Studies indicate that lemon rinds offer a range of health advantages thanks to their fiber, vitamins, and antioxidant compounds, which may benefit dental health, the cardiovascular system, and immune function. These citrus skins might even possess cancer-fighting properties.
Lemon (Citrus limon) is a familiar citrus fruit, related to grapefruits, limes, and oranges (1).
Although the flesh and juice are most commonly used, the peel is frequently discarded.
Still, research has shown that lemon peel is abundant in bioactive compounds that could deliver multiple health benefits.
Below are 9 possible benefits and practical uses for lemon peel.
1. Rich nutritional profile
Even when consumed in small quantities, lemon peel is nutritionally dense. One tablespoon (6 grams) supplies (2):
- Calories: 3
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Vitamin C: 9% of the Daily Value (DV)
Lemon rind is an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, delivering about 9% of the DV from a single tablespoon (6 grams) (3).
It also contains trace amounts of minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
The peel includes D-limonene, the aromatic compound that gives lemons their scent, which may underlie many of the fruit’s health effects.
Summary Lemon peel is low in calories but rich in fiber, vitamin C, and D-limonene, along with various minerals.
2. May support dental health
Tooth decay and gum disease are common oral conditions driven by bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans (4).
Lemon peel contains antibacterial agents that may limit bacterial growth.
In one investigation, scientists found four compounds in lemon peel with strong antibacterial effects that were effective against bacteria linked to oral diseases (5).
Additionally, a laboratory study reported that lemon peel extract inhibited Streptococcus mutans activity, with greater inhibition at higher concentrations (6).
Summary Lemon peel exhibits antibacterial activity that may curb microorganisms responsible for oral illnesses.
3. Packed with antioxidants
Antioxidants are plant-derived substances that guard cells from damage by neutralizing free radicals (7).
Lemon peel is abundant in antioxidants such as D-limonene and vitamin C (7, 8, 9, 10).
Consumption of flavonoid antioxidants like D-limonene has been linked to lower risks of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes (11, 12).
A laboratory comparison found that lemon peel showed greater antioxidant activity than grapefruit or tangerine peels (13).
Animal research indicates D-limonene can raise the activity of enzymes that reduce oxidative stress, which is associated with tissue damage and faster aging (14, 15, 16).
Vitamin C in the peel also functions as a potent antioxidant and supports immune health (17).
Summary Lemon peel contains antioxidants like D-limonene and vitamin C that help protect cells and support immune defense.
4. Potential antimicrobial and antifungal effects
Lemon peel may exhibit antimicrobial and antifungal activities (18, 19).
Notably, a lab study showed that lemon peel impaired and reduced the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (20).
Another in vitro investigation demonstrated that lemon peel extract acted against a drug-resistant fungus responsible for skin infections (21).
Despite encouraging lab results, clinical studies in people are still required.
Summary Lemon peel shows antimicrobial and antifungal promise, even versus resistant strains, but more human research is needed.
5. May strengthen the immune system
Because it contains flavonoids and vitamin C, lemon peel extract may enhance immune function (13, 22).
In a 15-day trial, fish given dehydrated lemon peel showed improved immune responses (23).
Moreover, a review of 82 studies found that 1–2 grams of vitamin C daily reduced the severity and duration of colds by about 8% in adults and 14% in children (24).
Vitamin C also concentrates in phagocytes, the immune cells that ingest harmful particles (25).
Summary The flavonoids and vitamin C in lemon peel may help stimulate your immune defenses.
6. May support cardiovascular health
High blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and obesity are risk factors for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States (26).
Evidence suggests constituents such as flavonoids, vitamin C, and pectin — the primary fiber in lemon peel — could lower cardiovascular risk.
A review of 14 studies involving 344,488 participants found that an extra 10 mg of flavonoids per day was associated with a 5% reduction in heart disease risk (27).
In obese mice, D-limonene reduced blood glucose, triglycerides, and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol while increasing HDL (“good”) cholesterol (28).
A 4-week trial in 60 overweight children showed that supplementation with lemon powder (including peel) lowered blood pressure and LDL cholesterol (29).
