Health benefits of lime

Lime is around small and green citrus fruit. Limes can be sour or sweet, depending on the variety. Lime is a common ingredient in Vietnamese, Thai cuisine, and Mexican. Many types of citrus fruit include desert lime, key lime, wild lime, Persian lime, and kaffir lime. Lime can be eaten raw and can also be added to many salads, soups, dressings, cookies, popsicles, cocktails, sorbets, cakes, and candies.

Lime is a small, green citrus fruit that is widely known for its unique tangy flavour and versatility in culinary applications. It has been enjoyed for centuries, both for its culinary and medicinal properties. From boosting immunity to promoting weight loss, lime is a nutrient-packed fruit that can support various bodily functions and prevent a range of diseases.

Lime is enriched with vitamin C, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients that help support various bodily functions and prevent various diseases. In this article, we will delve into the numerous health benefits of lime and provide evidence-backed reasons why you should consider incorporating it into your diet. So, whether you enjoy it as a juice, zest, or garnish, read on to discover how lime can benefit your health.

Here are many health benefits of lime.

Nutrition

Here are the nutrition facts about lime based on a standard serving size of one lime (about 67 grams):

Calories: 20
Protein: 0.5 grams
Fat: 0.1 grams
Carbohydrates: 7 grams
Fibre: 1.9 grams
Sugar: 1.1 grams
Vitamin C: 22% of the Daily Value (DV)
Vitamin B6: 3% of the DV
Folate: 2% of the DV
Potassium: 1% of the DV
Calcium: 2% of the DV
Iron: 1% of the DV
Magnesium: 1% of the DV
Phosphorus: 1% of the DV

Lime is a low-calorie and low-carb fruit that is a rich source of dietary fibre and vitamin C. One lime provides 22% of the DV for vitamin C, which is essential for immune function, collagen production, and antioxidant protection. Lime also contains small amounts of other essential nutrients like vitamin B6, folate, and potassium. Additionally, lime is a good source of antioxidants, which protect against cellular damage and reduce inflammation in the body.

Lime for eyes:

Lime can offer several benefits for eye health because of its rich content of vitamin C and other antioxidants. Drinking lime juice regularly can help to prevent age-related vision loss and improve overall eye health. Additionally, applying a few drops of lime juice on closed eyelids can help to reduce eye strain and fatigue.

Lime juice can also help reduce puffiness and swelling around the eyes, lighten dark circles, and relieve eye infections such as conjunctivitis or pink eye. However, avoiding direct contact with the eyes is important, as lime juice can be irritating.

The antibacterial and antioxidant properties of limes are beneficial for the eyes. Vitamin C antioxidant property protects your eye’s macular degeneration and aging while the flavonoids defend against infection.

Lime for skin:

Lime can offer several benefits for the skin due to its high vitamin C content and natural acidity. Its juice can help to brighten and even out skin tone, exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, fight acne-causing bacteria, reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, soothe skin irritation, and tighten and tone the skin. However, it’s important to note that lime juice can irritate sensitive skin, so it’s best to patch test before using it on your face or body. Additionally, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight after applying lime juice is recommended, as it can increase your risk of sunburn and skin damage. Overall, incorporating lime into your skincare routine can provide a range of benefits for healthy and radiant-looking skin.

Lime for weight loss:

Lime can be a useful addition to a weight loss diet due to its high vitamin C content, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Adding lime juice to water or tea can help to boost metabolism and increase fat burning. Lime’s natural acidity can also help reduce appetite and cravings, making it a great pre-meal drink to curb hunger and promote weight loss. In addition, lime juice can help to improve digestion and reduce bloating, which can contribute to weight gain. Limes are also low in calories, with only 30 calories in one medium-sized fruit, making them a guilt-free addition to meals or snacks.

Furthermore, lime juice can help detoxify the body and flush out toxins, contributing to weight gain. It’s important to remember to consume lime juice in moderate quantities, as excessive consumption can be harmful to tooth enamel.

Let’s explore some more amazing benefits of lime.

Health benefits of Lime:

Helps in Digestion:

Lime contains natural acids that help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and promote the healthy functioning of the digestive system. The citric acid in lime helps break down food in the stomach, making it easier for the body to absorb nutrients. Lime juice can also help relieve constipation and promote regular bowel movements, thus preventing digestive problems like bloating and indigestion.

Low cholesterol

Limes contain a flavonoid known as hesperidin, which has been helping to lower the triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the body. If you are experiencing high cholesterol levels, it is recommended to boost your hesperidin level by eating more limes.

Support weight loss

Limes juice has been commonly used in many weight reduction programs and is the best refresher and antioxidant drink. Lime juices are naturally sweet but low in calories. It has citric acid, which is the best fat burner.

