Lemon vs. Kumquat — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Vitamins

Kumquat is richer in Vitamin A, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, and Folate.

Vitamin A is 12 times higher in kumquat than in lemon.

On the other hand, lemon has higher Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. Lemon falls in the range of the top 12% of foods as a source of Vitamin C. The amounts of Vitamin B5, Vitamin B1, and Vitamin E are equal in these fruits. Both fruits have no Vitamin D, Vitamin K, and Vitamin B12.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Lemon

2

Kumquat

5

Contains more Vitamin CVitamin C	+20.7%
Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6	+122.2%

Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A	+1218.2%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2	+350%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3	+329%
Contains more FolateFolate	+54.5%
Contains more CholineCholine	+64.7%

~equal in Vitamin E ~0.15mg

~equal in Vitamin D ~0µg

~equal in Vitamin B1 ~0.037mg

~equal in Vitamin B5 ~0.208mg

~equal in Vitamin B12 ~0µg

~equal in Vitamin K ~0µg

Minerals

In comparison, kumquat has a relatively higher amount of minerals—more copper, potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, and phosphorus.

Kumquat falls in the range of the top 30% of foods as a source of calcium.

On the other hand, lemon has less sodium than a kumquat.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Lemon

2

Kumquat

8

Contains less SodiumSodium	-80%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium	+∞%

Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium	+150%
Contains more CalciumCalcium	+138.5%
Contains more PotassiumPotassium	+34.8%
Contains more IronIron	+43.3%
Contains more CopperCopper	+156.8%
Contains more ZincZinc	+183.3%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus	+18.8%
Contains more ManganeseManganese	+350%

Glycemic Index

The GI of lemon has not yet been measured. The glycemic index of kumquats is 0.

Fats

Both carrots and apples have fats less than 1g. Kumquat contains 0.86g of fat, and lemon has 0.3g of fat.

Carbs

Kumquat contains almost two times more carbs than lemon. It has 16g per 100g, whereas lemon has 9.32g per 100g. The central part of kumquat carbs is net carbs: 9.4 g. However, kumquat also has more fiber: 6.5g per 100g. It falls in the range of the top 15% of foods as a source of fiber.

Cholesterol

Both fruits have no cholesterol.

Cardiovascular Health

Section reviewed by cardiologist Astghik Grigoryan

Kumquats and lemons are both rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. These are key factors in the development of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin C also protects against endothelial dysfunction, which is a precursor to atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries.

Both kumquats and lemons may help reduce LDL ("bad" cholesterol) levels in the blood, which is crucial for preventing atherosclerosis [1, 2].

In this study, consuming citrus fiber for 4 weeks led to significant decreases of 10.6% in serum total cholesterol and 14.5% in HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels. Therefore, more studies are necessary for more current information [3].

Apigenin, found in kumquats and lemons, is a flavonoid with potential cardiovascular benefits. While direct research on its effect on blood pressure is limited, its antioxidant properties may help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, potentially contributing to lower blood pressure. However, maintaining a balanced diet and lifestyle is key for overall heart health [4].

The citric acid in lemons may also benefit heart health. Some studies suggest that citric acid may help prevent the formation of kidney stones and improve kidney function, indirectly benefiting cardiovascular health [5].

In summary, both kumquats and lemons offer cardiovascular benefits due to their antioxidant content, fiber content, and other nutrients. Including a variety of citrus fruits, like kumquats and lemons, in your diet can contribute to overall heart health and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Diabetes

Research shows that lemon juice can slow the digestion of carbohydrates to sugar. This effect is caused by the acidity of lemon juice, which slows starch digestion.

According to the findings, adding a drink to diabetics' meals can help level out blood sugar spikes.

In one study [6], patients were given a three-day lemon diet. The study concluded that this treatment alleviates specific symptoms, such as glucose levels associated with diabetes.

One animal study [7] shows that kumquat extract may reduce fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides. However, more research is needed.

Immune System

Many studies have shown that Vitamin C helps with common cold recovery. Furthermore, a lack of Vitamin C can harm your immune system, especially if you are elderly [8]. Both lemons and kumquat are high in Vitamin C and contain enough Vitamin A and minerals to strengthen your immune system. Animal and test-tube studies [9] indicate that kumquat plant compounds may aid in the activation of immune cells known as natural killer cells. In addition, Vitamin C can help boost immunity in people who engage in strenuous physical activity. More research is needed.

Allergy

People who are allergic to citrus may also be allergic to raw lemons and kumquat. People allergic to citrus fruit peels are frequently allergic to limonene, a chemical found in citrus fruit peels. These people may be able to drink fresh juice despite having contact dermatitis from simply touching the outside of citrus fruit. Intense tingling and itching of the lips, tongue, and throat are common symptoms [10].

Heartburn

Section reviewed by gastroenterologist Arpi Gasparyan

Due to their acidic nature, lemons can cause heartburn and worsen the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This is especially likely if raw lemons are consumed on an empty stomach. However, regarding watered lemon juice, the results primarily depend on the consumer. Some people may experience heartburn, whereas others may feel relief from it [11, 12].