10 Incredible Health Benefits Of Lemon

Introduction

A hot summer day can take a toll on your body. But a glass of fresh lemonade is the most refreshing drink one can have in summers. Lemonade instantly refreshes and calms your body. The easiest go to drink, that can be made in a few minutes.

Lemon is a flavoured fruit. A small quantity of lemon juice can make its remarkable presence in foods and beverages. Adding few drops of lemon juice to curries, soup or drinks, instantly elevates their taste.

Lemons have been around for years. This round, vibrant fruit from the flowering plant family named Rutaceae is scientifically known as a citrus lemon. This bright yellow coloured citrus fruit has a tangy sour taste due to its richness in citric acid. Though they are available in different shapes and sizes across the planet, lemon has its origin in Assam and other parts of Myanmar and China.

An interesting fact about lemon is that it is a very rich source of Vitamin C. And in 1700s, James Lind found that lemons were very useful in treating a medical condition called scurvy (scurvy is a condition caused by low levels of vitamin C in the body)¹. 

Nutritional Facts about Lemon

Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C and is also enriched with Vitamin B6, copper, potassium, magnesium, zinc, flavonoids, antioxidants and phosphorus. It is low in calories and fat. Vitamin C present in the lemon also helps in the process of iron absorption in the body.

Health Benefits of Lemon

Lemon is a versatile fruit which has several potential health benefits. These include:

1. Supports Heart Health

Lemons are the best source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Research suggests that these two nutrients are beneficial for heart health and help prevent heart disease and stroke. However, certain fibres present in lemon can also help lower some risk factors for heart diseases.

Consuming lemon juice may help reduce high blood pressure. Moreover, lemon contains two plant compounds, hesperidin and diosmin, known to lower cholesterol². These factors suggest its positive effect for heart health.

2. Helps to Boost Immunity

We all know that lemon is an immunity-boosting fruit as it contains a high amount of vitamin C and antioxidants. It helps to build the immune system and to fight against the germs that causes common cold and the flu. Patients are often advised to consume lemon cough drops when they are suffering from a throat infection. This is because lemons are naturally endowed with antibacterial properties which will lessen the bacterial effects and bring about relief^3,4. 

3. Helps Improve Digestion

Lemon contains a high amount of soluble fibres that helps in regular bowel movements and also helps improve digestion. The main fibre present in lemon is pectin which helps to improve gut health by increasing the digestion rate of starch and sugar⁵.

Ayurveda medicine believes that drinking a glass of water with lemon juice with its pulp in the morning can kick-start your digestion process. It also helps you have a healthy digestive system.

In my experience, your body will be able to absorb more iron from your diet’s plant-based foods if you use lemon. Anaemia, which is characterized by the deficiency of iron in the red blood cells. Among many reasons responsible for it, it is frequently associated with an iron shortage in your diet that may be corrected by maintaining adequate iron levels. So, apart from taking an iron-rich diet, you should include good amount of vitamin C in your diet for better absorption of iron.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

4. May aid Weight Control

Fully squeezed lemon in a glass of lukewarm water with a tablespoon of honey may help support healthy weight in many. Lemon contains a compound called pectin. It is a fibre that expands after ingestion, making you feel full sooner and longer. It will prevent you from snacking on unhealthy foods that will lead to weight gain. Pectin is present in the lemon pulp, so consuming lemon as a whole is essential^5,6. 

Vitamin C, which supports immune system defence and may aid in the body’s ability to fight illness, can be found in one lemon, providing around half of the daily required dose. Lemons have citrus flavonoids as well. From my perspective, you may lessen your chance of developing brain illness and other degenerative diseases by consuming antioxidants that combat free radicals and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

5. Helps to Reduce Cancer Risk

Lemon and lemon juice are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants that help fight against free radicles that can cause deadly diseases like cancer. Animal studies suggest that compounds present in the lemon, limonene and naringenin, have anti-cancer properties. However, human studies are required to observe these effects⁷.

6. May Help in Oral Disorders

We all know that vitamin C is an essential vitamin for teeth and gums. And, being a rich source of vitamin C, lemon is beneficial for certain mouth conditions. For instance, in scurvy, which is a type of collagen fibre disease resulting from a lack of vitamin C leading to swollen and gums, lemon is said to be helpful. Also, lemon juice may have painkilling effects when applied locally to areas where there is a toothache. It may also help in reducing inflammation¹.

Although believed to be healthy for gum issues, lemon juice contains an acid that, when consumed in large quantities, may erode tooth enamel and result in cavities. I strongly recommend making sure you take lemon juice with enough water to offset the acidity.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

7. Can Keep Hypertension in Check

As per a study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, daily intake of lemon along with 30-60 minutes of brisk walking can keep your high blood pressure in check. Those who consumed lemons, showed reduced signs of hypertension as opposed to those who did not⁸. Thus, lemon can be used as an adjunct along with medical treatment for high blood pressure.

8. Kidney Stone Prevention

High levels of citric acid present in the fresh fruit as well as the lemon juice concentrate can improve urinary citrate levels two-fold without altering the total urinary volume. Studies have revealed that lemonade or lemon juice concentrate can prevent kidney stones by forming urinary citrate which acts as a preventive method for crystal development⁹. 

