Lemon glycemic index (GI)
Despite the sour taste, lemons contain 9g of carbohydrates in a 100g serving. A little over 50% of this carbohydrate content is made up of dietary fiber.
The glycemic index of lemons is not specifically assigned by research but we have numerous studies that show the impact of lemons on blood glucose levels. Due to these effects, it is assumed that the glycemic index of lemon is in the low glycemic index category.
Multiple studies have shown that lowering a meal's pH with acidic supplements can slow down the breakdown of complex carbohydrates by inhibiting the enzyme found in the saliva, called alpha-amylase. Using lemon juice with starchy meals reduces its glycemic index (1, 2).
A mix of Chilean wineberry and lemon juice also reduced the postprandial glycemic response after the intake of a high glycemic index meal (3).
Citrus fruits and the flavonoids found in them have also been researched to have properties that can help prevent and manage type 2 diabetes and its complications (4).
In summary, the glycemic index of lemons is unclear, but adding lemon juice to a starchy meal can be recommended to people with diabetes in order to ease the glycemic response.
References
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00394-020-02228-x
- Use glycemic index to help control blood sugar
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352364619300434
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/10/2907/pdf
