Limes (Citrus aurantifolia) are citrus fruits known for their characteristic lime-green, bright green or yellow coloration.There are several species of citrus fruits referred to as limes that include key lime, kaffir lime, wild lime, desert lime, and Persian lime. They contain acidic juice vesicles beneficial to the human body.
This zesty, tropical fruit is well-known for its medicinal properties for ages. Lime finds its application in cosmetic and health products, too. Extracted from the lime’s peel or skin, the lime essential oil is extensively used in aromatherapy and perfumesdisinfectant properties. Limes stop prostate growth in males above 40 years and clear blockage of urine caused due to calcium build up in the urinary tract.
Lime Nutrition
Predominantly known for its ascorbic acid reserves, lime may provide 32 percent of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C. It has high water content and important vitamins and minerals like magnesium and potassium, as well as vitamins like folate, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K.
The best thing about limes is that they are low in calories, carbohydrates, and fats. According to the USDA National Nutrient Database , a single serving (67 g) of lime may provide 20 kcal of energy. Moreover, lime peel and pulp may be rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, flavonol glycosides like kaempferol, as well as diverse phytochemicals like polyphenols, limonene, and terpenes.
blockage of urine caused due to calcium build up in the urinary tract.
Health Benefits of Lime to the Body
There are so many health benefits of lime to the body, let’s take a look at the major benefits.
1. SKIN RREJUVENATIONl
Not a surprise that several skin care products claim to promote healthy, younger-looking skin. Happily, you don’t need to spend unnecessarily on products to improve the smoothness and appearance of your skin.
Lime contains vitamins and flavonoids that act as antioxidants that strengthen collagen. On recommendation, you do not apply the lime juice directly on your skin because of sun exposure it results to phytophotodermatitis or a painful lime burn.
2. PREVENTS HEART DISEASE
Lime contains soluble fibre and limonin that helps to lower blood pressure cutting down inflammation of blood vessels which prevents heart disease. Lime also potassium which promotes blood circulation which reduces the risk of a heart attack.
3. EYE CARE
Antioxidant properties of lime protect eyes during ageing and macular degeneration of cells. Lime flavonoids protect the eye cells from infections.
4. DIGESTION AID
The fragrance of lime increases the secretion of digestive saliva which aids in digestion. The natural acidity helps in breaking down the macromolecules of the food, whereas the flavonoids stimulate the digestive system by increasing the secretion of digestive juices, acids, and bile.
These flavonoids also stimulate the peristaltic movement. By facilitating digestion, limes relieve you from uncomfortable wind or bloating. Drinking lime juice added to a glass of warm water provides relief against heartburn and indigestion
5. ANTI-CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of an abnormal cell that can develop in different parts of the body including the breasts, lungs, and kidneys.
Lime contains antioxidant-packed phytochemicals like limonoid compounds, flavonoids, flavones and triterpenoid that helps prevent cancers of the colon, breast, prostate, pancreas stomach and blood.
Though the exact procedure is unknown, scientists include observed that antioxidant limonoids also cause cancer cell passing away. Lime limonoids also stay active longer within your bloodstream, mopping more free radicals than green tea extract or dark chocolate.
6. MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES
High levels of soluble fibre in lime make it a dietary support in the regulation of blood sugar being absorbed by the body into the bloodstream which helps in the reduction of occurring blood sugar spikes that are a serious risk to diabetic patients.
Limes and other citrus fruits have a low glycemic index which prevents an unexpected rise in glucose levels.
7. WOMEN’S HEALTH
These citrus fruit gems contain calcium and folate, that are important for post-menopausal women and women of child-bearing get older. One fresh lime has 22 milligrams of calcium supplements and over five micrograms associated with folate. Not bad for a tiny little fruit!
8. TREATMENT OF RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
Limes are widely used in anti-congestive medicines such as vaporizers, inhalers, and balms due to the presence of flavonoid-rich oil that is extracted as kaempferol. Just the easy scratching of the lime peel and inhalation give immediate relief from congestion and nausea.
Also the anti-viral properties with lime/lemon fight infections and halt the progress of any cold. Take the juice of two lemons in half a litre of hot water and add a raw baby to taste. Sip this slowly before bedtime.
