Health Benefits of Lime - Amazing facts about the fruit called "LIME"

The use of lime have been known for a long time even though back then, no one could point out the essential content of the fruit which gave it its healing power. In this update we will be looking at the content of the fruit and some uses of the fruit you don’t even know about.


Lime as a Fruit
Lime is a citrus fruit which is typically round like an orange but smaller and ‘lime’ green in color. In Nigeria, it is called 'osan wewe' by the yorubas. There are several species of the fruit; it can either be sweet or sour depending its citric acid content, the sweeter it is, the more sugar it contains while the more sour it is, the more citric acid it contains (that should be elementary for any science student). Lime is a year round crop, so no need to do any replanting.

Nutrient Content

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	30 kcal
Carbohydrates	10.5g
Sugars	1.7g
Dietary fiber	2.8g
Fat	0.2g
Protein	0.7g
Vitamins
Thiamine (B1)	0.03mg (3%)
Riboflavin (B2)	0.02mg (2%)
Niacin (B3)	0.2mg (1%)
Pantothenic acid (B5)	0.217mg (4%)
Vitamin B6	0.046mg (4%)
Folate (Vitamin B9)	8µg (2%)
Vitamin C	29.1mg (35%)
Trace minerals
Calcium	33mg (3%)
Iron	0.6mg (5%)
Magnesium	6mg (2%)
Phosphorus	18mg (3%)
Potassium	102mg (2%)
Sodium	2mg (0%)

Source: Wikipedia

Health Uses of Lime

1. Scurvy: this is a disease caused by the deficiency of vitamin C. its basic symptoms are cracked lips and lips corners, ulcers on the tongue and in the mouth, swollen and bleeding gums. So what could be the cure to this? Vitamin C of course! Dr. Lime is full of this essential vitamin.
2. Digestion: have you noticed that your mouth starts to salivate immediately your catch the scent of this fruit? This actually aids in the secretion of the saliva (primary digestion), the ‘Flavonoids’ found in lime oil stimulate the digestive system and increase secretion of digestive juices, bile and acids. Try taking lime juice (lime pickles) with your meals but be careful with its acidic nature!
3. GIT cleansing: looking for a natural was to cleanse your gastrointestinal tract? An overdose of lime juice with salt can do the trick; this is an excellent purgative without side effects.
4. Diabetes: with reference to the American Diabetes Association, limes and other citrus fruits are super foods for diabetic patients because; They contain soluble fiber which helps to regulate the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream thereby reducing blood sugar spikes. They have a low glycemic index.
5. Heart Disease: That same soluble fiber which can help diabetics maintain their blood sugar levels can also lower blood pressure and eliminate the presence of LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol). Furthermore, soluble fiber can cut down on inflammation of the blood vessels, which is a known preventative measure against heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
6. Peptic Ulcer: contrary to popular beliefs, lime can help in the healing process of peptic and oral ulcers. The ‘flavonoids’ in lime have antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, antibiotic and detoxifying properties that can stimulate healing. But as I earlier said, try this with a professional help (be careful).
7. Respiratory Disorder: do you know that just scratching the peel of lime and inhaling it can give immediate relief for congestion and nausea. Lime contains ‘Kaempferol’ which have an anti-congestive property which is used in making inhalers and balms.
8. Arthritis: the major cause of arthritis is the excess build up of uric acid in the body. Citric acid which is found in citrus fruits like lime is a solvent in which uric acid can dissolve and be easily eliminated through urine.
9. Fever: citrus fruits in general have fever reducing qualities. If fever is very high, the patient’s diet can be restricted to lemon juice and water but if mild, other fruit juices like lime juice can be administered. Vitamin-C naturally lowers the temperature of the body.
10. Cholera: when lime juice is added to potentially infected water, it has proved to be a very effective disinfectant and even when consumed regularly by an infected person, fatality is reduced.
11. Weight loss: A glass of warm water with a full lime’s worth of juice in it is an excellent weight reducer as well as a brilliant refresher and antioxidant drink. The citric acid present in lime is an excellent fat burner. You can consume two glasses a day and see legitimate and remarkable results within a week.
12. Skin Care: Lime juice and its natural oils are very beneficial for skin when consumed orally or applied externally. It rejuvenates the skin, keeps it shining, protects it from infections and reduces body odor due to the presence of a large amount of vitamin-C and Flavonoids. Those are both class-1 anti-oxidants, and have antibiotic and disinfectant properties. When applied externally on skin, its acids scrub out the dead cells, cures dandruff, rashes, and bruises. It can also be used to create a refreshing bathing experience if its juice or oil is mixed into your bathing water.
13. Eye Care: Vitamin-C again! Its anti-oxidant properties protect eyes from aging and macular degeneration. On top of that, flavonoids help protect them from infections.
14. Other Benefits: It is a good appetizer and digestive. It can help to cure rheumatism, prostate and colon cancer, cholera, arteriosclerosis, fatigue and even high fevers (contrary to popular belief). The best part of it is that it has no negative side effects!

Do try to check out how to make use of this valuable fruit, it's readily available and cheap. Planting it in your garden gives you a refreshing aroma every morning. Live Healthy, to stay Healthy!