Citrus fruits are known to have multiple nutritional benefits, including but not limited to their antioxidant properties, rich nutritional value, and health-promoting properties. Also, most of us know its different and well-known types, such as lemon, grapefruit, and orange, but have you ever heard of citron, which belongs to the same group of citrus fruits?

Citrus fruit

The citron fruit, also known as the lemon, medicinal lemon or citron, is one of the oldest types of citrus ever cultivated. Surprisingly, many of the citrus fruits that we know and eat were originally formed from the hybridization of the citron fruit with other types of fruit.

The fruit is large, with a thick skin, small amounts of flesh, and a wrinkled skin that ranges in color from green to yellow-orange. Typically, citronella grows into a tree that reaches between 8 and 15 feet in height.

In addition to the widespread use of citron in many Asian cuisines, citron fruit is a common ingredient in many perfumes and medicines; Because of the distinctive and unique flavor of its peel, it is often sautéed and added to certain foods and beverages, such as tea and jam.

Nutrients in citrus

Citrus fruits, in general, are high in antioxidant compounds and bioflavonoids. Citron, in particular, is high in vitamin C and antioxidants, such as:

• Hesperidin
• Naringin
• Hesperetin
• Naringin
• two lemons
• linalyl acetate
• Linalool.

In addition to these beneficial compounds, citron fruit is an excellent source of pectin, a type of fiber that absorbs water and can therefore be easily metabolized by beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Benefits of citron fruit

Citrus fruit is associated with a variety of health benefits, such as:

1- It boosts immunity

It is well known that the immune system plays a major role in public health, as it fights harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi and keeps them away from the body to prevent diseases. For example, if you have a cold, a serving or two of citron fruit can help provide a concentrated dose of vitamin C and antioxidants.

A review published in the Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism showed that getting enough vitamin C can shorten symptoms and reduce respiratory infections in the common cold. It may also be useful in preventing and improving the outcome of some conditions, such as:

• diarrhea
• Pneumonia
• malaria

Antioxidants can also help protect against oxidative stress and prevent damage to immune cells. Therefore, it is best to combine citron with some natural immune boosters, such as elderberry extract, probiotics, and ginger. To keep your immune system working effectively.

2- It reduces inflammation

Chronic inflammation can have a serious impact on your health and is thought to contribute to chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Notably, one of the main causes of inflammation is the buildup of harmful free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can cause damage to your cells.

Citrus fruit is full of antioxidants that can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation. A study conducted in Korea found that treating cells with citron essential oil was able to reduce several markers of inflammation. The vitamin C found in souring is also an important micronutrient that has been shown to help reduce inflammation.

In addition to citron, there are other anti-inflammatory foods you should eat, such as leafy greens, beets, broccoli, and blueberries.

3- It reduces the risk of cancer

When it comes to preventing cancer, citron is one of the fruits that you should watch out for. Because it contains important nutrients, carotenoids and antioxidants.

One meta-analysis of nearly 13,000 people found that eating more citrus fruits was associated with a lower risk of cancer of the gastrointestinal tract and upper respiratory tract. Another study found that a higher intake of citrus fruits was associated with a 10% lower risk of breast cancer.

4- Promotes heart health

Heart disease is one of the problems affecting millions of people around the world. According to a recent report in 2017, heart diseases are responsible for 31.5% of all deaths in the world. Studies indicate that eating citrus fruits such as citron may help protect against heart disease.

A study of 10,623 people, published in the Journal of Epidemiology, showed that continued consumption of citrus fruits was associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. In addition to citrus fruits such as citron, eat other heart-healthy foods, such as avocados, salmon, oats, and whole grains.

How is tarring eaten?

Unlike other types of citrus, the citron fruit has a thick skin and very little flesh and seeds. Most recipes involve cutting the peel into small pieces, cooking it in sugar syrup, and then making it into marmalade or adding it to baked goods. Citrus flavor can also be used just like lemon peel by:

• Sprinkle it over the pasta
• Mix it with sauces and seasonings
• Candied lemongrass can be mixed with cookies and fruit cakes

To make a recipe to soothe a sore throat, make a recipe for citron tea with honey. By collecting slices of citron/citron with sugar and honey and keeping them in a box, then mixing them with hot water and drinking it.

Citrus fruit side effects

Although side effects of citron are relatively uncommon, some people may be allergic to citrus fruits, such as citron. Symptoms of which may include:

• itching
• swelling
• flushing
• Twitching

If you notice any of these or other symptoms caused by citric acid, stop taking it immediately and consult your doctor. You should also avoid excessive consumption of it, as the intoxicating citron contains a high percentage of sugar, which may affect its health benefits. So; Eat them in moderation, making sure to combine them with other citrus fruits to increase the health benefits in your diet.