Citron – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

07/29/2017 / By Earl Garcia

Citrons are large, semitropical fruits that belongs to the same plant family as lemons and limes. The citrus fruits are native to India, Nepal, and the Philippines as well as Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian countries. According to an article on the Health Benefits Times website, Corsican citrons were introduced in the U.S. around 1891. The fruits are valued for both their medicinal and culinary use.

List of known nutrients

Citrons contain a vast amount of essential vitamins and minerals that fortify the body’s defenses against a plethora of diseases. The list of important nutrients found in citrons include:

Calcium
Beta-Carotene
Choline
Copper
Folate
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Niacin
Phosphorus
Potassium
Riboflavin
Selenium
Sodium
Thiamine
Vitamin A
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Zinc

Medicinal uses for citron

Citrons are best known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that help soothe chronic pain. Drinking a glass of water with freshly-squeezed citron is found to be an effective remedy against headache. The same concoction is commonly prescribed to treat acid reflux. On the other hand, putting a few drops of citron juice onto an insect bite is touted to ease irritation and itching. The juice is also notably effective in addressing bleeding from wounds and cuts. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of citrons are known to relieve symptoms of osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.

Citrons are also notably rich in magnesium and potassium, which are essential in keeping a healthy cardiovascular profile. Magnesium helps maintain healthy heart muscles, while potassium helps regulate the body’s blood pressure and stave off a host of cardiovascular conditions. Adding citron juice to warm water and taking it first thing in the morning is found to be effective in maintaining ideal blood pressure levels.

In addition, the fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C that strengthens the immune system, speeds body healing, and staves off various respiratory issues such as colds. Citrons are remarkably effective in preventing the onset of scurvy. Aside from this, the high vitamin C content in citrons are known to counter the adverse effects of free radicals and lower the odds of developing cancer. The thick albedo or pith — the white part between the rind and the pulp — also contain potent antioxidants that contribute to the fruits’ cancer-preventing properties.

Moreover, citrons are known to improve the overall digestive health. The fruits are known to improve gum health, address bad breath, and treat hemorrhoids. The fruits’ thick pith are also known to contain high levels of pectin, a soluble dietary fiber that helps bolster digestion and relieve constipation. Citrons also have astringent properties that help treat diarrhea.

Furthermore, citrons are touted for their detoxifying properties that purify the blood and cleanse the liver. In Ayurveda medicine, citrons are used to alleviate jaundice and other liver ailments. Drinking water infused with citron juice is also noted to induce healthy weight loss. Citrons are also found to clear the skin of dark spots. Likewise, the fruits are can be used to address dandruff and excess oils in the scalp.

Body systems supported by citron

Citrons are particularly beneficial in maintaining a strong immune system. Likewise, the fruits help fortify the digestive system and are especially helpful in cleansing the liver. In addition, the fruits help alleviate bone and skin conditions.

Ways to use citron

Citrons are primarily cultivated for their peels that are made into candies. According to an article on Food.com, the essential oils from citron peels are used to flavor liqueurs. The oils are also used to scent cosmetics. Citrons are commonly sold as part of candied fruit mix used in fruit cake. Another citron specie, called fingered citron, is mostly used as a flavoring agent. The fruit can also be made into preserves and pickles.