The small, round, zesty, bright green citrus fruit is known as lime. This fruit is popular for its acidic juice, along with plenty of nutritious qualities. Lime is a powerhouse of vitamin C, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, antioxidants, and other micronutrients.
For its unique aroma, it is used in various cuisines all over the world. Lime has been popular in ancient times for its medicinal properties. It is also used in cosmetics and plenty of beverages. Lime has a special role in a diet, as it can reduce belly fat. Also, lime juice aids in immunity and has anti-inflammatory properties.
This article brings in front of you the health benefits of lime juice. We hope it enlightens you.
Health Benefits of Lime
Let’s get to know the health benefits of lime juice.
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Promotes Digestion
Lime juice has a unique aroma that jump-starts our primary digestion. The acidic lime juice aids in the absorption of food by breaking down the macromolecules. Digestive juice secretion is enhanced as the flavonoids stimulate the digestive system.
Also, lime juice acts as a laxative if taken in an empty stomach with water in the morning. The roughage of lime also prevents constipation.
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Boosts Immunity
The vitamin C in lime works as a natural defense for our body. It reduces the risk of common cold, flu, and pneumonia. It also works by increasing our white blood cell count, thereby reducing the occurrence of infections.
And the antioxidant property of lime prevents cellular damage by free radicals and strengthening our immune system. Also, it is a well-known cure for scurvy.
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Promotes Healthy Skin
Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production. This collagen makes the skin tight and strengthens it. Direct lime juice application or drinking with water rejuvenates the skin from inside and promotes healthier skin.
The antioxidant property of lime also has an anti-aging quality that promotes wrinkle-free, younger-looking skin. It also has a wide variety of use in curing rashes, acne, pimples, bruises, and blemishes.
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Helps with Weight Loss
The citric acid in lime juice has a fat burning capacity. Also, lime juice increases our metabolism, thereby reducing calorie intake. A glass with warm water and a full lime juice after a meal is an excellent fat burner. But this water can be taken 30 minutes before the meal too to reduce calorie intake.
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Anti-Inflammatory Property
The citric acid in limes has anti-inflammatory properties. It is known to reduce the risk of arthritis, gout, and other inflammation within the joints. Lime juice decreases the level of uric acid, which is the main causative agent for gout.
It is also well known for reducing inflammation and enhancing wound healing. Vitamin C causes increase production of collagen that causes rapid wound healing.
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Reduces Risk of Heart Disease
Limes have a role in reducing deaths from coronary artery diseases. A study reveals that limes are a good source of magnesium and potassium. They are known to control blood pressure. The limonins in lime also aid in reducing high blood pressure, which is a major risk for heart disease.
Vitamin C has a protective effect on blood vessels that prevents plaque formation and decreases the rate of atherosclerosis. Thereby it reduces the narrowing of vessels and prevents heart failure.
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Lowers Blood Sugar
According to the American Diabetes Association, citrus fruits have a low glycemic index. That is, in spite of their intake, the sugar level in blood does not cause any spike rise. A study shows that soluble fibers in lime help to absorb blood sugar, thereby reducing the high rise of sugar levels in diabetic patients.
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Anti-Cancer Property
Cancer is defined as an abnormal growth of cells, the growth of which depends upon uncontrolled gene expression. Limes are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and other phytochemicals that have the ability to stop uncoordinated gene expression.
And limes can prevent esophageal, stomach, breast, kidney, prostate cancer by their anti-oxidants property. As they can reduce oxidative stress and free radical damage of cells.
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Prevention of Infection
Lime is known to prevent the growth of micro-organisms. It destroys colony-forming bacteria like Streptococcus, Helicobacter pylori, and prevents infection. Lime reduces the occurrence of respiratory tract disease and acid reflux or gastritis by preventing these bacteria.
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Helps Prevent Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are a small mineral crystal that forms within the genito-urinary tract. The citric acid in limes reduces the formation of crystals within the tract. And the citrate of citric acid binds with the minerals itself.
This citric acid also helps in the excretion of metabolic wastes like uric acid and prevents the formation of uric acid stones in the kidney.
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Increases Iron Absorption
In the developing and under-developed countries, iron deficiency anemia has become lethal. But the prevention is simpler than the cause.
Vitamin C in lime helps in the absorption of iron by making it soluble to mucosal cells of the gut. Iron is rich in animal sources. Therefore, vegetarian people are at greater risk of iron deficiency anemia. Daily intake of lime water can reduce this occurrence to a minimum level.
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Promotes Hydration
Often people hate to drink plain water and lag behind the drinking requirement. Lime juice added to water can solve this problem. It will maintain hydration and fulfill nutritional requirements too.
Health Hazards of Lime
Lime is usually safe to drink and mostly has beneficial effects on health. But in some people, it may produce some hazardous effects too.
- Citrus can destroy tooth enamel, and therefore, rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking lime juice.
- Acid reflux can be caused by excessive intake of lime water. So people with a previous history of heartburn should be cautious about it.
- Phytophotodermatitis is a condition that occurs when lime juice is applied directly to the skin in the daytime. It causes increased sensitivity of the skin to UV rays. So it is better to be applied at night.
- It can work both as laxative and diuretic, so frequent visits to the toilet might be needed.
- A small amount of tyramine is present in lime that might trigger migraines in rare cases.
Conclusion
In making a balanced diet, citrus fruits have a crucial role.
The rich properties of vitamin C and antioxidants make it an incomprehensible dietary staple. Still, if you are allergic to citrus fruits, you might want to stay away from limes. If you want to get all these beneficial effects, start drinking lime water today and find out the benefits yourself.