Although limes are smaller in size, they are nutritional powerhouses. Like most citrus fruits, they are rich in Vitamin C; one medium lime has roughly 67 g of vitamin C, providing over 20% of the referred daily intake or RDI. This fruit is also high in active compounds, such as flavonoids, limonoids, kaempferol, quercetin, and ascorbic acid. These active compounds act as antioxidants, boosting the immune system, reducing oxidative stress, and combats several heart disease risk factors. Like other citrus fruits, limes also prevent kidney stones by raising level of citrate and help iron deficiency by improving the absorption of iron from plant-based sources.
Good Source of Antioxidants – Limes are high in active compounds that function as antioxidants. These will aid in defending cells against free radicals, that can damage your cells and have been linked to chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancers.
Boost Immunity – Limes are high in Vitamin C, a nutrient that may help boost your immune system. In some studies, vitamin C has helped increase the production of white blood cells, help shorten the duration and severity of colds, aid in faster wound healing by reducing inflammation and stimulating collagen production. Collagen production is a crucial protein that aids in wound repair.
Healthy Skin – Vitamin C promotes collagen production, a protein essential to keep skin firm and strong. Studies have found that antioxidants in limes help to eliminate the effects of oxidative stress, including wrinkles and dry skin as you age. This will help fight against premature aging.
Aid Digestion – Limes contain compounds that stimulate digestive secretions in your stomach. The acid in limes also helps your saliva break down food ingested. The citric acid found in the juice of limes helps to boost your metabolism, therefore causing you to burn more calories and store less fat.
May Reduce Heart Disease Risk – Limes contain high levels of both potassium and magnesium, elements crucial to overall heart health. Specifically, potassium improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure. Vitamin C in limes may also help lower high blood pressure, a leading risk factor for heart disease. The vitamin C may also help protect against atherosclerosis, a disease where plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing them and limiting function. In an animal study, lime juice and peels were found to help slow down the progression of atherosclerosis.
Prevents Kidney Stones – Stones can form when your urine is extremely concentrated or when high levels of stone-forming minerals, like Calcium, are found in your urine. Limes are high in citric acid, which may prevent kidney stones by raising levels of citrate and binding stone-forming minerals in the urine.
Prevents Growth of Micro-Organisms – According to research, limonins found in limes help prevent the accumulation of Streptococcus bacteria. This bacterium is responsible for numerous infections, health conditions, as well as respiratory and mouth infections.
Increases Iron Absorption- Limes are high in vitamin C, which may help prevent iron deficiency anemia by improving absorption of iron from plant-based foods. Iron is a crucial nutrient necessary to make red blood cells and transport oxygen throughout the body. One study found that people who drank a glass (8.5 ounces) of lemonade or lemon juice, alongside a pant-based meal, increased iron absorption by roughly 70% or more.
Reduces Cancer Risk- Limes contain compounds, called flavonoids, which act as an antioxidant and may help stop the expression of genes that promote cancer progression. Some studies indicate that citrus fruits may suppress the growth or spread of colon, throat, pancreas, breath, bone marrow, lymphomas, and other cancer cells.
One whole, medium lime (67 grams) has:
To prevent scurvy during the 19th century, British sailors were issued a daily allowance of citrus, such as lemon, and later switched to lime. The use of citrus was initially a closely guarded military secret, as scurvy was a common scourge of various national navies, and the ability to remain at sea for lengthy periods without contracting the disorder was a huge benefit for the military. The British sailor thus acquired the nickname, “Limey” because of their usage of limes.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/limes#benefits
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/limes#uses
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27413231/
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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