Lemon Nutrition: Benefits, Calories & Vitamin Content

Lemons can be a delicious addition to a number of dishes but it's nutritious as well.

Fat and Calories

• As far as fat and calories go, lemons are very nutritious. One lemon has about 20 calories and 2 fat calories, mostly from the natural sugars. A lemon has no fat or saturated fat.

Vitamins and Minerals

• Lemons provide a percentage of some vitamins and minerals. Of your recommended daily amount, one lemon contains 4% of calcium, 4% vitamin B6, 3% iron, 2% magnesium, 2% thiamin and 1% of each of the following: vitamin E, riboflavin, niacin and phosphorous. Lemons are probably most known for their vitamin C content and one lemon provides a whopping 90% of the daily recommended amount.

Protein and Fiber

• One lemon provides you with 958 mg of protein, which is about 2% of the recommended daily value. Lemons are a great source of dietary fiber, with one lemon providing 3 grams, or 12% of your daily value.

Cholesterol and Sodium

• Lemons also have no cholesterol or sodium, so they're a great addition to a low cholesterol or low sodium diet.

Sugar

• Lemons do contain some natural sugar, as do all fruits. One lemon has about 2 grams of sugar, well within an acceptable range.