Lemon Nutrition Facts

When considering a lemon, nutrition is not always the first thing that comes to a person's mind. Although most are familiar with basic nutritional facts, which reveal that this tart fruit is of benefit because it contains vitamin C, few people ever realize just how powerful it really is. Still, regularly it is consumed in light quantities for its unique flavoring and sometimes it is even used to garnish certain dishes because of its colorful effect. However, as far as fruit nutrition goes, it is also one of the most amazing fruits available.

Although most varieties are extremely tart and acidic to taste, making them difficult to eat as one would other fruits, they are still a refreshing choice that can be enjoyed in beverages and as a marinade on foods. Not all varieties are sour, however. In fact, the Meyer lemon is a sweet variety that is currently gaining in popularity.

These fruit are particularly high in flavonoids containing antioxidant properties, as well as anti-cancer properties. Lemon nutrition also offers key vitamins and minerals, such as:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Potassium

Beyond being an excellent source of vitamin C, people may not realize the additional benefits this juicy, yellow fruit offers, such as:

• Protects the heart
• Supports smooth skin
• Fights cancer
• Helps regulate blood pressure
• Prevents the development of scurvy

Fruit nutrition experts agree that the properties within this fruit play a role in boosting the body's natural immune system. These same properties also affect the decisions that a cell makes about dividing, which helps in fighting cancer and other diseases that begin at a cellular level.

Because it is extremely high in vitamin C, this fruit is an excellent source of antioxidants, which prevent the spread of free radicals that damage healthy cells and their membranes. Free radicals also contribute to painful inflammation, which accompanies rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

The tartness that is readily apparent in several varieties of this little yellow fruit offer an excellent substitute for table salt and, thus, makes it a good choice for those on low-sodium diets.

Although all fruits are considered safe foods for most healthy people to consume, the peels of this particular fruit contain oxalates, which when retained in excess in bodily fluids, can cause a health concern. One of the primary concerns of a high concentration of oxalates is that they may interfere with calcium absorption. Therefore, those with gallbladder and kidney problems should avoid eating this fruit's peels or recipes that are prepared with zest.

Those who are targeting optimal health wisely include lemon in their diets as a daily source of vitamin C, as well as for its unique flavoring qualities. Many different varieties of the fruit exist, which range in taste from sweet to sour, and should be enjoyed often for the amazing health benefits each offers.