Drinking lime juice regularly can help suppress appetite and reduce the intake of high-calorie foods. Lime juice can also help boost metabolism, increasing the body’s rate of burning calories.

Treat respiratory disorder

The flavonoid-high oil in lime extracts is used as an element in anti-congestive medicines like balms, inhalers, and vaporizers due to kaempferol. Scratching the lime peel and inhaling it provides relaxation from nausea and congestion.

Beneficial for diabetes

Lime is a citrus fruit that is beneficial for diabetes due to many reasons. Firstly, the rich levels of soluble fiber in limes aid regulate the body’s absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This prevents a blood sugar spike, which is dangerous for diabetic patients. Secondly, limes have a low glycemic index like most citrus fruits. They cannot lead to unexpected spikes in glucose levels, thus including the benefits for diabetic patients.

Prevent the formation of kidney stones

Lime juice contains more citric acid than grapefruit and orange, whether taken in the concentrated form or the fresh form. Citric acid naturally impedes kidney stones made of crystallized calcium. It is recommended to use fresh lime juice squeezed into the water rather than commercial juice to get maximum benefits.

In short, lime contains citric acid, which helps prevent the formation of kidney stones. Drinking lime juice regularly can help dissolve kidney stones and prevent the onset of the disease.

Anti-cancer properties

Limes contain limonoid compounds revealed to possess anti-carcinogenic properties that help prevent colon, stomach, and blood cancer. Antioxidant limonoids can lead to the death of cancer cells.

Improve your immune health

Vitamin C is essential to your immune health. Regularly consuming limes, which are rich in vitamin C, can even aid you in staving off the common cold.

Lime is a rich source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts immunity and protects against various diseases. Vitamin C is also good for stimulating the production of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections and diseases. Drinking a glass of lime juice daily can help strengthen your immune system and protect your body against various infections and diseases

Reduce inflammation

Limes are packed with antioxidants, which have been revealed to help reduce inflammation and even help defend against certain chronic diseases.

Lime contains anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is a leading cause of various diseases like arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. Drinking lime juice regularly can help reduce inflammation in the body and protect against these diseases.

Prevents Scurvy:

Scurvy is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C in the body. Symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and bleeding gums characterize it. Lime is an excellent source of vitamin C and can help prevent scurvy. Drinking lime juice regularly is a great way to maintain the levels of vitamin C in the body and prevent the onset of scurvy.

Improves Heart Health:

Lime contains compounds that help lower cholesterol levels in the body, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. The potassium in lime also helps regulate blood pressure and improve heart health. Drinking lime juice regularly can help improve heart health as well as reduces the risk of heart disease.

Helps Fight Cancer:

Lime contains antioxidants that help protect against cancer. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which are harmful molecules that damage cells and contribute to cancer development. Drinking lime juice regularly can help prevent the onset of cancer and protect against its progression.

Boosts Skin Health:

Lime is a rich vitamin C source, essential for healthy skin. Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen, a protein that helps to maintain healthy skin. Lime juice can also help reduce the appearance of dark spots and blemishes, thus promoting clear and radiant skin.

Improves Oral Health:

Lime contains compounds that help prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth, thus promoting oral health. The vitamin C in lime also helps strengthen the gums and prevent gum disease. Drinking lime juice regularly can help maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Alleviates Respiratory Problems:

Lime contains compounds that help alleviate respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis. The vitamin C in lime helps reduce inflammation in the airways and improve lung function. Drinking lime juice regularly can help alleviate respiratory problems and improve breathing.

Enhances Brain Function:

Lime contains compounds that help enhance brain function and improve cognitive performance. The antioxidants in lime help protect against oxidative stress, which can damage brain cells and contribute to cognitive decline. Drinking lime juice regularly can help improve memory, concentration, and overall brain function.

Relieves Stress and Anxiety:

Lime contains compounds that help reduce stress and anxiety. The scent of lime has a calming effect on the mind, and the vitamin C in lime helps reduce cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. Drinking lime juice regularly can help promote relaxation and reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Promotes Wound Healing:

Lime contains compounds that help promote wound healing and prevent infection. Drinking lime juice regularly can help promote the healing of wounds and prevent the onset of infections.

Boosts Energy:

Lime contains compounds that help boost energy levels and reduce fatigue. The vitamin C in lime helps improve iron absorption, a mineral essential for the production of red blood cells. Drinking lime juice regularly can help improve energy levels and reduce the symptoms of fatigue.

Regulates pH Levels:

Lime contains alkaline compounds that help regulate pH levels in the body. Drinking lime juice regularly can help balance the pH levels in the body and prevent the onset of acidosis, a condition characterized by an imbalance in pH levels.

