The health benefits and uses of Lemon Zest.
Lemons are well known to be some of the healthiest fruits in the world, packed full of Vitamin C.
Lemon Peel However,
did you know that the outer yellow peel of the fruit, also has some amazing health benefits?
In fact, the peel itself contain 5-10x more nutrients than the juice of the fruit,
which is why you should never throw this away.
Simply by using a fine grater you can remove the zest (peel) from the fruit
and use this in delicious health tonics and recipes.
In today's video we will explore 20 Facts and benefits of lemon zest (peel) and it's many uses.
1. Cancer Prevention Lemon zest contains salvestrol Q40
and limonene, two natural chemicals that help to fight cancer cells. You can make a powerful
herbal tea by simply steeping lemon peels in hot water for 2-3 minutes and then drinking.
2. Bone Health
Grate lemon zest and mix with cold water, infuse this overnight in the refrigerator.
This drink is loaded with Vitamin C and calcium which helps to strengthen the
bones. It also helps to prevent bone related diseases like osteoporosis or arthritis.
3. Oral Health Both lemon juice and it's peels are excellent to
protect the mouth from gingivitis and gum disease. They are loaded with flavonoids, citric acid and
Vitamin C which keeps the gum tissue healthy, also protecting the teeth from damage. However lemon
juice is quite acidic, so always water it down before consuming, as it can damage your teeth.
4. Healthy Lips Grate the outer
peel of the fruit with a fine grater and collect the fine yellow flakes.
This zest can be mixed with a little petroleum jelly to make a homemade lip balm. The lemon
zest gives the balm a refreshing flavour and it's Vitamin C helps to heal chapped lips.
5. Cleaner To make a household cleaner,
soak lemon peels in white vinegar in a jar. Let this sit for 2 weeks and then strain. Mix
this with the same amount of water, and use to clean surfaces and removing tough dirt.
Studies show that lemon peels kill harmful bacteria and fungus from surfaces.
6. Insect Repellent Gently score lemon peels
using a fork and then rub them against door frames and windows to keep bugs out.
The natural limonene oils in the peel act as a natural bug repellent.
7. Immune System Lemon peels are fantastic immune
boosters which can help to protect your body from infections, diseases and free radical damage. The
limonene and Vitamin C acts as antioxidants which promote a healthy, youthful body.
8. Fish Flavouring We recommend grating lemon zest,
mix this with some almond flour and dried parsley. Use this to add a crumb to delicious
fish like salmon, trout or hake and cook. The zest adds a fresh and inviting flavour to any fish.
9. Heart Health Research suggests that the flavonoids,
vitamin C and pectin found in lemon peels may reduce the risk of heart
disease. The natural oil in the peel helps to lower blood sugars and triglycerides.
10. Freshener Leave a few slices of sliced
lemon peel in the refrigerator. This acts as a deodorizer and make it smell wonderfully fresh.
The peel also absorbs bad smells, so replace this weekly.
To make your microwave smell fresh again, add some lemon peels to a bowl of water.
Microwave for 3-5 minutes, and then let it sit for 30 minutes.
11. Lemon Butter To make a delicious lemon butter, simply
mix fresh grass fed butter with grated lemon zest and roll into a sausage in cling film. Let this
cool in the refrigerator and then slice into disk shapes, to add to your meats and healthy dishes.
12. Stomach Health Lemon peels also have
cancer-fighting properties due to their Vitamin C, limonene and flavonoid content. These help
to prevent stomach cancer in particular, when consumed as part of a healthy diet. Sprinkling
a little grated zest in water daily is a great way to support a healthy stomach and digestive system.
13. Jewellery To clean stubborn stains from jewellery or
cutlery, simply polish them using lemon peels. The natural oils help to bring out a sparkling shine.
14. Fingernails You can also rub the peels against
the finger nails as a natural buffing agent. This helps to whiten them and make them look healthy.
15. Hand Freshener Garlic, onions and
other foods can leave a strong smell on the hands which is difficult to remove.
Rubbing lemon peels between the fingers and palms helps to remove bad odours
16. Gallstones Studies show that the natural oil
found in lemon peels may help dissolve gallstones. We recommend blending the whole lemon including
the peel with some water. Strain this to remove the solids and freeze in ice cube tray. Place
one of these ice cubes in a glass of water each day to take in the benefits of the entire lemon.
17. Cleaning Dishes Lemon peel can also
be used to help clean your dishes. Simply throw a handful into your washing up bowl
with hot water. The citric acid helps to clean your utensils and plates.
18. Sweat Stains Sweat stains on clothing can be removed
by rubbing the white piff beneath the peel against the fabric. Give them a vigorous scrub,
soak in a little lemon juice and let them sit overnight before washing.
19. Kettle Cleaner Fill your kettle with
water and lemon peel and bring to the boil to remove mineral deposits.
Let the water sit for 1-2 hours before rinsing. This is amazing for removing lime scale.
20. Other Uses To get lemon zest into your body, we recommend
freezing some lemons. Grate the outer peel to use in soups, drinks, marinates and sauces.
You can also make a delicious lemon pepper by dehydrating lemon peels in the oven.
Thinly slice them and mix with sea salt and peppercorns in a grinder for an amazing seasoning.
In Italy, lemon peels are used to make Limoncello,
an alcoholic drink with a strong distinctive taste.
As you can see lemon peels have some amazing health benefits and uses around the home.
Always remember to use only unwaxed lemons, as these are healthier for your body.
If you wish, you can also use lime peels for a different flavour and aroma.
These have similar benefits and are absolutely delicious.
To learn more about nutrition and healthy foods,
please see our other videos.
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