Why Limes
Limes can benefit your digestive system -
The carbohydrates in limes are mostly made of soluble
fiber in the form of pectin. Soluble fiber is known to
slow digestion, which keeps your blood sugar stable,
and inhibit colon cancer tumor growth. Pectin is also
known to promote healthy cholesterol levels, according
to LiveStrong.com. And like other citrus fruits, limes
contain a nutrient in their peels and oils called
d-limonene, which can relieve symptoms of indigestion
and GERD. For more information about the benefits of d-limonene and pectin, check out “Improve Your Cholesterol Numbers with Citrus Fruits.”
They’re healthy for your heart -
Not only do limes contain pectin, which positively benefits your cholesterol levels, they’re also rich in vitamin C, which is known to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Limes also contain potassium, which, according to the American Heart Association, can help to relieve tension in the walls of your blood vessels and lower blood pressure. For more on potassium, check out “Potassium Benefits Your Heart, Bones, and More.”
Limes lower your cancer risk -
As mentioned earlier, the d-limonene found in citrus fruits have multiple health benefits and one of them is cancer prevention. Limes also contain a flavonoid called naringenin, which, according to a recent study, has strong cancer-preventing properties. Citrus pulp and juice also contain high amounts of beta-cryptoxanthin and hesperidin, which are plant compounds found to prevent malignant tumors from forming in rodents.
They provide protection against kidney stones -
Research confirms that the citric acid in fruits like lime, lemon, melon, and orange may prevent kidney stones from forming: “Patients with low urinary citrate should be encouraged to increase their consumption of foods high in citric acid, such as lemon and lime juice,” according to information posted by the National Institutes of Health. For more on kidney stone prevention, check out “Natural Remedies for Kidney Stones.”
Limes are good for your complexion -
Dermatologists love vitamin C for its positive effect on the production of collagen, a protein that helps prevent skin from wrinkling and is often broken down by exposure to the sun and pollution.
The juice of limes and lemons can also be used as a natural remedy for acne because of their astringent and antibacterial properties, which can exfoliate the skin and prevent pores from getting clogged.
They protect against anemia -
Anemia is a blood disorder often caused by an iron deficiency. Limes don’t contain much iron, but because they’re high in vitamin C, they can help increase the amount of iron your body is able to absorb.
Limes have immune-boosting properties -
The vitamin C in limes can boost your immune system, thus reducing the duration of your cold. Studies have shown that limes can have the same effects on influenza as well.
They may help relieve asthma symptoms triggered by the common cold -
Vitamin C comes to the rescue again: Studies show that those who consume higher amounts of vitamin C have a lower risk of developing asthma. A study published in Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology found that participants whose asthma attacks were triggered by a respiratory infection were able to decrease the occurrence of an asthma attack by 78 percent by taking one gram of vitamin C a day.
How Do the Benefits of Lime Compare to Lemons -
You may already be taking advantage of the health benefits of lemons, which may lead you to wonder whether it’s time to switch to limes. The answer really depends on your nutritional goals and your preferences in flavor.
As illustrated in the chart below, the nutritional differences between limes and lemons are minimal but worth noting. Lemons are a slightly better source of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and folate. However, with limes, you’ll get a tad more calcium, fiber, and phosphorous.
The biggest difference between the two is most likely their flavor profiles. While lemons mostly have a sour, acidic taste, limes commonly have both sweet and bitter flavors mixed in with the sour, depending on the variety.
If you prefer the taste of limes, feel free to consume them the same way you do lemons by adding the juice to homemade dressings and marinades, squeezing some juice into your water, and mixing them into your favorite smoothies and juice blends.
