There are plenty of hidden benefits to boiling lemon and grapefruit peels. They help your body’s overall health including digestive system, immune system, and oral health. Additionally the peels contain a high concentration of Vitamin C, which more northern populations of the world is severely lacking during the winter.
Are Lemon and Grapefruit Peels Edible?
Yes. Lemon and grapefruit peels are edible without any negative consequences to your body or digestive system. Often times people do not eat the peels of these fruit because they seem hard or bitter, however those traits do not make them inedible.
If you simply cannot get past the fact that the peel tastes gross or looks like something you should not subject to your body, you can get many of benefits of eating these peels through drinking water they have been boiled in. Similar to tea, peels steeped and boiled in the water release their antioxidants and other healthy benefits. Lemon or grapefruit tea may be a bit more appetizing.
How to Boil Lemon and Grapefruit Peels
Even though boiling lemon and grapefruit peels is good for your body, there is a fairly specific way to boil these peels to make sure you get all the beneficial vitamins. Also, the peels can be a bit delicate so this method does not ruin the peel. When boiling the peels, make sure not to eat the peel themselves. Their health benefits have been released into the water instead.
- Wash the peels
- Peel the fruit into long skinny strips. You can use a knife, pairing knife, or vegetable peeler.
- Put the strips into a pot and fill with water until covered
- Bring water to boil
- Let boil for a while then simmer for 10-15 minutes to extract the lemon flavor from the peels
- Drain the water into a cup and drink!
Some people also add sugar, mint, or other ingredients to spice up the drink and the flavor of the peels. This is personal choice and depends on what you are looking for. If you do choose to add extra ingredients the benefits of the fruit it will not negate the benefits of the fruit peels, but may add some unwanted consequences the other ingredients have.
Benefits of Boiled Lemon and Grapefruit Peels
The benefits of boiled lemon and grapefruit peels are numerous. Overall health boosts, aiding in weight loss, lowering blood pressure, oral health improvements, the list goes on. Here are a few of the top benefits that can be found in the peels of these sour fruit.
Boost Your Immune System
Lemons contain great amounts of vitamin C which you immune system uses to remain strong and fight off infections. Vitamin C helps to protect your cells from bacteria and harmful molecules. Not to mention the amount of antioxidants will also help to protect against oxidative damage to your body.
Citrus fruits also contain amount of potassium and calcium, both elements that are needed for your body’s cells to communicate effectively. This is especially important if you tend to be a heavy sweater as those elements are exiting your body at a higher rate than others and you need to replenish as needed.
High Fiber Helps Digestive Systems
Citrus peels are high in fiber which is great for your digestive system. Fiber helps to move along anything in the large intestine, so especially for those suffering from diarrhea or constipation, the peels can be extremely beneficial.
The high fiber in lemons and grapefruits help to regulate how quickly sugar is absorbed into your bloodstream and can help lower blood sugar. This is especially a benefit for those who suffer from diabetes or insulin production problems.
The fiber in the peels can also benefit your skin care routine. For teens who suffer from acne or other intense skin blemishes, fiber helps to clean the toxins out of our body’s system before they get put into our pores and show on the surface.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of benefits from boiling lemon and grapefruit peels. For the body’s systems it can strengthen digestive health and the immune system. You can choose between eating the peel straight or straining the water and drinking some citrus tea, but either way your body will thank you.
