Introduction
Limes are known for its medicinal or herbal properties. Scientifically known as Citrus aurantifolia, lime has been used to make beverages, candies, jams, and cocktails.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a 100g serving of lime holds 30 calories. Portions of which are derived from carbohydrates and protein, with 11% and 1% of their daily recommended allowance (DRA), respectively.
Limes are known as among the excellent source of vitamin C. It contains 48% of the daily-recommended allowance of vitamin C, which helps build strong body resistance. As an antioxidant, it battles with harmful oxygen-free radicals to keep the cells healthy.
As compared to lemons, limes have higher acidity and have relatively more natural sugar content.
Limes feature a flavonoid called hesperidin that greatly aids in reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides level in our body.
The power of lime as an antioxidant is further improved through the vitamin A. Vitamin B complex found in limes helps convert macro nutrients like fat, protein and carbohydrates into energy that our body needs for optimal functioning.
Essential minerals found in limes include calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. These minerals are needed by the body for the organs to work together accordingly. Each of them plays a vital role to achieve a holistic health. Calcium, usually found in milk, cheese and other dark green leafy vegetables, is also present in lime. It aids in blood clotting, formation of bones and teeth, and nerves transmission.
Lime is also helpful in the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin found in red blood cells, which is responsible for the transportation of oxygen in the body. Magnesium contained in lime, meanwhile, helps prevent constipation and at the same time involved in muscle and nerve functions. On the other hand, phosphorus assists in energy production by activating B vitamins.
Another advantage of consuming lime is that it supplies your body with a significant amount of potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte that conducts electricity in the body to keep all organs, cells and tissues perform properly. It is also an essential mineral to balance pH level in the body.
Furthermore, limes are good source of citric acid, which actually aids the body in eliminating excessive uric acid through urination. This is particularly helpful for those suffering from Arthritis. The acidity of lime is also an effective agent to fight bacteria in the body.
The Important Health Benefits of Limes
Regulates Digestion
Because of the undeniably irresistible smell of lime, it aids salivation even before actually eating it. Believe it or not, this has positive effects on our health especially in the digestive system. Lime is naturally acidic that stimulates digestive enzyme secretion for optimal digestive process. Intake of lime juice will ascertain that food intake is properly breakdown and that they are accordingly moved throughout the digestive process for proper and regular bowel movement. Aside from its natural acidity, lime also contains flavanoid which is a powerful antioxidant that also aids digestion. Flavanoids clear the digestive tract as well as relax the intestines for smooth movement of stool. This will pave away digestive issues such as constipation and irregularity in bowel activity.
Rich in Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a very important mineral that the body needs to be generally healthy. Vitamin C establishes a strong immune system to make the body able to fight off bacteria build-up and infection that can lead to sickness. It is highly important that the body gets enough Vitamin C so that it is protected from various types of common to serious diseases and illnesses. Vitamin C also benefits other systems and organs in the body aside from the immune system. For example, vitamin C prevents ulcer, bleeding gums, respiratory disorders as well as skin conditions.
Prevents Diabetes
It has been proved that lime can prevent and treat diabetes. First of all lime is concentrated with soluble fiber that assures normal blood glucose levels. Fiber is able to make sugar absorption ability of the body efficient so that the bloodstream is free from sudden blood sugar fluctuations that lead to diabetes. On top of its richness in fiber, lime is also very low in glycemic index. This means that on top of its diabetes prevention characteristic, its consumption will not contribute to sugar levels in the blood. Drinking lime juice or consuming lime regularly causes body’s glucose levels to normalize. If you are exposed to risks of diabetes due to family’s medical history or due to unhealthy lifestyle, make sure to get used to lime consumption.
Protects the Heart
Lime is a known fruit that is very good for the heart. Aside from the fact that it can help normalize blood sugar levels, its soluble fiber also significantly reduces LDL or bad type of cholesterol. It is very important to keep LDL cholesterol in check and achieve the right and healthy ratio between LDL and HDL or good cholesterols. LDL cholesterol primarily triggers cholesterol oxidation that also encourages atherosclerosis. On top of that, lime also has anti-inflammatory properties that avoid inflammation in the blood vessels thus reducing risks of heart attack, stroke, and various heart ailments.
Thwarts Off Arthritis and Gout
Arthritis and gout are interrelated and are caused by many similar aspects. One of the main causes of arthritis is excessive build-up of uric acid in the body. Uric acid build-up causes inflammation that leads to joint and muscle pain. Lime is very rich in citric acid that dissolves uric acid in the body through urination. Arthritis and gout are avoided through lime intake because this fruit is a great source of powerful antioxidants specifically Vitamin C and flavanoids that free the body with free radicals and harmful toxins. Consuming lime will detoxify the body on a cellular level that discourages arthritis, gout, and other joint and muscle pain.
Addresses Gum Problems
Gum problems are primarily caused by lack of Vitamin C in the body. As mentioned above, Vitamin C is a very important vitamin that the body needs for it to be in a good and healthy condition. Lime is remarkable when it comes to providing the body with Vitamin C. Vitamin C needs to be restored in the body on a daily basis because it is flushed out of the body through urination and sweating. If you always encounter gum problems, better add lime on your daily diet to better your condition.
Helps in Maintaining Normal Weight
A huge portion of the world’s population is obese. Weight gain, as much as possible, must be avoided because obesity is the stepping stone to so many ailments especially in the heart. Lime is a popular detoxifying juice that makes it a very effective addition to your weight loss diet program. Lime’s antioxidants eliminate body’s toxins. In addition, lime also contains citric acid that helps in burning excessive body fats especially in the belly part. Drinking lime juice as much as possible will surely yield fast and visible weight loss results.
Books on Healthy Detox
The Best 10 Day DETOX DIET- The Easiest Way To Detox And Cleanse Your Body For Weight Loss And Feel Free
The Detox Prescription – Supercharge Your Health, Strip Away Pounds, and Eliminate the Toxins Within
Green Smoothie Recipes – Clean Food & Healthy Recipes – The Best Guide To Cleanse And Detox Your Body And Feel Energized In Less Than 7 Days
Also Read:
- Health Benefits of Broccoli
- Health Benefits of Lettuce
- Health Benefits of Celery
- Health Benefits of Sweet Potato
- Health Benefits of Eating Pears
- Health Benefits of Plums
- Health Benefits of Red Wine
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