Lemon water

Lemon water is low in calories due to the low amount of carbohydrates compared to other juices and the negligible amounts of protein and fat.^[1]

Lemon juice contributes small amounts of vitamin C and citric acid, with a citric acid concentration of about 48 g/L;^[1] however, when diluted in water, the overall nutrient content remains modest compared to whole fruit.^[6]

Lemon water contributes to hydration and supplies small amounts of nutrients derived from lemon juice. Its nutritional value depends on the quantity of juice used and is substantially lower than that of whole lemons due to dilution in water.

Because the pulp and peel are typically removed during preparation, lemon water contains little to no dietary fiber.^[9]

Compared to consuming whole lemons, lemon water provides fewer nutrients because it consists primarily of diluted lemon juice and water. Whole lemons contain dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber such as pectin, which is largely absent in lemon water due to the removal of pulp and peel during preparation.

In addition to fiber, whole lemons provide a broader range of micronutrients and plant-derived compounds, including amino acids, fatty acids, and polyphenols, many of which are concentrated in the pulp and peel and are present in reduced amounts when only lemon juice is diluted in water.^[10]

• The REAL Reason to Drink Lemon Water Every Day (Not what you think...), 2023 video by Ken Berry, MD