9. TREATMENT OF PILES
Piles or haemorrhoid can be an uncomfortable condition that occurs from the anal region resulting with bleeding and discomforts the two during excretion and basic activity.
It is an unpleasant ailment and even brings about certain forms of cancers. Since lime heals ulcers and wounds from the digestive and excretory technique, it eradicates all the fundamental causes of piles and helps out with preventing their recurrence.
For anyone suffering from piles, boil about 10 grams of lime tree origins in 1 litre regarding water for 30 minutes. Strain and drink this concoction thrice daily for relief.
10. TREATMENT OF URINARY DISORDER
Limes contain high potassium content that helps in the removal of toxic substances and the precipitates deposited in the kidney and urinary bladder.
It also cures infections due to its disinfectant properties. Limes stop prostate growth in males above 40 years and clear blockage of urine caused due to calcium build up in the urinary tract.
11. RELIEVES CONSTIPATION
Primarily, the ample volume of acids present in limescale helps clear the excretory method by washing and cleaning off of the tracts.
The roughage in lime is usually helpful in easing constipation, but the most effective element is the higher acidity.
An overdose of limescale juice with salt also acts just as one excellent purgative without any negative effects, thereby providing relief coming from constipation.
12. HAIR CARE
Lime juice applied to hair and scalp has a tremendous effect like shiny, healthy and a dandruff free hair as well as a healthy scalp.
Apply lime juice to your hair and expose to sunlight for about an hour, then rinse. A very good hair appearance is assured.
13. DEFENCE AGAINST CHOLERA
The potent anti-viral properties in lime/lemon can kill cholera bacilli within a very short period of time.
Lime juice when added to infected water works effectively as a disinfectant. Drink one part juice and one part water regularly, especially during an epidemic.
14. KIDNEY STONES PREVENTION
Lime juice contains more citric acid than orange or grapefruit juice. Citric acid is effective in inhibiting kidney stones manufactured from crystallized calcium.
Fresh lime juice compressed into water is more beneficial on this respect than commercial limeades.
15. TREATMENT OF SCURVY
Lime and citrus fruit, for years, have been used in the treatment of scurvy. Scurvy is a disease caused by the deficiency of vitamin C, characterized by frequent infections showing normal cold symptoms, cracked lips and lip corners.
What is Lime Used For?
Limes may have many surprising medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic uses. Some are as follows:
- Culinary Uses: Lime juice adds a tart flavor to soups, salads, vegetables, and baked foods. Squeezing some lime juice onto roasted chicken or pan-fried white fish can add a tangy taste to it. It is also widely used in the preparation of desserts, pickles, jams, jellies, snacks, and candies.
- Cleansing Agent: It can easily increase the cleansing properties of any facial cleanser or shampoo by merely adding 2-3 drops.
- Aromatherapy & Perfumes: Lime essential oil is used in aromatherapy and perfumes for its fragrance and its stimulating effect on the body and mind.
- Beverages: It is a favorite ingredient when it comes to cocktails, sorbets, and fresh beverages.
- Cosmetic Products: It is used in cosmetic products like body oil, hair oil, toothpaste, beauty soap, disinfectant, mouthwash, and deodorant.
- Medicinal Uses: Because of their antibacterial, antiseptic, and disinfectant properties, the peel, oil, and juice of the fruit may have medicinal uses. It may also be used in making anti-congestion medicines and to treat severe diarrhea.
Potential side effects
Limes are generally safe to consume with little to no side effects.
However, if you’re allergic to other citrus fruits, avoid limes, as they can cause food allergy symptoms, such as swelling, hives, and breathing difficulties. If this occurs, seek medical help immediately.
Additionally, some people may experience acid reflux from eating limes or drinking the juice due to its acidity. Other digestive symptoms may include heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Limes are very acidic and best enjoyed in moderation. Eating many limes can increase your risk of cavities, as the acid in limes and other citrus fruits can erode tooth enamel
To protect your teeth, be sure to rinse your mouth with plain water after eating limes or drinking the juice.
In some cases, applying limes directly to your skin can make it more sensitive to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays and cause inflammation. This is known as phytophotodermatitis
