THE ESSENTIAL
- Lemon peel contains more vitamins and nutrients than its juice.
- Lemon consumption can be irritating in case of digestive disorders.
Everything is good in lemon! While we may tend to drink only its juice, especially for its high vitamin C content, it appears that its bark is also beneficial.
anti-cancer food
Indeed, it has between 5 to 10 times more nutrients: vitamins A and C, calcium, magnesium, beta-carotene and potassium. The presence of potassium in lemon peel helps maintain good blood pressure, according to a study published in 2016, which protects against heart disease and diabetes.
In addition, lemon peel contains polyphenolic flavonoids and helps lower bad cholesterol levels, responsible for the occurrence of cardiovascular disease. Associated with limonoids, these flavonoids would also have an anti-cancer role by slowing the proliferation of cancer cells and decreasing the growth of metastases, especially in the case of cancers of the upper digestive tract such as cancer of the mouth, esophagus , pharynx and stomach, as well as colon cancer.
It is also the limonoids which, combined with vitamin C, make it possible to fight against the effects of free radicals responsible for the aging of the skin. Vitamin C also helps boost the body’s immune system, which protects against respiratory infections.
Prevent the formation of kidney stones
Consuming lemon juice prevents the formation of kidney stones not only because it increases the volume of urine but also because it is rich in potassium and citric acid.
People with low urinary citrate should be encouraged to increase their intake of foods high in citric acid, such as lemons and limes. Consuming 30 grams of lemon juice daily has been shown to increase significantly urinary citrate levels. Of all citrus juices, lemon juice appears to have the highest concentration of citrate.
Boil for about 3 minutes
To take advantage of its benefits, it is advisable to boil pieces of lemons (preferably organic) for about 3 minutes in a saucepan and leave to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before removing the lemons and drinking this lukewarm water. This practice also helps you stay well hydrated, which plays a vital role in metabolism, kidney health and brain function.
Boiled lemon water also allows you to naturally flavor the water without adding sugar and to vary the pleasures since it goes perfectly with cinnamon, turmeric, ginger or even pepper.