Lemon
Citrus limon
Lemon (Citrus limon) is a fruit specie from Rutaceae familiy, native from Asia. The production of lemon has been increased and 21.3 million tons of lemons and limes were produced worldwide in 2020, consumed as fresh fruit, juice, or tea and for pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. Lemon is a popular fruit being low in calories, mostly constituted by water, and high in fibers, vitamin C and minerals like potassium, mainly used for their good flavoring in food preparations in home or industry. Their characteristic aroma is largely due to the presence of D-limonene in peel.
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Amount per 100g
| Energy | 29 kcal |
| Water | 89 g |
| Protein | 1.1 g |
| Lipids | 0.3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 9.32 g |
| Sugars | 2.5 g |
| Fiber | 2.8 g |
| Vitamin C | 53 mg |
| Potassium (K) | 138 mg |
Source: USDA Food Data Central
Lemons has a high content of phenolic compounds, with a total polyphenol of 59.80 mg/100 g FW assessed by Folin assay, mainly flavonoids (e.g., eriocitrin, hesperidin and naringenin) and phenolic acids (e.g., ferulic, synapic, p-hydroxybenzoic acids) and carotenoids, responsible for their yellow color, as β-cryptoxanthin (20 µg/100 g) and lutein and zeaxanthin (11 µg/100 g).
Regarding health effects, C. limon has scientific studies proven their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer activities, and positive effects on cardiovascular, nervous, and skeletal system.
Moreover, phenolic compounds are well-known for the good impact in heart health and anticancer proprieties. Vitamin C act like free radical scavenger in antioxidant defense system and plays an important role as enzyme cofactor for biochemical reactions as biosynthesis of collagen, and metabolism of cholesterol.
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