How healthy is lemon?
Is lemon healthy? Yes, for most people. Lemon scores 89/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 29 kcal, 53 mg vitamin C and 2.8 g fiber. Usually eaten in small amounts, lemon adds flavor and vitamin C with almost no calories. Source: USDA FoodData Central.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Lemon ranks higher than 89% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Vitamin C100%
- Fiber34%
- Iron11%
- Potassium10%
- Protein8%
- Calcium7%
- Magnesium7%
- Vitamin E3%
- Vitamin A0%
Counts against
- Saturated fat1%
- Added sugars0%
- Sodium0%
Raw NRF9.3: 181 minus 1 = 180. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology
How many calories are in lemon?
Calories17kcal
Protein0.6g
Carbohydrates5.4g
Fat0.2g
Fiber1.6g
Sugars1.4g
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 29 kcal | 17 kcal | |
| Protein | 1.1 g | 0.6 g | 1% |
| Carbohydrates | 9.3 g | 5.4 g | 2% |
| Fiber | 2.8 g | 1.6 g | 6% |
| Sugars | 2.5 g | 1.4 g | |
| Added sugars | 0 g | 0 g | 0% |
| Fat | 0.3 g | 0.2 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | <0.1 g | <0.1 g | 0% |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 1 µg | 0.6 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 53 mg | 31 mg | 34% |
| Vitamin E | 0.1 mg | <0.1 mg | 1% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 26 mg | 15 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 0.3 mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 138 mg | 80 mg | 2% |
| Magnesium | 8 mg | 4.6 mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 2 mg | 1.2 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central, "Lemons, raw, without peel" (FDC 167746). Values rounded.
Why is lemon good for you?
- 31 mg vitamin C in 1 lemon, 34% of the daily value. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
Good ways to use it
- Dressings and marinades
- Adding flavor instead of salt
What should you watch out for?
- Frequent sipping of lemon water can wear tooth enamel; rinse with plain water after.
Similar foods
Lemon is already one of the most nutrient-dense fruits we cover.
How does lemon compare?
Common questions about lemon
How many calories are in lemon?
100 g of lemon has 29 kcal. A typical portion, 1 lemon (58 g), has about 17 kcal.
How much protein is in lemon?
Lemon has 1.1 g of protein per 100 g, or about 0.6 g in 1 lemon.
Is lemon good for weight loss?
Lemon is low in calories (29 kcal per 100 g), so it adds volume to meals without many calories. No single food causes weight loss; the overall diet does.