Limes are a part of the citrus fruit family, and one thing you may not have been aware of is there are many species of lime. The most common are Key lime, Persian lime, desert lime, and makrut lime. In the United States, Persian limes are readily available.
Believe it or not, limes have nutritional benefits, a variety of uses other than eating them, as well as possible side effects. Like other citrus limes are valued for their juice, zest, and flavor. The juice and zest are used in desserts, and baked goods, Key lime pie anyone? Many people add a lime slice to a cold beer or other alcoholic drinks to add to the flavor.
I wrote a Blog on the benefits of lemon and adding it to your water. I would encourage you to do the same with lime, I am a lemon water drinker and at times will add lime and lemon to my water. Lime like other citrus fruits is high in vitamin C, one medium lime provides 22%. As well they also contain iron, calcium, vitamin B6, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, potassium, phosphorous, and magnesium. in small amounts.
Full of antioxidants, those compounds that fight free radicals, which damage your cells and cause disease, limes are a great defense against free radicals. Diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are a few of the diseases caused by free radicals. The high vitamin C content found in lime gives a boost to your immune system. Vitamin C also boosts the production of white blood cells, which fight infection and disease. With all of the vitamin C products available in our pharmacies and other stores to prevent and fight colds, you are well aware of the fact vitamin C fights or can shorten cold symptoms.
Do you want to improve your skin health? Start drinking lime juice or lime water daily. Vitamin C is required to make collagen, the protein responsible for firming the skin. In a study of 4,000 women, those that ate more vitamin C had a lower risk of wrinkles and dry skin during the aging process. Want fewer wrinkles or skin that sags? Drink lime juice or eat lime every day.
Due to their high vitamin C content, limes may also protect against heart disease and kidney stones. Another benefit is limes increase iron absorption. To make red blood cells and send oxygen around your body, iron is essential. Blood low in iron can cause anemia. Signs of iron deficiency anemia can be fatigue, paleness, dry skin and hair.
Use limes to make a natural cleaner, mix lime juice, vinegar, and water which can be used as a cleaner. In September 2018, a study was published by V.K. Deshwal that showed lime juice provided maximum antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Other bacteria like Salmonella, Pseudomonas, and Proteus vulgaris, showed similar results.
Despite all of the great benefits of drinking lime juice or eating lime, some people may have side effects. Of course, if you have an allergy to citrus fruits avoid limes. A food allergy can cause swelling, hives, and breathing difficulties. Others may experience acid reflux due to the acidity in limes. Symptom such as nausea, heartburn, vomiting and difficulty swallowing may also occur.
The acidity in limes can also destroy tooth enamel, rinse your mouth with water after eating limes or drinking the juice to prevent this. Skin irritation and inflammation may occur after applying limes to your skin. However, this is not the case for most people.
Staying hydrated and doing it naturally is essential for good health. Try adding some lime slices to your water to take advantage of all the benefits. I have a large pitcher that I fill with water and add lime or lemon, or both. My goal is to drink the whole pitcher by day’s end. Some days I achieve that goal, some days I don’t but I going to give it my best shot! You don’t have to drink a pitcher but start with a few glasses a day. It will be well worth it to improve your health.
Until next time,
Peace, Love, and Blessings💖
