Lemon
A sour citrus that lifts flavour, cuts salt use and boosts iron absorption.
Nutrition per 100 g
Standardised to 100 g of lemon for fair comparison. Typical serving: 1 lemon (58 g) — 17 kcal per 58 g serving.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per serving (58 g) | Per 100 kcal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 29 kcal | 17 kcal | 100 kcal |
| Protein | 1 g | 0.6 g | 3.5 g |
| Carbohydrate | 9.3 g | 5.4 g | 31.8 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g | 0.2 g | 1.2 g |
| Fibre | 2.8 g | 1.6 g | 9.4 g |
Figures are typical values and vary with variety, preparation and brand.
Micronutrients
Vitamins and minerals per 100 g of lemon, with a typical serving and FDA Daily Value for adults.
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per serving (58 g) | % DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 3 µg | 1.7 µg | <1% |
| Vitamin C | 129 mg | 74.8 mg | 143% |
| Vitamin D | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.25 mg | 0.14 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin K | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Thiamin | 0.06 mg | 0.035 mg | 5% |
| Riboflavin | 0.08 mg | 0.046 mg | 6% |
| Niacin | 0.4 mg | 0.23 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.17 mg | 0.099 mg | 10% |
| Folate | 13 µg | 7.5 µg | 3% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0 µg | 0 µg | 0% |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.32 mg | 0.19 mg | 6% |
| Choline | 8.5 mg | 4.9 mg | 2% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 134 mg | 77.7 mg | 10% |
| Iron | 0.8 mg | 0.46 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 15 mg | 8.7 mg | 4% |
| Phosphorus | 12 mg | 7 mg | <1% |
| Potassium | 160 mg | 92.8 mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 6 mg | 3.5 mg | <1% |
| Zinc | 0.25 mg | 0.14 mg | 2% |
| Selenium | 0.7 µg | 0.41 µg | 1% |
| Copper | 0.092 mg | 0.053 mg | 10% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central — Lemon peel, raw
% DV uses FDA Daily Values for adults. Nutrients that USDA does not report for this entry are omitted. Values vary with variety, preparation and brand.
Why eat lemon?
- Vitamin C in the juice improves absorption of plant iron.
- Acidity reduces the need for added salt.
How to include it
- Squeeze over lentils and greens.
- Zest into dressings and marinades.
Things to consider
- Frequent neat juice can erode tooth enamel.
- Can aggravate reflux for some people.
Educational content. This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Speak to a qualified health professional about your individual circumstances.
Related foods
Lime
A sharply aromatic citrus central to Latin American and Southeast Asian cooking.
- kcal
- 30
- protein
- 0.7 g
- fibre
- 2.8 g
per 100 g · Typical serving: 1 lime (67 g)
Orange
A whole-fruit vitamin C source that also carries folate and useful fibre in the segment walls.
- kcal
- 47
- protein
- 0.9 g
- fibre
- 2.4 g
per 100 g · Typical serving: 1 medium orange (131 g)
Grapefruit
A tart citrus with high water content, vitamin C and, in pink varieties, lycopene.
- kcal
- 42
- protein
- 0.8 g
- fibre
- 1.6 g
per 100 g · Typical serving: 1/2 fruit (123 g)
Get smarter about food and fitness.
Practical nutrition and wellness information, delivered without the hype.