One of the most commonly used and consumed citrus fruit has to be lemon. It is used in a variety of ways in many beverages and dishes all over the world. However, many people only use the juice and pulp of lemon. What many don't know is that there is a lot of value in lemon peels. Consuming just a small amount of it can provide your body with a lot of nutrition. Here are a few reasons you shouldn't throw away lemon peels.

Lemons are packed with calcium and vitamin C which can work wonders in helping and maintaining the health of your bones. Lemon peels can also help prevent bone-related diseases likes osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory polyarthritis.

Lemon peels are rich in citrus bioflavonoids content which can actually help eradicate certain toxins from the body. Once these toxins are removed, you'll also feel an increase in your energy levels.

Not many people might be aware of this but lemon peels can actually help lower cholesterol levels in the body and can help maintain good heart health. They're able to do this since they contain polyphenol flavonoids.

Lemon peel is full of antimicrobial and antifungal properties that can help protect our bodies from a host of issues. One study found lemon peel can reduce the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Some studies also found it can help tackle fungus that gives rise to skin infections. However, further research is needed to investigate this further.

Want to give your immune system a boost? Consume lemon peel. It is high in flavonoid and vitamin C, which can help you maintain a good immune system. A study conducted on fish that were dehydrated found lemon peel improved immune responses. It can also help those suffering from the flu to recover faster. Consume a peel or two regularly to get the most out of it.

Consuming foods that are rich sources of antioxidants can help reduce damage caused by free radicals in the body. Consuming lemon peel now and again can be beneficial as it contains loads of antioxidants, as well as vitamin C and D-limonene. Antioxidants can also help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Researchers discovered the peel of a lemon contained more antioxidant activity than a grapefruit peel. A study conducted on animals found D-limonene helps to increase enzyme activity that can reduce oxidative stress, which has been found to speed up the ageing process.

Bacteria like Streptococcus mutans can cause a host of issues like dental cavities and gum infections. Using the lemon peel to tackle this issue can be extremely beneficial as it contains antibacterial substances that can prevent the growth of these kinds of bacteria. One study discovered four compounds that contain antibacterial properties in lemon peel. These compounds can be used to treat bacteria that cause oral diseases.