The Nutrition of Lemons & Limes
Similar to oranges, lemons and limes are citrus fruits you can find in the grocery store all year. Lemon and lime trees grow in warmer climates, such as California and Florida, and typical fruits to be about 2 in. in diameter for limes and 2 ½ in. to 3 in. in diameter for lemons.
Similar to oranges, lemons and limes are citrus fruits you can find in the grocery store all year. Lemon and lime trees grow in warmer climates, such as California and Florida, and typical fruits to be about 2 in. in diameter for limes and 2 ½ in. to 3 in. in diameter for lemons. Lemon and lime juices are typically used for drinks such as lemonade and for cooking, but it is possible to eat the pulp if you like tart foods.
Calories
Most of the calories in lemons and limes come from carbohydrates because they are low in fat in protein. One raw lemon contains 24 calories and only 0.92 g of protein and 0.25 g of fat. One raw lime contains 20 calories and only 0.47 g of protein and 0.13 g of fat.
Carbohydrates
Lemons and limes contain a similar amount of carbohydrates, with one lemon containing 7.8 g and one lime containing 7.1 g. Lemons are higher in both fiber and sugar, with 2.4 and 2.1 g, respectively. Limes contain 1.9 g of fiber and 1.1 g of sugar. Most adults need approximately 28 g of fiber per day; neither fruit provides even 10 percent of this amount. Other fruits, such as apples, which contain 5.4 g, are much higher in fiber.
Vitamin C
Similar to most citrus fruits, lemons and limes are high in vitamin C. One lime provides 22 percent of the RDA for most adults, and one lemon provides 49 percent of this amount. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, so it is not stored in the body. Therefore, it is important to eat foods high in vitamin C on a regular basis because it is important for tissue repair, wound healing and connective tissue health.
Minerals
Both lemons and limes contain less than 10 percent of the Recommended Daily Allowance, or RDA, of all minerals. Although they are low in minerals, including iron, they can be useful if you have trouble absorbing iron. Food high in vitamin C, such as lemons and limes, can help your absorb iron if you take them along with supplements or iron-rich foods.
Benefits
Changes in taste are just one of the many side effects of chemotherapy, and this can lead to lack of appetite and drastic weight loss. The University of Michigan Health System, or UMHS, recommends citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes, to patients experiencing drastic changes in taste. If you have mouth sores, it is best to avoid citrus and try other spices or sauces because citrus juice can aggravate the sores. The UMHS also recommends using honey with hot water and lemon juice as a home treatment for coughs.