Lemons are among the world’s most popular citrus fruits.
They grow on lemon trees, and are a hybrid of the original citron and lime.
There are many ways to enjoy lemons, but they taste very sour and are usually not eaten as whole fruit.
Instead, they are eaten in little slices, as garnish with meals, and their juice is often used to provide a sour flavor. They are also a key ingredient in lemonade.
Lemons are a great source of vitamin C and fiber, and contain many plant compounds, minerals and essential oils. Eating lemons may help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer and kidney stones.
Nutrition Facts
Lemons contain very little fat and protein. They consist mainly of carbohydrates (10%) and water (88-89%).
A medium sized lemon only contains about 20 calories.
| Calories | 29 |
| Water | 89 % |
| Protein | 1.1 g |
| Carbs | 9.3 g |
| Sugar | 2.5 g |
| Fiber | 2.8 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Saturated | 0.04 g |
| Monounsaturated | 0.01 g |
| Polyunsaturated | 0.09 g |
| Omega-3 | 0.03 g |
Carbs
The carbohydrates in lemons are primarily composed of fibers and simple sugars such as glucose, fructose and sucrose.
Fiber
The main fiber in lemons is pectin.
Soluble fibers like pectin can lower blood sugar levels by slowing down the digestion of sugar and starch.
Dietary fibers are an important part of a healthy diet, and linked with numerous health benefits.
Vitamins and Minerals
Lemons contain several vitamins and minerals.
- Vitamin C: An essential vitamin and antioxidant. It is important for immune function and skin health.
- Potassium: A diet high in potassium can lower blood pressure levels and have positive effects on cardiovascular health.
- Vitamin B6: A group of related vitamins that are involved in converting food into energy.
Other Plant Compounds
Plant compounds are natural bioactive substances found in plants, some of which have powerful health benefits.
The plant compounds in lemons, and other citrus fruit, may have beneficial effects on cancer, cardiovascular disease and inflammation.
These are the main plant compounds found in lemons:
- Citric acid: The most abundant organic acid in lemons, and may help prevent the formation of kidney stones.
- Hesperidin: An antioxidant that may strenghten our blood vessels and prevent atherosclerosis.
- Diosmin: An antioxidant that is used in some drugs that affect the circulatory system. It improves vascular muscle tone and reduces chronic inflammation in blood vessels.
- Eriocitrin: An antioxidant that is found in lemon peel and juice.
- D-Limonene: Found primarily in lemon peel. It is the main component of lemon essential oils, and responsible for the distinct smell of lemons. In isolation, it can help relieve heartburn and stomach reflux.
Many of the plant compounds in lemons are not found in high amounts in lemon juice, so it is recommended to eat the whole fruit for maximum benefit.
Health Benefits of Lemons
Citrus fruits, including lemons, have been associated with numerous health benefits.
This is attributed to the vitamins and fiber content, as well as their powerful plant compounds.
Prevention of Kidney Stones
The citric acid in lemons can increase urine volume, which may help prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Some studies have shown that lemon juice and lemonade can be effective at preventing kidney stones, but other studies have found no effect.
Prevention of Anemia
Anemia is often caused by iron deficiency, and is most common in pre-menopausal women.
Lemons contain small amounts of iron, but they are a great source of vitamin C and citric acid, which can increase the absorption of iron from other foods.
Because lemons can enhance the absorption of iron from foods, they may help prevent anemia.
Cancer
Lemons may help reduce the risk of many types of cancers, including breast cancer. This is mainly due to plant compounds like hesperidin and d-limonene.
in vitamin C is linked to reduced cardiovascular disease.
Low levels of vitamin C in the blood are also linked to increased risk of stroke, especially among those who are overweight or have high blood pressure.
Intake of isolated fibers from citrus fruits has been shown to decrease blood cholesterol levels, and the essential oils in lemons can protect LDL cholesterol particles from becoming oxidized.
Recent studies on rats show that the plant compounds hesperidin and diosmin may have beneficial effects on some key risk factors for heart diseases.
