Fruits
Lemons
Overview
Why eat lemons?
Lemons are mostly water, acid and vitamin C, which makes them a low-calorie way to brighten food without adding salt, sugar or fat. One small fruit has about 17 calories and covers roughly a third of a day's vitamin C, so even a squeeze counts for something.
Good to know: Lemon juice is highly acidic and can erode tooth enamel over time, so drink lemon water through a straw or rinse with plain water afterwards.
Serious vitamin C
One lemon supplies 30.7 mg of vitamin C, 34% of the Daily Value, supporting immune function, collagen formation and the body's antioxidant defences.
Helps you absorb iron
The vitamin C in lemon juice improves absorption of plant iron, so a squeeze over beans, lentils or greens makes the meal work harder.
Flavour without sodium
With just 2 mg of sodium per 100 g, lemon juice and zest add sharpness to dishes that would otherwise lean on salt.
Overview drafted with AI from USDA FoodData Central figures. For education, not medical advice.
Nutrition facts
What’s in lemons?
Calories
29kcal
Protein
1.1g
Carbs
9.3g
Fat
0.3g
Fiber
2.8g
Sugars
2.5g
Minerals
- Calcium26 mg2%
- Iron0.6 mg3%
- Magnesium8 mg2%
- Phosphorus16 mg1%
- Potassium138 mg3%
- Sodium2 mg0%
- Zinc0.06 mg1%
- Copper0.04 mg4%
- Selenium0.4 µg1%
Vitamins
- Vitamin A1 µg0%
- Vitamin C53 mg59%
- Vitamin E0.15 mg1%
- Thiamin (B1)0.04 mg3%
- Riboflavin (B2)0.02 mg2%
- Niacin (B3)0.1 mg1%
- Vitamin B60.08 mg5%
- Folate11 µg3%
% Daily Value is based on FDA reference amounts for adults. Bars cap at 100%.
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Source: USDA FoodData Central, “Lemons, raw, without peel” (SR Legacy, FDC ID 167746).View the USDA record ↗ (opens in a new tab).