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Lemon vs. Lime — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

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Article author photo Victoria Mazmanyan by Victoria Mazmanyan | Last updated on May 05, 2023
Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian Article author photo Elen Khachatrian
Lemon
vs
Lime

Summary

Lemons contain more protein and fats in small amounts, whereas limes are higher in carbohydrates due to total sugars.

Lemons contain two times more vitamin C, but limes are much richer in vitamin A. Limes generally are richer in minerals, containing higher calcium, copper, zinc, and phosphorus levels. Lemons, on the other hand, are richer in potassium and magnesium.

Both lemons and limes can aid with weight loss and possess cardioprotective, blood glucose-reducing, and anticancer effects. Both can also act as irritants and cause heartburn and enamel erosion due to their acidity.

Introduction

Lemons and limes are often interchangeably used in the kitchen, but how similar are they? This article will discuss what these two fruits have in common and what sets them apart, focusing on their nutrition and impact on health.

Taste and Appearance

On the outside, lemons and limes are easy to differentiate; lemons look bright yellow and oval, and limes appear in shades of green and round forms. Limes are also usually smaller than lemons, with an average size of 3 to 6 centimeters (1.2- 2.4 inches), as opposed to lemons’ 5 to 8cm (2- 3 inches).

Lemon trees prefer moderate climates, while lime trees are recommended to grow in tropical and subtropical regions.

Lemons are generally said to taste a little sweeter, whereas limes have a more acidic and sour flavor; however, both fruits may are used in cooking (salads, dishes, lemonade, pastries, and desserts) for their specific flavor.

The key lime is even more acidic than lemons and limes and is often used to make key lime pie.

Varieties

Both lemons and limes belong to the Citrus genus. Consequently, they are known as citrus fruits but are separate species

Lemons belong to the species Limon, whereas multiple species produce fruits known as lime. The most well-known lime species are Key lime, Kaffir or makrut lime, and Persian lime. 

Sweet lemons (Citrus limetta) cross (hybrid) between citrons and bitter oranges. These fruits can resemble limes, with their round shape and green color, but are considered a cultivar of lemons.

Can You Substitute Limes for Lemons?

 
Although lemons tend to be sweeter, and limes have a more bitter flavor; however lemons can usually be used instead of limes since both are acidic and sour. They both can be used in savory dishes, sweet dishes, and cocktails. 
Fortunately, the picture is also the same for lemon and lime juices. So yes, you can use lime juice instead of lemon juice because of their similar taste.   

Nutrition

Lemons and limes are rich in several nutrients. Both consist of about 89 percent water.

One serving of a lemon weighs 58g, whereas a lime’s serving portion is a little more significant at 67g.

Macronutrients and Calories

Lemons and limes have very similar caloric values. Limes have 30 calories per 100g, and lemons have 29 calories. Lemons contain only one calorie less compared to limes.

Lemons are richer in proteins and fats.

Carbs

Limes contain more carbohydrates than lemons. The two fruits have the same amount of dietary fiber, but limes are higher in total sugars.

Vitamins

Lemons contain two times more vitamin C than limes. They also contain a little more vitamin B1, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, vitamin K, and folate.

On the other hand, limes contain two times more vitamin A. They are also slightly higher in vitamin E, vitamin B3, and vitamin B5.

Both lemons and limes contain the same amount of vitamin B2 and completely lack vitamins D and 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
4
:
5
Lime
Contains more Vitamin C +82.1%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +33.3%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +86%
Contains more Folate +37.5%
Contains more Vitamin A +127.3%
Contains more Vitamin E +46.7%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +100%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +14.2%
Contains more Vitamin K +∞%
Equal in Vitamin B2 - 0.02
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 2% 3% 0% 177% 10% 5% 2% 12% 19% 9% 0% 0%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 3% 5% 0% 97% 8% 5% 4% 14% 10% 6% 0% 2%
Contains more Vitamin C +82.1%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +33.3%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +86%
Contains more Folate +37.5%
Contains more Vitamin A +127.3%
Contains more Vitamin E +46.7%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +100%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +14.2%
Contains more Vitamin K +∞%
Equal in Vitamin B2 - 0.02

Minerals

Overall, limes are richer in minerals, containing more calcium, copper, zinc, and phosphorus. However, lemons have higher levels of potassium and magnesium.

