Have you ever accidentally chewed lemon seeds while drinking your lemonade? How did it feel?
YUKEEE? Yes, I can imagine your expressions because these seeds are too bitter.
Even if you rinse your mouth, the bitterness doesn’t go.
It really tastes like eating poison and makes you think, are they poisonous? Don’t panic, if these seeds were poisonous, you would have died at once.
Are you curious to know why lemon seeds taste too bitter? If yes, this article is for you, read it till the end, you will find all the answers.
Are lemon seeds toxic? No, lemon seeds are not toxic, these are safe to eat with long-listed health benefits. Actually, these seeds contain small amounts of salicylic acid, which is the main ingredient of Aspirin. It gives the seed a bitter taste. However, the astringent properties of its hard seed coat can cause digestion problems in certain people with digestive issues. So, they should avoid lemon seeds consumption.
Lemon is a yellow-colored fruit of a flowering plant belonging to the family Rutaceae. Its origin was in Asia, after that it was introduced in Europe, who named it “Persian apple”. It is used for a variety of purposes, including culinary and non-culinary. Its pulp and skin are used in cooking and baking while its juice is the main ingredient of lemon drinks.
If you want to know the benefits of lemon skin and seeds, keep reading.
What Happens If You Eat Lemon Seeds?
Most people after unintentionally swallowing lemon seeds keep on searching about are lemon seeds poisonous? What happens if you eat lemon seeds? Some people may think that eating these seeds will make them die in no time.
It is actually a misconception that lemon seeds are poisonous. Nothing happens if you eat one or two lemon seeds. Probably, you may have considered the bitterness of these seeds as toxic content, but it is not true. Actually, they have a small amount of salicylic acid, which is the main thing of Aspirin. It is responsible for their bitter taste. You may also have noticed that chewing lemon seeds feel like eating an Aspirin pill.
Though people won’t like to eat lemon seeds, the fact is, they are good for your health. However, they are not suitable for people who have digestion problems, because the hard seed coat of lemon is difficult to digest. Still swallowing one or two seeds will not cause any discomfort and pass out through the gut. Only if you are planning to eat a handful of these seeds, it will create a problem in your tummy.
Are Lemon Seeds Harmful?
Now, you might be wondering, if lemon seeds are edible, how are they good or harmful for us? Obviously, you won’t eat these bitter seeds without any reason.
The short answer is no, lemon seeds are not harmful. These are known to have similar nutritional properties as that of a whole lemon. They contain vitamin C and are rich in antioxidants. In addition, they are also used in a variety of beauty products. Moreover, these seeds have bacterial and antifungal properties.
However, excess of everything is bad, so be moderate in consuming lemon seeds. Keep in mind that these should only be used as a supplement and with the advice of a health professional. The people who have irritable bowel syndrome should avoid them. Moreover, healthy people should consume ground lemon seeds to prevent any digestion issues.
Benefits of Lemon Seeds
Well, you are now fully aware that lemon seeds are not toxic, they have plenty of health benefits. Finally, we have decided to pen down the benefits of these tiny seeds for you. Let’s have a look to know what are these:
- Lemon seeds are rich in vitamin C, a strong antioxidant that improves your immunity and makes your body strong to fight against diseases.
- Lemon oil is used in a variety of beauty products, it is also used in medicines. Lemon essential oil is not only good for your skin but also for your hairs. It makes you look young and fresh.
- The seeds of this amazing fruit are used as a remedy to kill the parasitic threadworms in the intestines of kids. Just crush a teaspoon of seeds and boil it with milk or water. Give it to your kids and all the threadworms will be washed away from the gut.
- These miraculous seeds have antifungal properties that can prevent candidiasis. Candida albicans is a fungus that lives inside the skin and body of the humans causing infections.
- Just like lemon water, lemon seeds also have detoxifying properties. Though they are bitter, they are still able to remove parasites and toxins from your body.
- As described earlier, lemon seeds have salicylic acid, which is the main compound of Aspirin. It is a medicine used for relieving headaches. So, it proves that these tiny seeds are a natural source of pain reliever medicine.
- If you are suffering from athlete’s foot fungus, don’t worry, we have an easy solution for you, just apply the powder of lemon seeds. Due to antifungal property, these seeds have the ability to fight against fungal infections.
- The lemon scent present in lemon seeds is used in many cosmetic products. Most of the room fresheners contain lemon scent as it acts as a mosquito repellent. Lemon room fresheners not only give a refreshing effect in the atmosphere but are also effective in repelling mosquitoes.
- All the dishwasher soaps and liquids have lemon extract, the reason is, it not only cuts grease but also acts as an antibacterial disinfectant for the utensils and even for the laundry.
- These seeds are used in animal feed for the prevention of infectious diseases. Moreover, the extract of lemon seeds is used in disinfecting carpets.
Side Effects of Lemon Seeds
Well, now you are fully aware of the benefits of lemon seeds. Although these seeds are safe to eat, it doesn’t mean that you start eating a handful amount without taking any advice from a nutritionist.