Pectin from lemon skins may also help reduce cholesterol by boosting bile acid excretion; bile acids are produced by the liver and bind cholesterol (30, 31).
Summary Flavonoids, vitamin C, and pectin in lemon peel may help lower cholesterol and other heart disease risk factors.
7. Possible anticancer effects
Lemon peel might possess several cancer-protective properties.
For instance, intake of flavonoids has been linked with a lower risk of certain cancers, and vitamin C may support white blood cell activity that removes damaged cells (29, 32, 33).
D-limonene has also shown anticancer potential, notably versus stomach cancer (34).
One lab study found D-limonene promoted death of stomach cancer cells. Likewise, a 52-week rat study showed various doses of D-limonene inhibited stomach tumor development by increasing cancer cell death (35, 36).
Still, lemon peel should not be viewed as a cancer treatment; human trials are necessary.
Summary Certain compounds in lemon peel may have anticancer properties, but research in humans is needed to confirm these effects.
8. May aid in dissolving gallstones
Some data suggest D-limonene could help treat gallstones — hard deposits that form in the gallbladder (37).
In a study of 200 people with gallstones, 48% of patients given a D-limonene solvent had complete dissolution of their gallstones, indicating a potential non-surgical option (38, 39).
However, further follow-up studies are required.
Summary Preliminary evidence suggests D-limonene in lemon peel might dissolve gallstones, but more research is necessary.
9. Additional household and beauty uses
Lemon peel has many practical applications around the home and in personal care. Common uses include:
- All-purpose cleaner. Place lemon peels in a jar with white vinegar and let them steep for several weeks. Remove peels and dilute the remaining solution with equal parts water.
- Fridge and trash-can deodorizer. Put a few lemon peels in your refrigerator or at the base of a trash can to absorb unpleasant smells.
- Stainless-steel polisher. Sprinkle salt on the area to clean and scrub stains with lemon peel. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
- Kettle cleaner. Fill a kettle with water and lemon peel and boil to remove mineral buildup. Let it sit for an hour before rinsing.
- Body scrub. Combine sugar, olive oil, and finely chopped lemon peel, then massage onto wet skin. Rinse well when finished.
- Face mask. Mix rice flour, lemon peel powder, and cold milk for an exfoliating, skin-cleansing mask.
Summary Lemon peel can serve as an eco-friendly cleaner or a beauty ingredient.
Any side effects?
No significant side effects of lemon peel have been reported. It is generally regarded as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Although some animal research linked very high doses of D-limonene to carcinogenic effects, this is not thought to apply to humans because we do not produce the protein implicated in those animal studies (37, 40).
Still, lemon peel can carry pesticide residues. Make sure to thoroughly scrub the fruit or wash it with a baking soda solution to remove any contaminants (41).
Summary Lemon peel is generally safe and recognized by the FDA, though washing is recommended to remove potential pesticide residues.
How to incorporate lemon peel into meals
There are many ways to add more lemon peel to your diet, for example:
- sprinkling lemon zest into baked goods, salads, or yogurt
- grating frozen lemon peel over soups, beverages, dressings, and marinades
- dehydrating peels by slicing into strips and baking at 200°F (93°C), then steeping them in tea
- chopping dried peels and blending with salt and pepper for a homemade seasoning
- adding fresh peel to hot tea or cocktails
You can also purchase lemon peel in powdered or candied forms. If you prefer not to grate lemons yourself, many lemon peel products are available to buy online here.
Summary Lemon peel can be eaten fresh, dried, frozen, powdered, or candied, making it easy to add to numerous dishes.
The takeaway
Although lemon peel is often tossed out, evidence shows it contains a variety of beneficial compounds.
Its fiber, vitamin content, and antioxidants may support dental, immune, and heart health and could have anticancer potential.
Next time you use lemons in a recipe, save the peel and find ways to use it. For topical or aromatic uses, consider exploring lemon essential oil, and for skin-related home remedies you might look into lemon for acne. To complement dietary ideas, read about the benefits of lemon water.
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