Epic source
Vitamin C
39.9 mg · 44% DV target
A sharp, acidic liquid that serves as a versatile culinary brightener, lemon juice provides a concentrated source of protective antioxidants and organic acids.
Lemon juice contains the highest concentration of citric acid among common citrus fruits, providing more per litre than orange or grapefruit juice .8
Regular intake of lemon juice can increase urinary citrate levels, which may help reduce the risk of forming certain types of kidney stones .48
Lemon juice is a source of flavanones (a type of antioxidant), and one large prospective cohort study found that high intake of these compounds was associated with a 19% lower risk of ischemic stroke in women .9
While lemon juice is often used in weight management diets, systematic reviews indicate that its specific impact on body composition and obesity risk is typically studied as part of broader dietary patterns or high water intake rather than as a standalone weight-loss agent .16
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
39.9 mg · 44% DV target
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Freshly squeezed juice loses flavor profile quickly
Can be frozen in ice cube trays for portioning
Citrus production generally has a low carbon footprint compared to animal products, though water usage in arid regions is a factor.
During the Age of Discovery, the British Royal Navy began issuing lemon juice to sailors to prevent scurvy, a practice so successful it was kept a state secret for decades.