What is Lemon (Fresh, Raw)?
Lemons are citrus fruits exceptionally high in vitamin C and containing unique compounds including hesperidin flavonoids and limonene with proven health benefits. The high citric acid content (5-6%) supports digestion, enhances mineral absorption, and may prevent kidney stones. Despite their sour taste, lemons are alkalizing and provide antioxidants that support immune function, heart health, and skin vitality.
Key Highlights
- High vitamin C (31mg, 34% DV) for immune system support
- Contains hesperidin flavonoid that reduces LDL cholesterol 12-16%
- Citric acid enhances iron absorption by up to 300%
- Very low calorie (only 17 per whole lemon)
- Limonene in peel has anti-cancer properties in studies
- Pectin fiber promotes satiety and gut health
- Alkalizing effect despite acidic taste
- May prevent kidney stones by increasing urinary citrate
- Supports collagen production for skin and joints
- Natural antibacterial properties
Lemon (Fresh, Raw) Nutrition Facts
Nutrition values per 58 g (58g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 17 | - |
| Total Fat | 0.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | mg | 0% |
| Sodium | mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 5.4g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6g | 6% |
| Sugars | 0g | - |
| Protein | 0.6g | 1% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin C | 30.7mg | 0% |
| Folate | 6.4mcg | 0% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.05mg | 0% |
| Minerals | ||
| Magnesium | 5mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 80mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 15mg | 0% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Health Benefits of Lemon (Fresh, Raw)
High vitamin C (31mg, 34% DV) for immune system support
High vitamin C (31mg, 34% DV) for immune system support
Contains hesperidin flavonoid that reduces LDL cholesterol 12-16%
Contains hesperidin flavonoid that reduces LDL cholesterol 12-16%
Citric acid enhances iron absorption by up to 300%
Citric acid enhances iron absorption by up to 300%
Very low calorie (only 17 per whole lemon)
Very low calorie (only 17 per whole lemon)
Limonene in peel has anti-cancer properties in studies
Limonene in peel has anti-cancer properties in studies
Pectin fiber promotes satiety and gut health
Pectin fiber promotes satiety and gut health
Alkalizing effect despite acidic taste
Alkalizing effect despite acidic taste
May prevent kidney stones by increasing urinary citrate
May prevent kidney stones by increasing urinary citrate
Supports collagen production for skin and joints
Supports collagen production for skin and joints
Natural antibacterial properties
Natural antibacterial properties
Lemon (Fresh, Raw) for Your Health Goals
Discover how Lemon (Fresh, Raw) can support your specific nutrition and health goals:
Lemon (Fresh, Raw) for Immune Health
Provides 34% DV vitamin C in just 17 calories - essential cofactor for immune cell function and anti
Relevance: 8.5/10Lemon (Fresh, Raw) for Skin Health
High vitamin C essential for collagen synthesis - the protein providing skin structure and elasticit
Relevance: 8.0/10Lemon (Fresh, Raw) for Anti Aging
Concentrated antioxidants including vitamin C, hesperidin, and limonene combat cellular aging and ox
Relevance: 7.8/10Lemon (Fresh, Raw) for Weight Loss
Extremely low calorie (17 per whole lemon) while pectin fiber promotes satiety and reduces appetite
Relevance: 7.5/10Lemon (Fresh, Raw) for Heart Health
Hesperidin flavonoid reduces LDL cholesterol 12-16% while potassium supports healthy blood pressure
Relevance: 7.2/10Lemon (Fresh, Raw) for Hydration
Adding lemon to water encourages increased fluid intake while providing electrolytes like potassium
Relevance: 7.0/10Lemon (Fresh, Raw) for Gut Health
Citric acid stimulates digestive enzyme production while pectin fiber feeds beneficial gut bacteria
Relevance: 6.8/10Lemon (Fresh, Raw) for Energy
Vitamin C enhances iron absorption by 300% supporting energy production and reducing fatigue
Relevance: 6.5/10How to Select & Store Lemon (Fresh, Raw)
🏠 Storage Tips
- Store lemons at room temperature for 1 week or refrigerate for 3-4 weeks
- Already ripe when picked - do not continue to ripen
- Choose firm, heavy lemons with smooth skin and no soft spots
- Roll on counter before juicing to maximize juice extraction
- Both juice and zest can be frozen for later use
Best Ways to Eat Lemon (Fresh, Raw)
Quick Recipe Ideas
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into water throughout the day
- Use lemon juice and zest in salad dressings
- Add lemon to green tea for enhanced antioxidant absorption
- Squeeze over iron-rich foods to boost absorption
- Use as a salt substitute to reduce sodium intake
- Add to fish, chicken, or vegetables for bright flavor
- Freeze lemon slices for adding to drinks
- Zest the peel for concentrated limonene and flavor
Track Lemon (Fresh, Raw) in Your Diet
Use Nutrivio to log Lemon (Fresh, Raw) and see how it fits your daily nutrition goals. Get personalized recommendations based on your health profile.
