When exposed to a variety of factors, citrus fruits can lose their natural colors. In fact, orange juice is one of the most commonly seen fruits that has been exposed to changing conditions and developed a “dirty” color as a result.
This is known as “browning,” and it’s a natural process that occurs in all citrus fruits. Although browning can be a problem for oranges as well as lemons, the process is entirely preventable. The key is to prevent exposure to the factors that cause browning in the first place. Read on to learn more about the benefits of drinking lemon juice and the potential downsides.
For Short Time Readers
why does lemon juice prevent browning?
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause browning in many fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, kiwis, limes, and papayas. Excessive amounts of naturally occurring elements in the skin such as zinc, manganese, iron, and copper also play a role in causing browning. The main components of orange and lemon skin are natural compounds called antioxidants, which work to neutralize free radicals that can damage the skin.
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Unfortunately, when these compounds are deactivated by UV rays, they become unstable and start a chemical reaction which results in the formation of compounds called “lemon yellow.” As the yellow compound oxidizes, it produces compounds that can interact with proteins in the skin, causing them to brown. This is why it’s important to protect your citrus fruit from overexposure to the sun’s rays by wearing protective garments when you’re outside.
How to Prevent Browning in Citrus Fruits?
The good news is that there are a number of steps you can take to prevent browning in oranges and lemons. The most important step is to eat your oranges and lemons as normal, unprocessed foods. Avoid drinking your orange juice from the container, and eat the fruit itself. To avoid too much exposure to the sun’s UV rays, wear sunscreen when you’re outside and stay in the shade whenever you can. Drink plenty of water and apply a skin-protective shield when you’re in the sun for long periods of time.
The Benefits of Drinking Lemon Juice
Studies have found that drinking about one glass of lemon juice daily can have a number of benefits for your skin, including brightening your skin, preventing acne, wrinkles, and spots, improving your skin’s texture, and even reducing wrinkles. These benefits may be related to the fact that lemon is an effective antimicrobial agent and may rid your skin of potentially harmful bacteria and yeasts.
The Potential Downsides of Drinking Lemon Juice
One potential downside to drinking lemon juice is that it can have a laxative effect if you’re not used to it. While this isn’t true for everyone, it’s a risk for people with a history of abdominal problems or fluid retention. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it may be wise to avoid drinking lemon juice. You should also be careful while pregnant, as the natural acidity of your stomach may affect the growth of your fetus.
Conclusion
Browning is a natural process that occurs in all citrus fruits. The color change is a result of a chemical reaction between naturally occurring elements found in the skin and the elements present in the air. Lemon and orange skin are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that help protect your skin from sun damage. To prevent browning in oranges and lemons, avoid overexposure to the sun’s UV rays, wear sunscreen when you’re outside, drink water when you’re outdoors, and use sunscreen when you’re inside.
