The latest viral trend to take social media by storm has fruit gourmets and content creators popping bite-sized lemons whole, peel and all. A clinical expert deciphers the health benefits and risks of this ‘lemon snack’ craze.
What’s the topic?
The Italian company Lemon Snack is popular for its small lemons that are low in acidity and the skin can be eaten.snacks, plentiful antioxidants, It is cultivated specifically for direct consumption.
This fruit snack caught the interest of netizens when a TikToker tried this lemon in a German store. Due to its exotic nature and unavailability around the world, people started using regular lemons instead.
Antioxidants such as flavonoids found in lemons have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases (Source: Unsplash)
Are lemons a healthy snack?
“Lemons are certainly a great healthy snack and are especially known for their high content of vitamin C. They support the immune system, promote collagen synthesis for healthy skin, and improve iron absorption. It is an important nutrient that plays a vital role in helping,” says Guru Prasad Das, Senior Nutritionist, CARE Hospital, Bhubaneswar.
“Additionally, the antioxidants found in lemons, such as flavonoids, have powerful effects. anti-inflammatory propertiespotentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers,” he added.
When asked whether you should eat the whole lemon along with the rind or zest, Dr. Das says: These compounds support digestive health and regulate blood sugar levels. ”
Some culinary traditions incorporate finely grated lemon zest on the outer layer of the rind to add flavor to dishes, from desserts to savory meals. Due to its bitter taste and hard texture, eating the peel and skin all at once may not be palatable to everyone.
Things to keep in mind
“From a safety standpoint, eating small amounts of lemon zest or peel is generally considered safe for most people. However, be sure to wash the lemon thoroughly to remove any surface dirt. That is important. pollutantsThis includes pesticides and wax coatings applied during cultivation and transportation,” Dr. Das said.
However, Dr. Das also said that people with sensitivities or allergies to citrus fruits should be careful when consuming lemon peel or zest, as side effects can occur.
