Lemons are mysterious, no one really knows where they came from exactly, but they are so spread out now that their use expands to multiple cuisines. (*)
So what about the keto diet, is lemon juice keto friendly?
In fact, the refreshing tangy lemon is a perfect addition to the keto.
Along with the many benefits that lemons can bring, the keto diet also will benefit greatly from the many uses it has.
So spice up your keto diet with some lemon and enjoy your summer days with refreshing lemonade and lemon juice.
Let’s jump in!
Is lemon juice Good For keto?
Many keto diet followers will rejoice at the notion that lemons can definitely go with their diet of choice.
We think it’s a good ingredient to include too as it will prove useful.
In fact!
Lemons are one of a few fruits that actually can be used with the keto diet. The low carb quality of lemons stems from their low sugar content.
But there is a catch!
Unlike other fruit, you won’t sit down and eat a whole lemon like you would an apple. It’s just not feasible, but this sourness works nicely for other keto dishes.
Lemon nutritional value
We always suggest you look at the nutritional content of your food for the keto diet. This always makes counting macros much easier and provides assurances.
For 1 cup or 212 grams of lemon we get (*)
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.6 grams
- Carbs 17.8 grams
- Dietary fiber 5.9 grams
- Total sugars 5.3 grams
- Protein 2.3 grams
What health benefits do lemons bring?
Lemons are highly praised in the culinary sphere for good reason and we also love lemons within the keto diet.
1. A source of antioxidants
Lemons are known to contain vital antioxidants that help maintain the body and organ’s proper functionality.
Some of these antioxidants are:
- Eriocitrin – a compound that is said to have anti-diabetic properties as well as antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. (*)
- Hesperidin – this one is a good element to strengthen blood vessels and prevent plaque build-up in veins or arteries. (*)
- Diosmin – great at developing muscle structure and reducing inflammation within blood vessels. (*)
- D-limonene – a component that helps prevent acid reflux and heartburn. (*)
2. Maintains heart health
Vitamin C is predominant in lemons and as it has about half the daily recommended intake, it is also beneficial.
But that’s not all!
Vitamin C has been linked to lowering the risk of heart disease or even stroke. (*)
Even the fiber content of lemons can have positive effects on heart health, and even cholesterol levels.
3. Treating anemia
Good sources of iron, lemons are also helpful in facilitating iron absorption in the bloodstream. This counteracts iron deficiency and prevents anemia. (*)
4. Kidney health
The citric acid in lemons works great at increasing pH in urine, and this makes the environment in kidneys less beneficial to forming kidney stones. (*)
5. Helps digestion
The soluble fiber in lemons is the element that will work to improve digestion. Pectin is this soluble fiber and it is also associated with boosting gut health. (*)
6. Anticarcinogenic properties
There are certain studies that show how citrusy lemons can fight cancer. Most of these studies have been done on animals.
What is more!
The antioxidants limonene and naringenin are the ones that exhibit anticarcinogenic properties. More research is needed for this but preliminary results are optimistic. (*)
Is lemonade keto approved?
The most popular drink you can make with lemons is of course lemonade. But there is always the question if lemonade is ok on keto.
Since lemons are themselves keto, why would lemonade not be?
Lemonade is sweet and sugar is expressly not keto approved.
So what does this mean?
In order to make lemonade keto, you will need to use keto friendly sweeteners like stevia, or inulin.
What is better for the keto – lemon or lime?
Lime and lemon differ from each other in color and size, but is there anything else that differentiates them?
The truth?
Lemons are thought to be sweeter and also contain more carbs than lime. This is why lemons are more often used in baking.
This fact, however, does not mean lemons should be eliminated from keto. With planning and macro counting, you can still have lemon on the keto.
Learn more:
What other dishes is lemon used in?
Lemons are very useful in many dished but it’s especially great for the keto diet.
Some popular dishes that use lemon:
- Salad spice – Caesar salad or any salad is often spiced with lemon juice to replace vinegar, a change we suggest for those that detest vinegar.
- Fish and other seafood – shrimp, lobster, crab grilled with lemon or even lemon wedges squeezed over the cooked dish, we suggest for a balanced taste.
- Lemon chicken – chicken roasted with lemon which we highly recommend.
- Sweets – baking benefits greatly from lemon, as both zest and juice can be used, but also for juices and smoothies.
FAQs
Final conclusions
The keto diet is a diverse and creative one that both challenges and rewards its followers. The search for everything that can go on the keto is not often easy.
Lemons are highly popular in many diets and so they make their way to the keto as well.
So in discovering the answer to the question is lemon juice keto, you’ll discover its uses, benefits, and recommended recipes and we highly support its use.
Up Next: Low Carb Juice Recipes (Simple, Fast and Definitely Keto-Friendly)
