Do lemons deliver more vitamin C than other fruits? 🍋 | LSG Group (2024)

LSG Group experts clarify food myths from around the world – Episode 1 is about lemons and their vitamin C content

A “hot lemon” is the number one household remedy for colds in Germany. In many parts of the world people believe: The high vitamin C content strengthens the immune system. But do lemons really provide as much ascorbic acid as grandma has always promised? Bernadette Murg is a dietician at LSG Group. She explains the myth.

“The answer is yes and no,” says Murg. Lemons contain about 53 mg vitamin C per 100 g of juice. “This is more than apples, honeydew melons, raspberries or mangoes provide. It is comparable to other fruits of the citrus family such as oranges or clementines. However, acerola cherries, rose hips, sea buckthorn, black currants, papayas, guavas, sweet peppers, broccoli and Brussels sprouts deliver more”.

The acerola cherry produces 1,700 mg vitamin C per 100 g. At 177 mg per 100 g, the content of a black currant is also more than three times as high as that of a lemon. A daily intake of 110 mg for men and 95 mg for women is recommended, which is about the equivalent of a glass of pure lemon juice – a quantity that hardly anyone consumes in this form.

Tastier: A handful of strawberries and an orange or a normal portion of vegetables consisting of broccoli, fennel and half a pepper are sufficient to cover the vitamin C requirement. For smokers, pregnant women and breastfeeding women, higher recommendations apply. In addition to vitamin C, lemons also contain other important nutrients: fructose, fibre, potassium, calcium, magnesium and copper, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B6, folate and pantothenic acid.

A persistent lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy in adults. It used to be a common cause of death among seafarers who were unable to obtain fruit and vegetables at sea. Today, undersupply manifests itself in susceptibility to infections, a feeling of exhaustion, fatigue, poor wound healing and bleeding gums.

The “Global Food Myths” is an ongoing series. We will drill down on a specific urban legend about food, drinks or table culture every Friday. Stay tuned for more!

Do lemons deliver more vitamin C than other fruits? 🍋 | LSG Group (2024)

FAQs

Do lemons deliver more vitamin C than other fruits? 🍋 | LSG Group? ›

Lemons contain about 53 mg vitamin C per 100 g of juice. “This is more than apples, honeydew melons, raspberries or mangoes provide. It is comparable to other fruits of the citrus family such as oranges or clementines.

What fruit is highest in vitamin C? ›

The Kakadu plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana) is an Australian native superfood containing 100 times more vitamin C than oranges. It has the highest known concentration of vitamin C of any food, containing up to 2,907 mg per 100 grams (g). Just one plum (about 15 g) packs 436 mg of vitamin C, which is 484% of the DV.

Is lemon rich in vitamin C True or false? ›

Lemons contain about 35 milligrams of vitamin C, which is over half the amount of vitamin C needed in your daily diet. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which helps protect cells from damage. Vitamin C also helps your body make collagen for your skin, helps your body absorb iron, and supports your immune system.

What vitamin is a lemon the richest in? ›

Lemons are very rich in vitamin C. In addition, they're a decent source of potassium and vitamin B6.

What are the top 10 health benefits of lemon? ›

10 Benefits of drinking Lemon Water
  1. Reduces inflammation. ...
  2. Aids digestion. ...
  3. Helps you lose weight. ...
  4. Cleanses your system. ...
  5. Keeps your skin blemish-free. ...
  6. Gives your immune system a boost. ...
  7. Excellent source of potassium. ...
  8. Freshens your breath.

What 3 foods contain the highest amount of vitamin C? ›

Citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato juice, and potatoes are major contributors of vitamin C to the American diet [8]. Other good food sources include red and green peppers, kiwifruit, broccoli, strawberries, Brussels sprouts, and cantaloupe (see Table 2) [8,12].

Which fruit has more vitamin C than oranges? ›

Kiwis. One serving of kiwi (about two fruits) boasts an impressive 137mg of vitamin C - almost twice that of an orange.

Is one lemon a day enough vitamin C? ›

Lemons are a good source of vitamin C. One lemon provides about 31 mg of vitamin C, which is 51% of the reference daily intake (RDI). Research shows that eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke ( 1 , 2 , 3 ).

Are lemons healthier than oranges? ›

Jaiswal says, “Oranges have more calories and carbs. Lemons, on the other hand, have more fibre and fat. ” Moreover, oranges are higher in vitamins A, E, B1, B2, B3, B5, and B9, along with, magnesium, copper, calcium, potassium, and zinc, than other fruits. Lemons have higher vitamin B6, iron, and phosphorus content.

Is real lemon as good as fresh lemon? ›

Both are low in calories and fat and high in vitamin C, folate and potassium. However, if you've ever tasted bottled lemon juice, you'll notice that the flavour is a little off – not bright and lemony like the real stuff.

What happens if I eat lemon everyday? ›

Consuming lemons daily is safe for most people and can offer health benefits. Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune function and overall health. However, enjoy lemons in moderation to prevent potential dental issues due to their acidic nature.

Who should not drink lemon water? ›

Research shows that consuming citrus fruits and juices (including lemon) increases the risk of developing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 10 If you struggle with GERD, you may want to decrease your intake of acidic foods to see if that helps with your symptoms.

Is too much lemon juice bad for your kidneys? ›

Drinking lemon water or lemon juice cannot worsen the condition of chronic kidney disease patients. Though when consumed in excess, it can cause some other health issues. Too much lemon water can cause nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting.

What happens when you drink lemon water for 7 days? ›

Regular consumption of lemon water may help strengthen bones, promote oral health, and prevent anemia and kidney stones due to its citrate content. Lemon juice contains various antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that boost brain and heart health.

Is lemon good for hair? ›

Lemon juice for hair is ideal for removing stubborn dandruff. It also deep cleanses your scalp, hydrates, removes flaky skin, and soothes itching. Lemon can be used to remove grime and dust which accumulate on the scalp. Lemon for hair can help clean the scalp and unclogs hair follicles.

Is lemon good for the liver? ›

Many citrus fruits, including lemon, can be added to water to help stimulate and flush out the liver. Lemons are high in nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants. To help prevent liver disease, enjoy four to six tablespoons of lemon juice mixed with water each day.

Which fruit has three times more vitamin C? ›

Red Bell Pepper

A cup of chopped red bell pepper contains nearly three times more vitamin C than an orange—190 mg.

Are bananas high in vitamin C? ›

Bananas are Respectable Sources of Vitamin C

You may not associate bananas with vitamin C but a medium-sized banana will provide about 10% of your daily vitamin C needs.

Is there more vitamin C in an apple or orange? ›

They are both considered a fat-free food, but they do have nutritional differences. Apples contain more fiber, but oranges contain more vitamin C. For more information on how they differ in nutrient content review our quick nutrition chart for fruit.

What is the best form of vitamin C? ›

Liposomal vitamin C. This form is best because there is almost always a gut malabsorption problem underneath a severe deficiency.

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