Lemonade, while refreshing on a hot summer day, can't be classified as a nutritious drink, mostly because it contains large amounts of added sugar. Lemonade concentrate, however, does supply small doses of certain key nutrients, though not in impressive enough amounts to make up for the large amount of sugar. The occasional glass of lemonade made with concentrate is an acceptable part of an otherwise healthy and well-balanced diet, but stick to water, unsweetened iced tea and other sugar-free beverages most of the time.
Small Dose of Vitamin C
One ounce of white lemonade concentrate, which makes about 1 cup of lemonade, contains 4.8 milligrams of vitamin C, which is 6 percent of the 75 milligrams women need each day and about 5 percent of the 90 milligrams men require daily. Vitamin C aids in wound healing and the repair of bones, teeth and cartilage. This key nutrient also provides a line of defense against damage caused by free radicals, which can reduce your risk of heart disease, arthritis and cancer. An ounce of pink lemonade concentrate contains 5.1 milligrams of vitamin C.
Trace Amounts of B Vitamins
Both white and pink lemonade concentrate supply trace amounts of B vitamins including folate, niacin, thiamine and vitamin B-6. B vitamins help your body produce energy from and metabolize the foods you eat. Folate, for example, helps your body metabolize certain amino acids, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. B vitamins also enable your body to make healthy red blood cells.
Minute Mineral Content
While you can't rely on lemonade concentrate to contribute a large dose of essential minerals to your diet, you do get small amounts when you have a serving of the beverage. The most notable mineral present in lemonade concentrate is potassium, though you'll get less than 1 percent of the recommended 4,700 milligrams healthy adults need each day. Potassium helps your muscles work normally and promotes a normal heartbeat. Lemonade concentrate also supplies trace doses of magnesium, another mineral necessary for normal muscle function.
Homemade Lemonade Concentrate
Making your own lemonade concentrate allows you to control the amount of sugar you use. It also allows you to use freshly squeezed lemon juice, which is much more nutritious than artificially flavored lemon juice blends often used in lemonade concentrate. Combine freshly squeezed lemon juice with granulated sugar and bring the combination to a boil. Transfer the concentrate to jars. Swap a portion of the sugar for a sugar alternative or for honey to reduce the sugar content.
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