Lemon (Citrus limon) is a small, yellow citrus fruit that people know for its sour taste and fresh aroma.1 Even though it is small, it is full of powerful nutrients that support overall health.2
Lemon does not have many calories but is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and beneficial plant compounds like flavonoids and limonene.3 It provides about 88% of a person’s daily vitamin C needs. In fact, if you weigh it gram for gram, lemon and orange have almost the same amount of vitamin C.4
A dietitian in Kano, Aisha Bala Ahmad, said that lemon is not an aphrodisiac, “but it supports libido through detox and general body health.” “It is high in Vitamin C, it helps with blood flow and reduces stress (and stress can reduce libido),” she added.
Even though lemon has plenty of nutritional benefits, especially as it is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, the most important thing a person should consider is dental health.
Health benefits of lemon
- It boosts immunity: It is rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and helps fight colds and infections.5
- It improves skin health: Vitamin C helps produce collagen, reduces wrinkles, clears dark spots, and brightens the skin.6
- It aids digestion: Drinking warm lemon water can help with indigestion, bloating, and constipation.7
- It prevents kidney stones: It contains citric acid, which binds with calcium and helps stop kidney stones from forming.8
- It helps with iron absorption: The vitamin C in lemon helps the body absorb iron from plant-based foods, which can help prevent anemia.9
Nutritional profile of lemon (per 100g, raw, without peel)
- Calories: ~29 kcal10
- Water: ~89%
- Carbohydrates: ~9.3 g11
- Sugars: ~2.5 g12
- Fiber: ~2.8 g13
- Protein: ~1.1 g14
- Fat: ~0.3 g15
- Vitamin C: ~53 mg (89% RDA)
- Vitamin B6: ~0.08 mg
- Potassium: ~138 mg16
- Folate (B9): ~11 g
- Citric acid: ~5–8% (main acid)17
Caution: Experts say that lemon has high acidity and can cause serious enamel wear on teeth, so people who consume it regularly should protect their teeth well.18 A person should use it with caution and follow a good method to enjoy the benefits without issues.
