Natural bioactive compounds of Citrus limon for food and health

Citrus genus is the most important fruit tree crop in the world and lemon is the third most important Citrus Species. Several studies highlighted lemon as an important health-promoting fruit rich in phenolic compounds as well as vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, essential oils and carotenoids. Lemon fruit has a strong commercial value for the fresh products market and food industry. Moreover, lemon productive networks generate high amounts of wastes and by-products that constitute an important source of bioactive compounds with potential for animal feed, manufactured foods, and health care. This review focuses on the phytochemistry and the analytical aspects of lemon compounds as well as on the importance for food industry and the relevance of Citrus Union for nutrition and health, bringing an overview of what is published on the bioactive compounds of this fruit. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.