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
3
:
4
Lime
Contains more Magnesium +33.3%
Contains more Potassium +35.3%
Contains more Manganese +275%
Contains more Calcium +26.9%
Contains more Phosphorus +12.5%
Contains more Zinc +83.3%
Contains more Copper +75.7%
Equal in Iron - 0.6
Equal in Sodium - 2
Equal in Selenium - 0.4
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 8% 23% 6% 7% 13% 1% 2% 13% 4% 3%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 10% 23% 5% 8% 9% 1% 3% 22% 2% 3%
Contains more Magnesium +33.3%
Contains more Potassium +35.3%
Contains more Manganese +275%
Contains more Calcium +26.9%
Contains more Phosphorus +12.5%
Contains more Zinc +83.3%
Contains more Copper +75.7%
Equal in Iron - 0.6
Equal in Sodium - 2
Equal in Selenium - 0.4

Glycemic Index

The glycemic index of lemons and limes has not yet been measured. However, adding citrus fruits to starchy meals has been recommended to lower the meal’s glycemic index.

To find more information about the glycemic index of limes, visit the links.

Acidity

Most studies show limes to be more acidic than lemons. One research has concluded that lemons’ pH is 3.1, whereas limes (Key lime) had a pH value of 2.4 (1)(2).

The acidity of limes depends on the variety and can range from 2 to 2.4 (3).

Studies have also shown that lemon juice contains higher levels of citric acid when compared to lime juice (4). Consequently, lemon juice is slightly more acidic than lime juice.

The PRAL for lemons has been calculated to be -2.3 for lemons and -1.7 for limes. This shows that both fruits are alkaline inside the body, lemons more so than limes.

Weight Loss

People often use lemon or lime water in low-calorie and low-glycemic diets as a means to lose weight. Studies have shown both fruits to have the potential to reduce the levels of blood cholesterol and help with weight loss (5). However, these studies have been only carried out on mice and have not yet been proven for humans. 

The lipid-lowering and anti-obesity effects may be due to the phytochemicals in these fruits, such as polyphenols.

Lemon detox diet

You may ask, what happens if you drink lemon water every day? Unfortunately, it does not help remove toxins from the body, as is often believed. However, there's a diet type which is called a lemon detox diet that has many benefits. Let's discuss this.

The lemon detox diet is a fasting program that is often kept for 5 to 10 days, during which people consume only lemon-based mixtures with no solid foods. 

One study has concluded that a lemon detox program, consisting of organic maple and palm syrups with lemon juice, and kept for seven days, reduces body fat and insulin resistance without hematological changes (6).

However, the lemon detox fasting diet can have side effects like fatigue, headaches, malnutrition, and gastrointestinal issues. There is also no evidence that the lost weight will not be rapidly regained after the initial weight loss when resuming a regular diet. 

Health Benefits

Similarities

Lemons and limes are rich in phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, limonoids, and polyphenols. These compounds have many beneficial effects on health. 

Both lemon and lime contain limonene, a chemical found in the rind of citrus fruits. Research shows the therapeutic effects of limonene, which include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antinociceptive, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihyperalgesic, antiviral, and gastroprotective properties, among others (7).

Cardiovascular Health

Section reviewed by cardiologist Astghik Grigoryan Article author photo Astghik Grigoryan

Citrus fruits are rich in flavonoids, which correlate with reduced cardiovascular mortality and morbidity (8). A prominent member of the flavonoid family is a compound called flavanone. While both fruits are rich in this substance, lemons are higher in flavanones than limes (9).

These and other phytochemicals in citrus fruits express potent antioxidant and hypolipidemic activities (10). 

Kaffir lime has also been studied as a potential cardioprotector agent that can be used in chemotherapy (11).

Diabetes

Adding lemon juice to a meal significantly lowered the mean blood glucose concentration. This effect is assumed to be due to the acidity of lemon juice slowing down starch digestion (12). Hypothetically, as lime juice also has an acidic pH, we will see the same effect by using lime juice with high glycemic index foods.

Citrus limetta or sweet lime has also been studied as a source of a functional compound for controlling diabetes mellitus due to its hypoglycemic effects (13).

Cancer

Phytochemicals of citrus fruits have been associated with a decreased risk of cancers, specifically in the digestive and upper respiratory tract. This effect was evident even with moderate citrus fruit consumption (14).

Key lime, in particular, has been studied to have anticancer effects against colon, pancreatic, and breast cancers and lymphomas (15).

Downsides and Risks

Heartburn

Section reviewed by gastroenterologist Arpi Gasparyan Article author photo Arpi Gasparyan

Due to their acidic nature, lemons and limes can cause heartburn and aggravation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms, especially when consumed on an empty stomach.

