You may notice a bright green wedge of lime floating in your icy gin and tonic or notice the sprinkle of luminous green zest over your creamy key lime pie, but what you may not realise is the array of health benefits that the lime contains. From powerful vitamin C to digestive benefits, lime has a number of nutrients and compounds to help keep you on top form. Keep reading to discover our Top 5 Health Benefits of Lime!
1. Vitamin C
The benefits of vitamin C are almost endless; this includes immune boosting, skin health, bone health, eye health, cell protection and healthy blood vessels. Limes are packed with vitamin C, making it a great fruit to include in your diet, especially through the winter months to help boost your immunity to colds and flu.
2. Digestion
Due to their acidity, limes actually help increase saliva, which in turn helps break down your foods. In addition to this, the flavonoids in lime help stimulate digestive juices. Try squeezing some of its juice into a glass of water after dinner as an effective digestive hack.
3. Anticarcinogenic
Limes are rich in phytonutrients, the main one being limonoids, which is responsible for the lime’s bitter taste. Studies show that these limonoids help fight certain cancers. Limonoids help reduce cholesterol levels, which would by the same token decrease the risk of other major health problems.
4. Breathe easy!
You may have heard that lime oil is commonly used in the production of inhalers and other breathing aids. It’s shown to relieve respiratory problems and thought that even zesting the lime and smelling the fresh scent will temporarily relieve many respiratory-related symptoms you may suffer.
5. Helps arthritic conditions
Limes are thought to contain an acid that helps break down and dissolve uric acid which is a compound that builds up in your body and is often the cause of arthritic conditions such as gout. In addition, the anti-inflammatory benefits of this citrus fruit can also help relieve arthritic symptoms too.
Try not to limit your lime intake to that one-off gin and tonic. Why not include them in recipes such as homemade guacamole, desserts and smoothies? Limes usually go hand in hand with lemons so be sure to check out the health and other lemon benefits too. Now you can combine the best of both of these bright orb powerhouses for the ultimate citrus health boost! How do you use lime? Tell us below or @KeepfitKingdom !
Abigail, I think I see a trend occurring in your journalism, namely, that as expected pretty much everything contains ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). On a serious note, “thought to contain” simply doesn’t cut it on the scientific community. Just how many limes would one need to consume to efficaciously combat disease? I expect it would be a significant number! If you insist on refering to “research”, at least give us a relevant reference.