Calories in Lemon 🍋

Per 1 medium (58g)

17 calories
Protein 9% Carbs 84% Fat 7%

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 medium (58g)

Calories17
Total Fat0.2g
Total Carbohydrates5.4g
Dietary Fiber1.6g
Sugars1.5g
Protein0.6g
Sodium1mg
Potassium80mg

About Lemon

Lemon is a nutritious fruit that brings a sour citrus flavor to your diet. With 17 calories per 1 medium (58g), it provides natural energy along with important vitamins and minerals. Lemon is particularly valued for detoxification, making it a smart addition to a balanced eating plan. Whether you enjoy it fresh, in smoothies, or as part of a recipe, lemon offers both great taste and genuine nutritional benefits.

Health Benefits of Lemon

Rich in Vitamin C

Lemon is an excellent source of vitamin C, a nutrient essential for detoxification. Including lemon in your diet regularly helps ensure you meet your daily requirements for this important nutrient.

Antioxidant Protection

Lemon contains natural antioxidants including polyphenols and flavonoids that help neutralize harmful free radicals. Regular consumption of antioxidant-rich fruits like lemon is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Important Source of Potassium

Lemon provides meaningful amounts of potassium, which plays a role in numerous bodily functions including enzyme activity, bone health, and cellular metabolism.

Ultra Low-Calorie Choice

At just 17 calories per serving, lemon is one of the lowest-calorie options in its category. You can enjoy generous portions without significantly impacting your daily calorie budget, making it perfect for volume eating during weight management.

Calories by Serving Size

Different serving sizes of lemon and their nutritional values:

ServingCaloriesCarbsProteinFat
½ Lemon (29g)82.7g0.3g0.1g
Small Lemon (44g)134.1g0.4g0.2g
Medium Lemon (58g)175.4g0.6g0.2g
Large Lemon (87g)268.1g0.9g0.3g
2 Lemons (116g)3410.8g1.2g0.4g
Sliced, 1 cup (145g)4213.5g1.5g0.5g

Is Lemon Good for Weight Loss?

Lemon is an excellent choice for weight loss at just 17 calories per 1 medium (58g). Its ultra-low calorie count means you can eat generous portions without worrying about your daily calorie budget. Foods this low in calories are often called 'free foods' in many diet plans because the energy cost of digesting them nearly equals their calorie content. Pair lemon with lean protein for a satisfying, diet-friendly meal. Tracking your intake with an app like Calory can help you see just how much room lemon leaves in your daily calorie goal.

Lemon and Popular Diets

How lemon fits into common eating plans:

Keto Can work in moderation. Lemon contains 5.4g of carbs, which can fit into a keto plan if you budget carefully and limit other carb sources for the day.
Paleo Yes, lemon is paleo-approved. As a natural, unprocessed fruit, it aligns perfectly with paleo principles of eating whole foods.
Vegan Yes, lemon is fully plant-based and suitable for vegan diets. It adds nutritional variety to plant-based eating.
Low-Carb Moderate fit. At 5.4g of carbs, lemon can work on a moderate low-carb plan (50-100g carbs/day) but requires careful portion management.
Diabetic-Friendly Generally compatible. Lemon has a low glycemic index (20), meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar. Its low carb content further helps with blood sugar management.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories in lemon?

Lemon (1 medium (58g)) contains approximately 17 calories. The exact count can vary slightly based on size, preparation method, and specific variety. Use the Calory app for precise tracking based on your actual serving.

Is lemon good for weight loss?

Yes, lemon is a great choice for weight loss at only 17 calories per serving. Its low calorie count means you can enjoy it freely as part of a calorie-controlled diet. Include it as part of a balanced diet with adequate protein for best results.

Is lemon high in sugar?

Lemon contains 1.5g of natural sugar per serving. Unlike added sugars in processed foods, fruit sugars come packaged with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that slow absorption and provide nutritional value. Most nutrition experts agree that whole fruit sugar is not a health concern for most people.

How should I store lemon?

Store fresh lemon in a cool place or refrigerator to maximize shelf life. Most fruits are best stored at room temperature until ripe, then moved to the fridge. You can also freeze lemon for longer storage. Frozen varieties retain most of their nutritional value and are often more affordable.

Track Lemon in Calory

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