However, paradoxically, watered-down lemon juice has been said to help some people reduce heartburn due to its alkalizing nature (16).

Oral Health

Limes and lemons can also cause tooth erosion by wearing away the dental enamel, making teeth more sensitive, yellow and eventually causing cavities. 

To avoid this, it is better not to consume concentrated lemon or lime juice but to water them down instead. You can also drink lemon or lime juice with a straw to avoid contact with teeth (16).

Irritation

As mentioned above, limonene is a compound in lemons and limes.
Despite its wide range of health benefits, it may cause mild skin and eye irritants.

People allergic to limonene may experience contact dermatitis after touching these fruits (17).

Article author photo Victoria Mazmanyan
Education: General Medicine at YSMU
Last updated: May 05, 2023
Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian

Infographic

Lemon vs Lime infographic
Infographic link

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Lemon
3
:
1
Lime
Contains more Protein +57.1%
Contains more Fats +50%
Contains more Carbs +13.1%
Equal in Water - 88.26
Equal in Other - 0.3
9% 89%
Protein: 1.1 g
Fats: 0.3 g
Carbs: 9.32 g
Water: 88.98 g
Other: 0.3 g
11% 88%
Protein: 0.7 g
Fats: 0.2 g
Carbs: 10.54 g
Water: 88.26 g
Other: 0.3 g
Contains more Protein +57.1%
Contains more Fats +50%
Contains more Carbs +13.1%
Equal in Water - 88.26
Equal in Other - 0.3

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Lemon
1
:
2
Lime
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +61.8%
Contains less Saturated Fat -43.6%
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +72.7%
28% 8% 64%
Saturated Fat: 0.039 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.011 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.089 g
23% 20% 57%
Saturated Fat: 0.022 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.019 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.055 g
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +61.8%
Contains less Saturated Fat -43.6%
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +72.7%

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Lemon Lime
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in Glycemic Index ok
Lower in Sodium Equal
Lower in Cholesterol Equal
Lower in price Equal
Rich in minerals Equal
Rich in vitamins Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Lemon Lime Opinion
Net carbs 6.52g 7.74g Lime
Protein 1.1g 0.7g Lemon
Fats 0.3g 0.2g Lemon
Carbs 9.32g 10.54g Lime
Calories 29kcal 30kcal Lime
Sugar 2.5g 1.69g Lime
Fiber 2.8g 2.8g
Calcium 26mg 33mg Lime
Iron 0.6mg 0.6mg
Magnesium 8mg 6mg Lemon
Phosphorus 16mg 18mg Lime
Potassium 138mg 102mg Lemon
Sodium 2mg 2mg
Zinc 0.06mg 0.11mg Lime
Copper 0.037mg 0.065mg Lime
Manganese 0.03mg 0.008mg Lemon
Selenium 0.4µg 0.4µg
Vitamin A 22IU 50IU Lime
Vitamin A RAE 1µg 2µg Lime
Vitamin E 0.15mg 0.22mg Lime
Vitamin C 53mg 29.1mg Lemon
Vitamin B1 0.04mg 0.03mg Lemon
Vitamin B2 0.02mg 0.02mg
Vitamin B3 0.1mg 0.2mg Lime
Vitamin B5 0.19mg 0.217mg Lime
Vitamin B6 0.08mg 0.043mg Lemon
Folate 11µg 8µg Lemon
Vitamin K 0µg 0.6µg Lime
Tryptophan 0.003mg Lime
Lysine 0.014mg Lime
Methionine 0.002mg Lime
Saturated Fat 0.039g 0.022g Lime
Monounsaturated Fat 0.011g 0.019g Lime
Polyunsaturated fat 0.089g 0.055g Lemon

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Lemon Lime
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Calories diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
20%
Lemon
13%
Lime
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
8%
Lemon
8%
Lime

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in Sugar?
Lime
Lime is lower in Sugar (difference - 0.81g)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Lime
Lime is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 0.017g)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Lime
Lime is lower in glycemic index (difference - 32)
Which food contains less Sodium?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Sodium (2 mg)
Which food contains less Cholesterol?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Cholesterol (0 mg)
Which food is cheaper?
?
The foods are relatively equal in price ($0.5)
Which food is richer in minerals?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.
Which food is richer in vitamins?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Lemon - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167746/nutrients
  2. Lime - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168155/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.