Lemon characteristics
- Strong antioxidant power
- Interesting pectin content
- Slimming ally
- Promotes cardiovascular health
- Helps prevent some chronic diseases
Nutritional and caloric values of lemons
For 100g fresh lemon:
- Calories: 17
- Protein: 0.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 5,4 g
- Lipids: 0.2 g
- Fibre: 1.6 g
The antioxidant power of lemon and lime is considered low because it is calculated on the basis of a normal serving, which is relatively small. However, lemons and limes contain several components that can have a positive effect on health and the prevention of various diseases:
- Flavonoids
- Nobiletin
- Limonoids
- Soluble Fibre
- Dietary Proteins
Finally, lemons are a good source of antioxidant vitamin C, copper and iron.
The benefits of lemon
Thanks to its unique composition and record-breaking levels of antioxidant molecules, lemon is a real health boon. Provided, of course, that it is consumed regularly as part of a varied and balanced diet.
- An ally for slimming
- Prevention of certain cancers (oesophagus, stomach, colon, mouth and throat)
- Cardiovascular health
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Beneficial effect on cholesterol
How to choose the right lemon?
A ripe lemon weighs an average of 150 to 200 grams and has a thick, dark yellow rind, sometimes slightly orange.
The rind of the juiciest lemons and limes is thin and shiny, never lumpy.
The fruit should be firm and heavy in the hand.
How to preserve lemons?
Fresh lemons will keep for 1 or 2 weeks at room temperature, limes for less as they dry out more quickly. Keeping lemons and limes in a container of water in the fridge, or simply in a tightly closed container, will keep them longer.
If you have a lot of these fruits, you can squeeze them and freeze the juice in an ice cube tray.
Contraindications and allergies
Although excellent for general health, lemons are very acidic, which means that not everyone can tolerate them. Especially when consumed pure and/or in large quantities. Caution should therefore be exercised in certain situations.
Caution when taking antacids
Lemons, limes and their juices should not be taken together with antacids. In fact, some citrus fruits increase the absorption of aluminium contained in antacids. It is best to take antacids and citrus fruits or their juice 3 hours apart.
Moderate consumption for GERD and heartburn
Lemons, limes and their juices should also be avoided by people suffering from gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, peptic oesophagitis and hiatal hernia (in the acute phase of these conditions). These foods can irritate the lining of the oesophagus or cause heartburn.