Lemon chemical composition
The chemical composition of lemon is very diverse. From the fruits of lemon, an essential oil of light yellow color is obtained, which, as the most valuable part contains citral aldehyde (3 - 6%), which causes a pleasant smell of oil; main terpene limonene (90%) is an integral part of the oil.
The oil also contains α-pinene, l-camphene, phellandrene, methylheptenone, dipentene; aldehydes -
octyl, nonyl, caprylic.
Lemon pulp is used to extract citric acid (6 - 8%), juice rich in vitamin C is obtained;
the peel contains vitamin P. Sugars (3.5%), vitamins A, B1, B2 were found in the fruits; flavanoids: citronine,
hesperidin, diosmin, eridicthiol 7-rhamnoside; coumarin derivatives: limettin, meranzine, aurapten,
biacangelicin, bergamottin, galacturonic acid detected; sesquiterpenes: limen, cadinene.
The seeds of the fruit contain fatty oil and the bitter substance limonin. The essential oil is also found in
branches and leaves (0.24%). Citropetin glycoside, citronine, was found in the bark.
Table of the chemical composition of lemon (per 100 grams of product)
| Vitamin PP | 0.1 mg |
| Beta-carotene | 0.01 mg |
| Vitamin A (RE) | 2 mcg |
| Vitamin B1 (thiamine) | 0.04 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | 0.02 mg |
| Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) | 0.2 mg |
| Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) | 0.06 mg |
| Vitamin B9 (folic acid) | 9 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 40 mg |
| Vitamin E (TE) | 0.2 mg |
| Vitamin PP (Niacin equivalent) | 0.2 mg |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
| Magnesium | 12 mg |
| Sodium | 11 mg |
| Potassium | 163 mg |
| Phosphorus | 22 mg |
| Chlorine | 5 mg |
| Sulfur | 10 mg |
| Iron | 0.6 mg |
| Zinc | 0.125 mg |
| Copper | 240 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.04 mg |
| Fluorine | 10 µg |
| Molybdenum | 1 µg |
| Boron | 175 mcg |
| Calorie content | 34 kcal |
| Proteins | 0.9 g |
| Fats | 0.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 gr |
| Dietary fiber | 2 gr |
| Water | 87.9 g |
| Organic acids | 5.7 gr |
| Ash | 0.5 gr |
| Mono- and disaccharides | 3 gr |
LEMON USE IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
Medical use and medicinal properties of lemon are due to the presence of a large amount vitamins, mainly C and R. Of all citrus fruits, lemon has the greatest therapeutic effect with hypo- and avitaminosis. The presence of citric acid in fruits makes it possible to prepare sour fruits from them. drinks that help feverish patients. Lemon oil is used to improve taste and smell medicines. In many countries of the world, the following lemon preparations are used for therapeutic purposes - oil, tincture, syrup, fresh and dried fruit bark. Lemon juice has long been used against scurvy, and also to lubricate diphtheria in the throat. Lemon juice diluted with water used for febrile and inflammatory diseases, for liver diseases, lemon syrup as anthelmintic. Lemon peel boiled in honey is used to improve digestion. In the food and confectionery industry, lemon oil and zest are used.