Lemons
What are Lemons?
Lemons are a yellow, acidic, citrus fruit with a sweet/sour flavor. They are an excellent source of vitamin C.
Lemons grow best in warm, humid climates and are typically grown in California, Arizona, and Florida in the United States.
Lemons are gluten-free and dairy-free.
The peel (zest), flesh, and juice of the lemon are edible. They are often used in recipes and have a big, bright flavor. Nutrients reside both in the peel and in the flesh/juice.
Lemons, like most citrus fruits, are best known for being a great source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is crucial for helping our body make collagen (part of connective tissue and important for wound healing), L-carnitine, and certain neurotransmitters. Vitamin C also helps with protein metabolism.
Vitamin C in lemons is sensitive to both light and heat and can be destroyed with high-heat cooking temperatures and prolonged cooking times. To best preserve vitamin C, lemon juice or zest can be added after cooking. [1]
Vitamin C in lemons also improves the body’s ability to absorb the iron found in plant foods. [1]
Nutrient Breakdown
Lemons are a great source of:
Lemons also contain a small amount of:
Foods Containing Lemons
Lemons can be used to brighten the flavor of foods. Try using them in:
Lemon Alternatives
If your child doesn’t like lemons yet or they are sensitive to them, here are some alternatives that are similar in nutritional value:
Lime
Tangerine
Food Reactions
The body can respond to foods in many different ways including food allergies, food sensitivities, or food intolerances. If you suspect a food reaction, you can either choose to avoid the food or seek food reaction testing. Click here more information on the difference in types of food reactions and testing options.
DISCLAIMER: Always consult with your pediatrician and/or your Registered Dietitian to help you test for a food reaction or to aid you in making individualized dietary changes.
Lemons & Autism in the Research
Vitamin C and Lemons
Children with autism often have restricted diets. Vitamin C deficiency is possible when the diet is restricted. [3]
Children with autism typically consume less vitamin C than typically developing children. [5]
Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) is seen within individuals with autism or other neurologic conditions. [2] The most common presenting symptom is an unexplained limp. [4]
-
Description[1] Vitamin C. The Nutrition Source. Published September 18, 2012. Accessed December 3, 2022. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/
[2] Gulko E, Collins LK, Murphy RC, Thornhill BA, Taragin BH. MRI findings in pediatric patients with scurvy. Skeletal Radiol. 2015 Feb;44(2):291-7. doi: 10.1007/s00256-014-1962-y. Epub 2014 Aug 12. PMID: 25109378.
[3] Ma NS, Thompson C, Weston S. Brief Report: Scurvy as a Manifestation of Food Selectivity in Children with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord. 2016 Apr;46(4):1464-70. doi: 10.1007/s10803-015-2660-x. PMID: 26590972.
[4] Andrews SL, Iyer S, Rodda C, Fitzgerald J. Scurvy: A rare cause for limp in a child with autism spectrum disorder. J Paediatr Child Health. 2018 Dec;54(12):1375-1377. doi: 10.1111/jpc.14098. Epub 2018 Jun 27. PMID: 29947447.
[5] Bjørklund G, Waly MI, Al-Farsi Y, Saad K, Dadar M, Rahman MM, Elhoufey A, Chirumbolo S, Jóźwik-Pruska J, Kałużna-Czaplińska J. The Role of Vitamins in Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Do We Know? J Mol Neurosci. 2019 Mar;67(3):373-387. doi: 10.1007/s12031-018-1237-5. Epub 2019 Jan 3. PMID: 30607900.
text goes here
