A great source of vitamin C and fiber, lemons contain many plant compounds, minerals, and essential oils.

These yellow fruits also have many potential health benefits. Eating lemons may lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, and kidney stones.

This article tells you everything you need to know about lemons.

Nutrition facts

Lemons contain very little fat and protein. They consist mainly of carbs (10%) and water (88–89%).

A medium lemon provides only about 20 calories.

The nutrients in 1/2 cup (100 grams) of raw, peeled lemon are (1Trusted Source):

• Calories: 29
• Water: 89%
• Protein: 1.1 grams
• Carbs: 9.3 grams
• Sugar: 2.5 grams
• Fiber: 2.8 grams
• Fat: 0.3 grams

Carbs

The carbohydrates in lemons are primarily composed of fibers and simple sugars, such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose (2).

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 (3Trusted Source).

Dietary fibers are an important part of a healthy diet and linked to numerous health benefits (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).

SUMMARY

Lemons contain approximately 10% carbs, which are mostly soluble fibers and simple sugars. Their main fiber is pectin, which may help lower blood sugar levels.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemons provide several vitamins and minerals.

• Vitamin C. An essential vitamin and antioxidant, vitamin C is important for immune function and skin health (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source).
• Potassium. A diet high in potassium can lower blood pressure levels and have positive effects on heart health (7Trusted Source).
• Vitamin B6. A group of related vitamins, B6 is involved in converting food into energy.

Source: Healthline