruit thoroughly and remove any stickers or residues. You can also freeze lemon peel for later use.
Health Benefits of Raw Lemon Peel
Raw lemon peel is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and flavonoids. These compounds can help protect your cells from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation throughout your body. Some studies have also shown that lemon peel may have antibacterial and anticancer properties. In addition, raw lemon peel can benefit your skin, digestion, immune system, and heart health. Let's explore these benefits in more detail.
Nutrients in Raw Lemon Peel
Raw lemon peel is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate. It also contains smaller amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium. The peel of a lemon also contains fiber which is good for your digestion. One tablespoon of raw lemon peel provides approximately 2% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
Lemon Peel for Weight Loss
Raw lemon peel may help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism and reducing your appetite. The compounds in lemon peel, such as pectin and polyphenols, can help slow down the absorption of sugar in your body and keep you feeling full longer. In addition, drinking water infused with lemon peel can help you stay hydrated and improve your digestion, both of which are important for weight loss.
Lemon Peel for Skin
Raw lemon peel can be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine. The antioxidants in lemon peel can help protect your skin from damage caused by environmental factors such as pollution and UV rays. Lemon peel may also help brighten your complexion and reduce the appearance of dark spots. To use lemon peel for your skin, simply rub a small piece of peel onto your skin or mix it with other ingredients like honey or yogurt for a DIY face mask.
Lemon Peel for Digestion
Raw lemon peel can help improve your digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes and reducing inflammation in your gut. It can also help alleviate symptoms of indigestion and bloating. To use lemon peel for your digestion, you can add it to hot water or tea or infuse it into your cooking.
Lemon Peel for Immune System
Raw lemon peel can boost your immune system by providing you with a source of vitamin C and other antioxidants. These compounds can help protect your cells from damage and reduce your risk of infections and illnesses. To use lemon peel for your immune system, try adding it to hot water or tea or using it as a seasoning in your cooking.
Lemon Peel for Detoxification
Raw lemon peel can help support your body's natural detox processes by stimulating the production of liver enzymes and improving your digestion. It can also help remove toxins from your body and reduce inflammation. To use lemon peel for detox, you can add it to water, tea, or smoothies, or use it in your cooking.
Lemon Peel for Heart Health
Raw lemon peel can be good for your heart by helping to lower cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation in your blood vessels. The antioxidants in lemon peel can also help protect your heart from damage caused by free radicals. To use lemon peel for your heart health, try adding it to water, tea, or smoothies, or use it in your cooking.
"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!" - Proverb
5 FAQ About Raw Lemon with Peel
1. Is it safe to eat raw lemon with peel?
Yes, it is safe to eat raw lemon with peel. The peel is edible and contains some nutrients that are beneficial to your health. However, make sure to wash the lemon thoroughly before eating to remove any dirt, pesticides or bacteria that may be present on the peel.
2. What are the health benefits of raw lemon with peel?
Raw lemon with peel is rich in vitamin C, which boosts immunity and helps fight off diseases. It also contains antioxidants that protect the body against free radicals that cause damage to cells. Additionally, lemon peel has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit people with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
3. Are there any side effects of eating raw lemon with peel?
Some people may experience digestive discomfort such as heartburn, acid reflux or stomach upset after consuming raw lemon with peel. This may be due to the high acidity of lemons. If you have a sensitive stomach, it’s best to consume lemons in moderation or consult with your doctor if you experience persistent symptoms.
4. How can you incorporate raw lemon with peel into your diet?
Raw lemon with peel can be added to your diet in many ways. You can use it to add flavor and zest to your meals by grating the peel and using it as a seasoning. You can also slice the lemon and use it in salads, dressings or marinades. Additionally, you can make lemon water by adding slices of raw lemon with peel to a glass of water.
5. How should you store raw lemon with peel?
Raw lemon with peel should be stored in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. Place it in a plastic bag or container and store it in the vegetable crisper to keep it fresh. If you don’t plan to use the peel, you can remove it and store the lemon in a cool, dry place for up to a week.