What Is Yuzu Fruit Good For and Is it Healthier Than a Lemon?

The yuzu or yuja fruit is a hybrid citrus fruit believed to be a cross between a mandarin orange and an Ichang papeda. Yuzu fruit is healthier than lemons because it contains more nutrients and vitamin C.

Yuzu fruits are a great choice if you’re looking for healthy, whole-food alternatives for lemons. Read on to learn more about the health benefits, uses, and shortcomings of the yuzu fruit, how it compares with lemons, and more. 

The yuzu or yuja fruit, scientifically known as Citrus junos, is a hybrid citrus fruit believed to be a cross between a mandarin orange and an Ichang papeda (Citrus cavaleriei). 

This small yellow fruit is native to Asia, particularly China and Japan. It often looks like a small orange with a diameter of approximately 2 to 3 inches and thick and rough yellow skin. The yuzu fruit has a strong aroma and a tart citrus taste.

The emerging health benefits of eating yuzu fruit include:

1. Makes food flavorful and nutritious

This is a low-calorie yet highly nutritious fruit with a strong flavor. Every 100 grams (or 3.5 ounces) of yuzu fruit contains only 53 calories, 13.3 grams of carbs, 0.8 grams of protein, 0.3 grams of fat, and 1.8 grams of fiber. 

Yuzu also contains important nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, and vitamin B6 as well as minerals like copper, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron.

2. Improves blood flow and blood sugar levels

Yuzu extract has shown anti-clotting effects, preventing platelet collection in lab and animal studies. The flavonoids hesperidin and naringin, which are present in the yuzu peel and flesh, are responsible for this effect, thus promoting smooth blood flow. Improved blood flow might also lower the risk of heart disease.

Yuzu peel extract also regulated blood sugar levels in mice. These findings warrant further confirmation in humans.

3. Exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties

Yuzu fruit contains many substances like vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties. These can protect against many diseases by eliminating free radicals, which cause cell damage and oxidative stress.

These compounds also have anti-inflammatory properties and can protect against diseases like asthma and inflammatory bowel disease.

The compounds in yuzu fruit have anticancer properties. In lab and animal studies, they could stop tumor and leukemia cell growth and fight against prostate, breast, and colon cancers.

4. Improves bone health 

In an animal study, yuzu peel extract helped to maintain bone strength. Gout is a form of arthritis caused by uric acid buildup. The vitamin C in this extract can also alleviate gout attacks by eliminating uric acid from the body. 

5. Protects against infection

Yuzu seed extract has antimicrobial activity against many infectious organisms like the bacteria causing typhoid and Staph infections and the influenza virus.

6. Lowers cholesterol

Yuzu peel extract was able to decrease body weight and bad (LDL) cholesterol levels in mice who were being given a high-fat diet. This finding needs to be studied in humans.

7. Protects against heart failure

In animal studies, yuzu extract was shown to reduce the heart muscle damage caused by a heart attack. This can minimize the risk of heart failure occurring in the future. Further research on humans is required.

8. Improves brain function

The flavonoid naringenin in yuzu fruit has neuroprotective properties. It can improve memory and protect the brain from damaged proteins. Yuzu extract may also be used to fight against diseases like Alzheimer’s. These findings were observed in an animal study and need to be confirmed in humans.

9. Enhances eye health

Yuzu extract contains vitamin C, which can slow the progression of an age-related eye condition called macular degeneration. If not treated properly, this condition often results in vision loss.

• Oils. Essential oil made from yuzu fruit can be used for aromatherapy because its distinct fragrance has a soothing effect. It can relieve stress and anxiety and improve mood. The compounds limonene and linalool are responsible for this signature scent. It can relax the heart and brain, thus alleviating emotional distress.
• Baths. Yuzu fruits are sometimes added to Japanese baths as they’re considered immunity boosters.
• Anti-aging cosmetics. Yuzu fruit extract can be used in skin-lightening cosmetics. It also promotes collagen synthesis, which can reduce wrinkles.
• Food dishes. Yuzu fruit can be used as a lemon substitute to prepare condiments, salad dressings (vinegar), desserts, jams, and marmalades.
• Drinks. Yuzu fruit can be added as a key ingredient in citrus drinks and cocktails.

Yuzu fruits are generally safe to eat and don’t cause any side effects when consumed in normal amounts.

However, like all citrus fruits, it can cause allergies in the rare people who are sensitive to citric acid. If you have a citrus allergy, you may develop a rash, wheezing, watery eyes, or chest tightness. Seek medical assistance immediately if the rash is too severe or you have difficulty breathing. 

Because of their acidic nature, fruits like yuzu, which contains plenty of citric acid, can damage the enamel of your teeth. Consider brushing your teeth after consuming foods or drinks with high acidic content. 

Citrus fruits can be a great trigger for heartburn because of their acidic properties. Consider eating citrus fruits with other items and limit your citric fruit intake. Don’t lie down immediately after eating to prevent acid regurgitation from the stomach.

Both yuzu fruit and lemons are citrus fruits. Compared with lemons, yuzu fruit contains more β-cryptoxanthin, which acts as an antioxidant and protects against cell damage and aging.

Yuzu fruit also contains more vitamin C, calcium, and potassium and has a sourer taste because it contains more citric acid than lemons.

Yuzu fruit can be used as a healthy yet flavorful substitute for lemons in foods, drinks, and for other purposes.

Yuzu fruit is a hybrid citrus fruit native to Asia. It has a tart flavor and many potential health benefits and uses. It can be added to foods and beverages as a lemon alternative or can be used topically as an essential oil. Don’t ingest essential oils and always dilute them before use.

Yuzu fruits are usually safe in average amounts but speak to your doctor immediately if you notice any side effects like allergies or heartburn.