9. Beneficial for Skin

Lemons contain high amount of vitamin C, which is required to generate collagen. Collagen gives our skin a plump and youthful look. It helps to reduce the fine lines on the face and make your skin clear. Moreover, vitamin C also inhibits melanin production in skin cells thus avoiding pigmentation. It also aids in faster recovery of wounds and avoids easy bruising of skin¹⁰.

10. Good for Hair

Lemon is high in vitamin C which boosts collagen and improves hair growth by stimulating hair follicles^10,11. If you have been suffering from hair loss you can mix two tablespoons of lemon juice with aloe vera gel and apply this to your scalp 30 minutes before your bath and then wash it off with a gentle hair cleanser.

Although studies have shown beneficial effects of lemon for overall health, further large-scale human trials are needed to confirm these benefits. Nonetheless, this tiny nutrition-packed fruit has been used for centuries in ayurvedic practise and when consumed in moderation, can be a great addition to your diet. However, if you have any medical conditions, it’s best to consult your doctor before including anything new into your routine diet.

Side Effects of Lemon

Anything consumed in excess can have a negative impact on your health. Although it’s very nutritious, excessive lemon juice intake may result in the following adverse effects:

• It can increase acid reflux and Gastro oesophageal reflux disease¹². 
• The acid present in lemon can increase symptoms of canker sores¹³. 
• Citrus fruits can cause frequent migraines¹⁴. 

How to Add Lemon to Your Everyday Diet?

• You can have lemon infused in lukewarm water
• You can add a few drops of lemon to your tea and have 2-3 cups daily
• You can squeeze the lemon juice into your salad
• You can add a few drops of lemon to your roasted veggies or chicken
• You can use the juice of a lemon to marinate your meat
• You can add some lemon juice to your curries and soups
• You can add a few drops of lemon juice to your rice when it’s cooking to prevent the grains from sticking to each other
• You can make a lemon sorbet during the hot summer months for a refreshing bite in the sultry afternoons

Conclusion

Lemon is a small yet power-packed fruit with all nutrients. It is a rich source of Vitamin C which can help keep infections at bay and be great for your skin and hair. It can also help support your heart, kidney and digestive health and aid in weight management. Consuming lemon juice as part of a balanced diet will not just add to taste but also prove to be nutritious and healthful.

References

1. Maxfield L, Crane JS, Daley SF. Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy) [Internet]. National Library of Medicine. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493187/

2. Mahmoud AM, Hernández Bautista RJ, Sandhu MA, Hussein OE. Beneficial Effects of Citrus Flavonoids on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity [Internet]. 2019 Mar 10;2019:1–19. Available from: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2019/5484138/

3. Texas.gov. 2025 [cited 2025 Nov 5]. Available from: https://www.trs.texas.gov/learning-resources/publications/pulse/7-immune-boosting-foods-flu-season

4. Farhat G, Cheng L, Emad A. S. Al-Dujaili, Zubko M. Antimicrobial Potential of Pomegranate and Lemon Extracts Alone or in Combination with Antibiotics against Pathogens. International Journal of Molecular Sciences [Internet]. 2024 Jun 25;25(13):6943–3. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/13/6943

5. Pascale N, Gu F, Larsen N, Jespersen L, Respondek F. The Potential of Pectins to Modulate the Human Gut Microbiota Evaluated by In Vitro Fermentation: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2022 Sep 2;14(17):3629. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9460662/

6. Village of Twin Lakes, WI [Internet]. Village of Twin Lakes, WI. 2025 The-ultimate-guide-choosing-the-best-fruit-for-weight [cited 2025 Nov 5]. Available from: https://www.twinlakeswi.gov/support/the-ultimate-guide-choosing-the-best-fruit-for-weight-2304d570-loss-2/

7.  Song JK, Bae JM. Citrus Fruit Intake and Breast Cancer Risk: A Quantitative Systematic Review. Journal of Breast Cancer. 2013;16(1):72. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3625773/

8.  Kato Y, Domoto T, Hiramitsu M, Katagiri T, Sato K, Miyake Y, et al. Effect on Blood Pressure of Daily Lemon Ingestion and Walking. Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism [Internet]. 2014;2014:1–6. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003767/

9.  Ruggenenti P, Caruso MR, Cortinovis M, Perna A, Peracchi T, Giuliano GA, et al. Fresh lemon juice supplementation for the prevention of recurrent stones in calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis: A pragmatic, prospective, randomised, open, blinded endpoint (PROBE) trial. eClinicalMedicine [Internet]. 2022 Jan 1;43:101227. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589537021005083?via%3Dihub

10. Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017 Aug 12;9(8):866. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5579659/

11. Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatology and therapy [Internet]. 2019;9(1):51–70. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30547302

12. Gastroesophageal reflux – discharge: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2019. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000197.htm

13. Mouth sores: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. medlineplus.gov. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003059.htm

14. Migraine: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2015. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000709.htm

 Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

101

7