Lemon: Calories, Nutrition Facts, and Health Benefits (2026)

A medium lemon (58 g) contains 17 calories, 1.6 g of fiber, and 30.7 mg of vitamin C, providing 34% of the daily value. With only 1.4 g of sugar and a glycemic index of about 20, lemons are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense fruit. They also offer 80 mg of potassium per lemon.

This page provides a comprehensive overview of the nutritional profile of lemons, including their calories, macronutrients, and health benefits. The data is presented per lemon and per 100 grams to give a clear understanding of their nutritional value.

Lemon Nutrition Facts (Per Serving and Per 100 g)

The following nutrition facts table outlines the key nutrients found in lemons. This includes information on calories, macronutrients, and vitamins.

Values are for 1 lemon (58 g).

Nutrient	Per Serving	Per 100 g	% Daily Value (per serving)
Calories	17	29	1%
Protein	0.6 g	1.1 g	1%
Carbohydrates	5.4 g	9.3 g	2%
Fiber	1.6 g	2.8 g	6%
Sugar	1.4 g	2.5 g	-
Fat	0.2 g	0.3 g	0%
Vitamin C	30.7 mg	53.0 mg	34%
Potassium	80 mg	138 mg	2%
Folate	6 mcg	11 mcg	2%
Calcium	15 mg	26 mg	1%

About 84% of lemon calories come from carbohydrates, 10% from protein and 6% from fat.

Lemon by Health Goal

The by-goal ratings help assess how lemons fit into various dietary objectives. These ratings provide insights into their suitability for different health goals.

Goal	Rating	Why
Weight loss	Excellent	17 calories per serving with 1.6 g fiber for fullness
Blood sugar / diabetes	Excellent	Glycemic load of about 1 per serving
Immunity	Good	Provides 30.7 mg vitamin C (34% DV)
Digestion	Fair	1.6 g fiber per serving supports regularity
Heart health	Good	Potassium (80 mg) and fiber, very low sodium
Muscle gain	Fair	Low in protein (0.6 g); best as a vitamin-rich choice, not a protein source

Lemon and Blood Sugar

Glycemic index: 20. Glycemic load: 1 per serving.

Lemon has a glycemic index of about 20 and a glycemic load of around 1 per serving, so it has a modest effect on blood sugar. Fiber and water slow sugar absorption, and pairing it with protein or fat steadies the response.

How Lemon Compares to Other Fruits

The comparison table illustrates how lemons stack up against other fruits in terms of nutritional content. This allows for a better understanding of their unique benefits.

Fruit (per 100 g)	Calories	Sugar (g)	Fiber (g)	Vitamin C (mg)
Lemon	29	2.5	2.8	53.0
Lime	30	1.7	2.8	29.1
Orange	47	9.4	2.4	53.2
Grapefruit	42	6.9	1.6	31.2

Lemon Myths, Checked

Lemon water detoxes your body , Misleading. Lemon water hydrates and adds vitamin C, but your liver and kidneys do the detoxing, not lemons.

Lemon burns fat , False. Lemon is very low calorie and can replace sugary drinks, but it does not burn body fat.

How to Track Lemon

Fruit portions are easy to misjudge, and the difference between one lemon and a larger helping changes the sugar and calories you log. Nutrola identifies food from a photo, barcode or voice entry and returns calories and macros, so you can log lemon accurately instead of estimating. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

For related references, see every fruit ranked by glycemic load, most nutrient-dense fruits ranked, and berries ranked by sugar and antioxidants.

Sources

Nutrition values are from the USDA FoodData Central database, shown per serving and per 100 g, rounded. Percent Daily Values use US reference intakes for a 2,000 calorie diet. Glycemic index and load are from published international tables and vary by ripeness and variety. This is educational and not medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many calories are in one lemon?

One medium lemon contains approximately 17 calories. This low-calorie count makes it a great addition to various diets without significantly impacting caloric intake.

Is lemon good for weight loss?

Lemons can be beneficial for weight loss due to their low calorie content and high fiber, which can help promote feelings of fullness. Additionally, their vitamin C content may aid in metabolism.

Can people with diabetes eat lemon?

Yes, people with diabetes can eat lemons. They have a low glycemic index of about 20, which means they have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels.

How much vitamin C is in lemon?

A medium lemon contains about 30.7 mg of vitamin C, which is 34% of the daily value. This vitamin is essential for immune function and skin health.

Is lemon high in sugar?

Lemons are not high in sugar, containing only 1.4 g of sugar per medium lemon. This makes them a suitable fruit option for those monitoring their sugar intake.

Is lemon water good for you?

Lemon water can be beneficial as it provides hydration and vitamin C. However, it is important to consume it in moderation due to its acidity, which may affect dental health.

Key Takeaways

• A medium lemon has 17 calories.
• Lemons contain 1.6 g of fiber per lemon.
• Each lemon provides 30.7 mg of vitamin C.
• Lemons have only 1.4 g of sugar.
• The glycemic index of lemons is about 20.
• Lemons contain 80 mg of potassium.