It is critical to mention here that lemon seeds can cause some digestion problems. If you have already gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome or gas, you should not eat them as they can trigger your symptoms.
For the healthy people who are planning to take them as a supplement, should use the seeds in crushed form. In this way, they will prevent any abdominal disturbance after intake.
Are Lemon Seeds Toxic to Dogs?
Have you ever enjoyed the dog videos of eating lemon? I think no one should appreciate this cruel act just for the sake of enjoyment. Lemon is an acidic fruit that can cause a severe abdominal disturbance in dogs.
Actually, lemon contains a substance named psoralens. Its skin, seeds, and pith contain a high level of this psoralen, which can cause a gastrointestinal disturbance in dogs. However, the toxicity level depends on the amount that dog has eaten.
A single slice can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It can be dangerous if your buddy likes the lemon as a snack from your backyard tree. Larger amounts of lemon along with seeds if eaten by your dog can cause muscle termers, even a time comes when your dog cannot stand on his legs.
In short, never do such experiments on your pets. It can also prove fatal. Moreover, never apply lemon essential oils on the skin of your dog. It can have serious side effects and is not safe at all.
Which Fruit Seeds Are Poisonous
Now you might be wondering if lemon seeds are not toxic, which fruit seeds can be poisonous?
The short answer is that fruit seeds with hard seed coats or kernels that have a compound called amygdalin are poisonous. Amygdalin breaks down into hydrogen cyanide when eaten, which is toxic to health. These fruits include cherries, plums, apricot, and peaches.
Still, you don’t need to panic as you cannot die by eating one or two such raw seeds, it is only harmful if eaten in a large quantity.
However, hydrogen cyanide cannot survive heat, therefore, roasting these seeds can remove its harmful effects. Lemon seeds don’t contain any cyanide compounds that’s why they are edible.
Can You Eat Lemon Skin?
Most of us use the lemon pulp and throw out its skin. When you will know the benefits of lemon peel, you would never throw them away.
Are you wondering whether lemon peel is edible or not? The short answer is yes, you can eat lemon skin, it is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It is an immunity booster, in addition, it helps in improving immunity.
It plays a vital role in weight loss and helps in reducing bad cholesterol levels in the body. Plus, it is also used as an aromatic component in cooking and baking.
Benefits of Lemon Skin
You will be surprised to know that just like lemon pulp, seeds, and juice, the skin of lemon has miraculous health benefits.
According to the USDA (U.S Department of Agriculture) the table for the nutritional value of one tablespoon (6g) of lemon skin is given below:
Table of Nutritional Value of 1tablespoon of lemon skin:
| Nutrient name | Amount and unit |
| Vitamin C | 7.74 mg |
| Calcium, Ca | 8.04 mg |
| Fats | 0.018 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Sodium, Na | 0.36 mg |
| Potassium, K | 9.6 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 0.9 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 0.72 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.08 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.015 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.04 mg |
Here are the uses and health benefits of lemon seeds, let’s have a look to know more:
- The nutritional value of lemon peel shows that it contains a good amount of Vitamin C and D-Limonene. Both are strong antioxidants that act as an immunity booster and help the body to get rid of free radicals. Intake of vitamin C helps in the antiaging process and makes you look young.
- Lemon peel powder has pectin and flavonoids that are responsible for lowering the blood pressure and bad cholesterol in obese people, overall reducing the risk of heart disease.
- According to PubMed, research has shown that D-Limonene present in lemon peel oil has the ability to dissolve the cholesterol-containing gallstones. It has a gastric acid neutralizing effect; hence it treats gastroesophageal reflux.
- Due to the antibacterial properties of lemon skin, its powder is used for the hygiene of the oral cavity. It not only gives a refreshing effect but also prevents the growth of microorganisms responsible for dental cavities.
Are Lemon Seeds Digestible?
If you want to know the answer to the question, are lemon seeds digestible, you should perform a disgusting experiment. Wait, you don’t need any lab equipment for this, just swallow 2 or 3 three lemon seeds and wait for your bowel.
If you are ready to go to the toilet, make sure to examine your poop carefully. So, the result of this experiment will clear your confusion. The swallowed seeds will get out without digesting.
The reason is that the astringent property of the lemon seed coat makes it hard to dissolve in the acids of the stomach. However, if you crush the seeds with your teeth, it will be absorbed in your intestines giving you a small number of nutrients and minerals.
Final Words
Finally, here is the end of our interesting topic.
So, the final words are, lemon seeds are not toxic, they are a good source of vitamin C, plus, they can provide you a good amount of nutrients.
All potions of this sour fruit are edible, like its skin, pulp, juice, and even seeds. Make sure not to give lemon or lemon seeds to your dog, it can prove fatal.
Don’t worry if you have unintentionally swallowed some lemon seeds, they will pass out of your bowel undigested.
If you want to consume lemon seeds, make sure to use it in the crushed or ground form. The people with gastrointestinal problems should avoid using lemon seeds as they can increase abdominal discomfort.
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