Lime Nutrition Facts
When it comes to citrus fruits, lime is a favourite. Whether eaten as a fruit, used in various dishes, or consumed as juice, everyone enjoys this fruit.
Lime juice nutritional value, 31g lime juice contains 28b of water and 8 calories. It is cholesterol free. 1oz of lime juice contains 2.5g of carbohydrates and less then 1g fat, protein and fibre. It has only 1mg of sodium.
Health Benefits of Lime
Lime occupies an important place among the fruits that possess medicinal properties. The seeds, flesh, and rind of this fruit have medicinal properties. Lime juice possesses healing and curative properties. This fruit has been mentioned in ancient Indian and Chinese medicinal texts due to its health benefits.
- Treats Scurvy
Scurvy is a disease caused due to the deficiency of Vitamin C. It is characterized by frequent infections in the form of cold, ulcers on the tongue and mouth, cracked lips and lip corners, spongy, swollen and bleeding gums etc.
Being packed with Vitamin C, lime is extremely effective in curing scurvy.
This has been a popular cure since the nineteenth century when the British used to have lime juice to ward off scurvy. Even today, limes are given to workers working in hazardous environments like cement factories, painting shops, mines, furnaces and other dangerous work to prevent the outbreak of scurvy.
- Gum Care
The deficiency of Vitamin C can also lead to gum problems. As stated above, scurvy can cause bleeding and spongy gums.
Often, ulcers and microbial growth are caused due to physical trauma. Limes contain flavonoids that inhibit microbial growth and, along with potassium, facilitate the healing of ulcers and wounds.
- Eye Care
The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of limes are beneficial for your eyes.
The antioxidant property of Vitamin C protects your eyes from aging and macular degeneration while the flavonoids prevent infections.
- Treats Arthritis
Arthritis is caused due to the accumulation of excess uric acid in the body.
This uric acid is a waste product that is normally removed through urination. But when excess uric acid builds up, it worsens the pain and inflammation of arthritis.
The citric acid found in citrus fruits like limes dissolves the uric acid, causing the elimination of greater amounts through urine. Lime also possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease pain and inflammation.
- Treats Piles
Piles can be defined as an uncomfortable condition that occurs in the anal region, causing bleeding and discomfort during excretion and general activity. When left uncured, piles can even lead to certain forms of cancer.
Limes can help heal ulcers and wounds in the digestive and excretory systems, thus providing relief from constipation, which is the root cause of piles.
- Treatment of Fever
Lime and lime juice possess natural fever reducing qualities.
In case of high to moderate fever, the patient should be given lime juice and water along with other fruit juices to bring down the temperature to manageable levels.
The high concentrations of Vitamin C in citrus fruits help lower the temperature naturally.
- Treatment of Common Cold
The high amount of vitamin C in limes not only treats common cold but also increases the resistance of the body towards common cold.
- Aids Digestion
The refreshing fragrance of lime can make your mouth water even before consuming it.
The acids present in this fruit facilitate smoother digestion by breaking the macro molecules of food. Flavonoids are compounds found in the fragrant oil extracted from lime.
These compounds stimulate the digestive system by increasing the secretion of digestive juices, bile, and acids.
- Beneficial For the Heart
Limes are rich in soluble fibre that can lower blood pressure level as well as LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol.
This soluble fibre also cures the inflammation of the blood vessels, providing protection against heart attack, strokes, and heart disease.
- Lowers Cholesterol
Limes contain a flavonoid called hesperidin, which has been shown to lower the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body.
If you are suffering from increased cholesterol levels, it is advisable to boost your hesperidin levels by consuming more of limes.
- Aids Weight Loss
Lime benefits weight loss. Lime juice has been traditionally used in several weight reduction programs and is a great refresher and antioxidant drink.
Lime juice is naturally sweet but extremely low in calories. It contains citric acid, which is an excellent fat burner.
To lose weight, add 1-2 teaspoons of raw, organic honey and the juice of a fresh lime to 8 ounces of warm water. Drink it early in the morning on empty stomach to get beneficial results within a week.
- Beneficial For Diabetics
According to the American Diabetes Association, citrus fruits like lime are beneficial for diabetics due to several reasons.
Firstly, the high levels of soluble fibre in limes help regulate the body’s absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
This prevents the occurrence of a blood sugar spike, which is risky for diabetic patients. Secondly, like most citrus fruits, limes have a low glycaemic index.
They do not cause unexpected spikes in the glucose levels, thus adding to the benefits for diabetic patients.