How to use lime?

Limes are versatile fruit that can be used in different ways in cooking, baking, and drinks. Here are some amazing ideas on how to use limes:

Squeeze lime juice over grilled meats or seafood for a tangy, flavorful marinade or finishing touch.
Add lime juice to salad dressings or sauces for a bright and refreshing flavour.
Use lime juice to make homemade salsa or guacamole.
Add lime zest to baked goods like cakes, muffins, or cookies for a zesty and citrusy twist.
Mix lime juice with honey and olive oil for a simple and delicious salad dressing.
Use lime juice to pickle vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or onions for a tangy and crunchy snack.
Add lime juice to smoothies or juices for a zesty and refreshing flavour.

Looking for some more creative ways?

Make limeade: Instead of the traditional lemonade, make a refreshing limeade by squeezing fresh lime juice, mixing it with water and sweetener, and adding ice.
Make lime popsicles: Blend fresh lime juice with sweetener and water, pour the mixture into popsicle moulds, and freeze until solid.
Use lime as a garnish: Slice lime into thin rounds or wedges and use it as a garnish for cocktails, water pitchers, or fruit salads.
Make lime-infused oil: Infuse olive oil with lime zest and use it to drizzle over grilled vegetables, salads, or pasta dishes.
Make lime sorbet: Blend fresh lime juice, sugar, and water, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker, and churn until frozen.
Make lime-infused sugar: Grate the zest of a lime and mix it with granulated sugar to make a fragrant and flavorful sugar that can be used in baking or as a topping for desserts.
Use lime in ceviche: Marinate raw fish or seafood in lime juice for a few hours until it is “cooked” by the acid, then add chopped vegetables, herbs, and seasonings for a delicious and refreshing seafood salad.
Make lime curd: Whisk together lime juice, sugar, eggs, and butter in a double boiler until it thickens into a creamy custard. Use the lime curd to fill tarts, cupcakes, or cakes.
Make lime-infused vinegar: Combine lime zest with white wine vinegar and let it steep for a few days before using it as a salad dressing or as a marinade for meat or seafood.
Use lime in marinades: Mix lime juice, soy sauce, honey, and spices to make a flavorful marinade for chicken, pork, or tofu. Let the protein marinate for at least an hour before grilling or baking.

Is it safe to drink lime water daily?

Drinking lime water daily in moderate amounts is generally safe for most people. Lime water is simply water infused with lime juice, and it can provide a number of health benefits due to its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

Dental health: Lime juice is acidic, so drinking too much lime water can erode tooth enamel over time. To avoid this, it’s important to drink lime water in moderation and rinse your mouth with water after drinking it.
Gastrointestinal issues: Some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort or acid reflux symptoms from drinking too much lime water. If you have a history of digestive issues, speaking with a healthcare professional before adding lime water to your daily routine is best.
Allergies: In rare cases, some people may have an allergic reaction to lime juice, which can cause symptoms like hives, itching, or difficulty breathing. If you have a known allergy to citrus fruits, avoiding drinking lime water is best.
Medication interactions: Lime juice can interact with certain medications, including some antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and statins. If you are taking any medications, it’s best to take advice from your healthcare provider before adding lime water to your daily routine.

Interesting facts about Lime:

Lime was originally cultivated in Southeast Asia and has been used for numerous medicinal purposes for centuries.
Christopher Columbus introduced lime to the Caribbean in the 15th century. It is now widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Limes are a type of citrus fruit, and there are several varieties of lime, including Key lime, Persian lime, and Kaffir lime.
Key lime pie is a popular dessert made with Key limes. It is the official state pie of Florida in the United States.
Lime juice is a common ingredient in many cuisines worldwide, including Mexican, Indian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine.
Lime juice can help remove stains and grime from surfaces like countertops, cutting boards, and sinks.
Lime oil is used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. It is also used in cosmetic products like soaps, lotions, and shampoos.
In traditional medicine, lime has been used to treat various ailments like constipation, fever, and respiratory problems.
Lime trees can produce fruit all year round, making them a popular source of fresh citrus fruit.
Lime is a low-calorie fruit, with only 30 calories per fruit. It is also a great source of dietary fibre, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, lime is a versatile fruit that offers numerous health benefits. It is a rich source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients that help support various bodily functions and prevent various diseases. Drinking lime juice regularly can help boost immunity, promote digestion, prevent scurvy, reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar, prevent kidney stones, improve heart health, promote weight loss, fight cancer, boost skin health, improve oral health, alleviate respiratory problems, enhance brain function, relieve stress and anxiety, improve vision, promote wound healing, boost energy, and regulate pH levels. Therefore, incorporating lime into your diet can effectively improve your overall health and well-being.