Impressive Health Benefits Of Lime
The health benefits of lime are numerous and include weight loss, improved digestion, reduced respiratory disorders, enhanced immunity, and relief from constipation. Lime is also used in the treatment of scurvy, piles, peptic ulcer, gout, and gums. It also aids in skin care, hair care, and eye care and may help lower the risk of developing cancer.
🍃What is Lime?
Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) is a small, round, green-color hybrid citrus fruit. Due to its acidic sour juice and unique aroma, the lime fruit is widely used in various cuisines to accent flavor. It is a common ingredient in Mexican, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisine. There are several species of citrus fruits referred to as limes including key lime, kaffir lime, wild lime, desert lime, and Persian lime.
This zesty, tropical fruit has been well known for its medicinal properties for ages. Lime finds its application in cosmetic and health products, too. Extracted from the lime’s peel or skin, the lime essential oil is extensively used in aromatherapy and perfumes.
🍃Aids in Digestion
Limes have an irresistible aroma, which may cause your mouth to water. This aids primary digestion (the digestive saliva floods your mouth even before you taste it). The natural acidity of lime does the rest. While they break down the macromolecules of the food, the flavonoids stimulate the digestive system and increase the secretion of digestive juices, bile, and acids. This also stimulates peristaltic motion which moves the food throughout the intestine.
The ample amount of acid present in lime helps clear the excretory system. The roughage in lime may aid in providing relief from constipation. An overdose of its juice with salt also acts as an excellent purgative without any side effects, thereby relieving constipation.
Note: This is the reason behind lemon pickle being consumed along with lunch and dinner in India, and various neighboring countries. Also, drinking a glass of warm lime water about 30 minutes before meals can help prevent heartburn or acid reflux symptoms.
🍃Fights Infections
Lime intake protects the body against various microbes, viruses, and bacteria including Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Salmonella bacteria infections.
🍃Weight Loss
A study conducted on mice shows that the essential oils present in lime prevented weight gain and excess food consumption. Also, the citric acid present in it is an excellent fat burner. A glass of warm water with the juice of an entire lime can be effective as an excellent weight reducer.
How to use: Consume two glasses of warm water with lime juice a day to reap benefits in a few days.
🍃Manages Blood Sugar
The high levels of soluble fiber found in lime make it effective in helping to regulate the body’s absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This helps reduce the occurrence of blood sugar spikes that are a serious risk to diabetic patients.
Also, limes and other citrus fruits have a low glycemic index, which means they will not cause any significant or unexpected spikes in glucose levels. This is the reason why the American Diabetes Association considers limes and other citrus fruits a superfood for diabetes.