Yuzu 101: Diet, Advantages, Recipes, and Extra

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There is limited research on yuzu, but some of its health benefits appear to be related to its soothing citrus scent and high vitamin C content.

One of the greatest benefits of yuzu is that it is a rich source of the antioxidant vitamin C. “A 3.5-ounce serving of fresh yuzu juice contains 59 percent of the daily value of vitamin C,” says Olivia Wagner, RDN, a Chicago-based integrative and functional nutritionist at Liv Nourished LLC.

Vitamin C in your diet is vital to the functioning of the immune system and promotes collagen production, Miyashita adds. Collagen is a type of protein that is found in abundance in skin, muscles, bones, tendons, and other body tissues, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Low collagen levels can lead to wrinkled skin, stiffness, weakened muscles, joint pain, or gastrointestinal problems.

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Yuzu offers many other antioxidants that can help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce inflammation that contribute to disease.

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Yuzu’s citrus scent can also have some benefits when used in aromatherapy. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in June 2017 found that women with PMS who inhaled yuzu scent for 10 minutes experienced lower tension, anxiety, anger, and fatigue in a similar way to lavender (the control fragrance).

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The researchers suspect that this happened because the scent increased the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system (also known as the “resting and digestive response,” which calms the body after stress).

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Keep in mind, however, that there were only 17 participants in this small study. Another study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry in November 2021 concluded that the scent of yuzu can reduce feelings of fatigue and improve focus, productivity, and energy levels.

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Researchers speculate that the scent may also have an uplifting effect on the nervous system.

An important note about the studies mentioned above: “All of the research is concerned with specific compounds in yuzu and yuzu extract and does not consume the fruit independently,” says Wagner. Overall, studies on this topic are limited, so more research is needed to confirm the health benefits of yuzu.