Lemons (Citrus limon) are some of the most recognizable fruits on the planet. Rich in vitamins and plant nutrients, these versatile fruits from the citrus family can be used to add flavor to foods, clean surfaces, keep insects away or make potent medicine. Research also suggests that lemons have the natural ability to stop cancer cells from growing.

Lemons are brightly colored (yellow) fruits with a pleasant smell but an intense, sour taste. They are produced by lemon trees, which are mostly grown in coastal areas in Italy and in California.

Lemons are popular sources of vitamin C and antioxidant flavonoids. These nutrients are responsible for a variety of health benefits associated with lemons, such as lowering the risk of stroke, reducing blood pressure, improving the complexion, treating the common cold and increasing iron absorption. Besides the juicy flesh of lemons, these nutrients and other health-promoting compounds also reside in lemon peels.

Cancer-fighting compounds in lemon juice and peels

Lemon juice is considered a powerful health drink. When combined with other natural remedies like honey, it can help relieve gas, indigestion, heartburn and bloating. Lemon juice is also noted for its ability to help detoxify the body and treat colds and flu.

Lemon peels are just as useful as lemon flesh. The outer rind provides the zest that is often used as food flavoring. Meanwhile, the inner part of lemon peels — called the mesocarp — is a chief source of the fiber pectin. Pectin is now used for addressing high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Over the years, researchers have successfully identified various compounds which contribute to the anti-cancer properties of lemons. One of the earliest studies found three beneficial compounds called coumarins in lemon peels. These coumarins showed promise as anti-cancer agents because of their ability to prevent the production of free radicals. According to the National Cancer Institute, these harmful and highly reactive molecules can damage cells and their DNA, which can contribute to cancer development.

Numerous studies have reported the anti-cancer effects of d-limonene, a natural chemical found in the oils and peels of lemon and other citrus fruits. In a case-control study published in Nutrition and Cancer, researchers found that older adults who ate citrus peels regularly had a much lower risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) than those who consumed citrus fruits and their juices. This led the researchers to believe that d-limonene in citrus peels has a protective effect against SCC, the second most common form of skin cancer.

In another study, Chinese researchers reported that the flavonoids in citrus peels, especially a group called polymethoxyflavones (PMFs), can prevent the development of cancer. They found that PMFs can block certain signaling pathways involved in metastasis; stop cancer cells from entering the circulatory system; and prevent angiogenesis — the formation of new blood vessels, which cancer cells need in order to obtain nutrients for growth.

A more recent study, on the other hand, focused on the anti-cancer properties of citrus juices and their extracts. Researchers looked at data from pre-clinical studies and found that citrus juices like lemon juice and orange juice can prevent the growth of cancer, thanks to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. According to the researchers, chronic inflammation and cancer development are “strictly intertwined;” the ability of citrus fruits to stop inflammation caused by free radicals is responsible for their anti-cancer effects.

Lemons not only make versatile ingredients for baked goods and cooked meals, they are also powerful cancer-fighters and handy fruits to have at home. Because of their many uses and benefits, you’ll find that having lemons in your pantry is not a waste of space, but a smart and healthy decision.

Sources:

Britannica.com

MedicalNewsToday.com

Gyanunlimited.com

Drugs.com

Pubs.ACS.org

Cancer.gov

TAndFOnline.com

Hindawi.com

FrontiersIn.org

Self.com