Wait—Are Lemons Actually Good for You? Here’s What a Registered Dietitian Has To Say

Kelli Acciardo
·4 min read
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Lemons have long been considered a superfood for their extensive health benefits and varied recipe uses. Not only are they one of the most popular citrus fruits, but lemons are a good source of vitamin C—one 58-gram lemon can provide over 30 milligrams of vitamin C, according to a recent study—and this essential antioxidant is responsible for our body's ability to form and maintain healthy bones, cartilage and blood vessels.

Their powerful properties don't stop there. "Because of their nutritional profile, lemons may help with heart health, support immune function, protect against chronic diseases, support digestion and decrease the risk of kidney stones," explains registered dietitian nutritionist Vandana Sheth, RDN, CDCES, FAND.

Lemons are also an inexpensive and easy-to-find grocery store staple, making them a go-to item to stock up on regularly, but just how healthy are they and can you overconsume the tart fruit? Dr. Sheth breaks down the pros and cons of the all-mighty lemon below.

Related: 20 Best Weight Loss Drinks To Help You Shed Pounds

Are Lemons Good for You?

Absolutely! "Lemons are one of the healthiest fruits in the world because of their nutrient density and low calories," says Sheth. "They are also a good source of vitamin C, soluble fiber and other plant compounds that offer various health benefits."

Related: Are Peanuts Actually Good for You? Registered Dietitians Share What You Need To Know

Health Benefits of Lemons

According to Sheth, the oval citrus fruit that grows on small evergreen trees has many diverse health perks, from potentially supporting weight loss to lowering the risk of heart disease, anemia, kidney stones and digestive issues. "Lemons can be a flavorful, health-boosting addition to your diet," she adds.

They are also an extremely versatile fruit. You can add lemon juice to warm water in the morning to kickstart your digestion, drizzle their citric acid on salads, power bowls and steamed fish, or dress up grilled veggies with lemon slices for additional flavor. There's a myriad of ways to reap the superfood benefits of lemons.

Related: 70 Best Lemon Recipes for Summer

Can You Eat Lemons Every Day?

"Unlike other citrus fruits, lemons are typically not eaten whole," shares Sheth. "Using the juice in various ways in recipes such as salad dressings, marinades, smoothies, tea and even in soups can be ways to incorporate them."

However, since lemons are so acidic, they may affect individuals who are sensitive or have acid reflux/GERD-type issues, warns Sheth. Regarding how much you can have per day, juice from two to three lemons (four to six tablespoons) can provide half the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, she says. "Because of its acidity, ingesting too much lemon juice can be a concern as it may cause heartburn, mouth ulcers, reflux and increased risk for enamel erosion, so try to spread your lemon intake throughout the day."

Related: V8 Has Been Around for Decades, but Is It Actually Healthy? Here’s What Registered Dietitians Think

Does Lemon Water Burn Belly Fat?

Although lemons (and lemon water) are typically associated with weight loss, drinking lemon water doesn't automatically guarantee belly fat loss. "What we know is that drinking enough water can help with your weight loss goal—and if flavoring your water with lemon helps you drink water more easily, it supports this goal," shares Sheth.

Sadly, drinking lemon water alone will not shed excess pounds, so if that's your concern, you may want to try one of these 17 best exercises to burn belly fat, coupled with drinking more water in general. "No one food targets a specific body area for weight loss," she adds.

Next up: 8 Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water for Skin and Digestion

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