Lime health benefits, benefits and harms of calories

Limes are small bright green exotic fruits that deserve to be in the limelight. Many believe that the use of these fruits is limited only to the preparation of cocktails or marinades for fish. In fact, if more people knew about the beneficial properties of these citruses, they would definitely include limes in their daily diet. Why? The answer to this question is below.

General characteristics

Lime is a hybrid citrus tree common in tropical and subtropical regions. An adult plant rarely exceeds 5 meters. The branches are covered with small leaves and sharp thorns. This plant resembles a lemon tree in some measure, but with larger and darker leaves. After pollination in place of small white flowers appear edible fruits, with a diameter of 3-5, see. Mature fruit is recognized by a yellowish-green thin peel. But even ripe limes have a juicy and tender flesh that remains sour with a tart flavor.

Researchers suggest that the first limes appeared on the Indonesian archipelago or on the nearby mainland of Asia. The culture of the Mediterranean countries was supposedly due to the Arab merchants. In the Western Hemisphere – with the help of Columbus. Today, India, Mexico, Brazil, and China are among the world’s leading suppliers of these citruses.

Nutritional characteristics

Fresh limes are almost 88% water. Almost 10% of their composition is carbohydrates, and the content of proteins and fats does not exceed 1 percent.

But the main component because of which limes are especially appreciated is vitamin C. 100 g of fruit contains almost 35% of the daily rate of ascorbic acid. However, the chemical composition of limes is not very different from the vitamin-mineral composition of lemons. Both citruses, in addition to vitamin C, contain many other beneficial substances, including flavonoids. One of the most powerful is limonene – a component of lemons and most citrus fruits, which has anti-cancer and fat-burning properties. In limes, the highest limonene content is found in their white inside.

Nutritional value at 100 g

Caloric value 30 kcal Carbohydrates 10,5 g Fats 0,2 g Proteins 0,7 g Vitamin B1 0,03 mg Vitamin B2 0,02 mg Vitamin B3 0,2 mg Vitamin B5 0,217 mg Vitamin B6 0,046 mg Vitamin B9 8 μg Vitamin C 29,1 mg Calcium 33 mg Iron 0,6 mg Magnesium 6 mg Phosphorus 18 mg Potassium 102 mg Sodium 2 mg

Benefits for the body

Fruits and vegetables have long been associated with proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. Many studies have shown that citrus fruits reduce the risk of developing obesity, diabetes, cardiac problems, improve the condition of the skin and hair, and have a beneficial effect on overall well-being and give energy. But beyond that, limes have their own unique abilities.

Good source of vitamin C

A glass of freshly squeezed lime juice (from 2 fruit) contains more than 70 mg of vitamin C. This substance is necessary for a person to grow, restore tissue, maintain healthy bones and teeth. Therefore, lime – the best fruit for the prevention of scurvy and colds. In addition, a glass of sour juice (even in combination with other components) will provide the body with ascorbic acid in an amount necessary for the production of collagen – a protein substance responsible for the strength of blood vessels, skin, tendons, ligaments and cartilage.

Natural antibiotic

Lime juice is a powerful antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial agent.

He can quickly destroy the cholera virus. And in Nigeria’s hospitals, this product is a proven remedy against many parasites and an effective cure for malaria.

Antioxidant fruit

Scientists have found many antioxidants in limes. Laboratory studies have proven that many of them stop the division of cancer cells. This means that under the influence of limes, the progression of some oncological diseases slows down. Lemonene, found in citrus fruits, helps fight cancer of the lungs, stomach, colon, oral cavity, skin, and breast.

Fighting free radicals, antioxidants protect vessels, joints, almost all organs, and also increase the body’s ability to resist viruses.

Researchers have long argued that substances with antioxidant properties (antioxidants) can prevent diseases such as diabetes, obesity, stroke, and others.

Detoxifier

The composition of limes includes 8 of various chemicals that, acting on the liver, activate the production of a special enzyme. It neutralizes most carcinogenic compounds in the body, turning them into substances harmless to humans, which are then excreted from the body with urine.

A product that improves digestion

The pulp of citrus has amazing qualities. Once in the human body, lime behaves like a digestive enzyme. This means that with indigestion, belching, bloating, it would be nice to recall acidic green citruses. A few slices of fruit or a little juice will help restore digestive function. A glass of warm water with a small amount of lime juice, honey and cinnamon, drunk on an empty stomach, will relieve toxins and improve bowel function.

Increases iron absorption

Iron deficiency causes anemia. This fact is known to many. But few know that limes can avoid this disease. Sour tropical fruits are extremely rich in vitamin C, and it enhances the body’s ability to absorb iron. For this reason, spinach with a small amount of lime juice is a very good food against anemia.

What diseases is good for lime

In addition to the benefits already mentioned, this acidic green citrus is useful in many serious diseases. This was mentioned in ancient treatises of India and China. Lime has a beneficial effect on the body of patients with diabetes, as it prevents the increase in blood sugar. For patients in cardiology departments, it is important as a product that lowers bad cholesterol and strengthens blood vessels. Many doctors advise using lime to prevent heart disease, strokes, heart attacks, and coronary artery disease.

Many mistakenly believe that lime, being an acidic fruit, is contraindicated in individuals with gastritis. In fact, it belongs to fruits with a rich alkali content, which means that when it enters the body, on the contrary, it reduces acidity. In addition, this fruit is rich in flavonoids, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal properties, which contributes to the healing of ulcers and other injuries on the mucous membranes.

Citrus fruits are indispensable for persons with respiratory and viral diseases.

In addition to warming drinks with lime, which effectively reduce body temperature, inhalations, balms and tinctures based on the essential oil of this citrus are suitable for treatment.

Arthritis and gout are also included in the list of diseases that can be overcome with limes. One of the causes of arthritis is an excess of uric acid in the body. To get rid of undesirable substances will help citrus juice, which also has anti-inflammatory properties. And thanks to the ability to excrete toxins from the body and fight free radicals, lime weakens the manifestation of gout.

Do not neglect this fruit to people prone to chronic urinary disorders. The high concentration of potassium in the limes makes them effective in eliminating toxic substances that accumulate in the kidneys and bladder. Disinfectant properties of the fruit help in the treatment of infections of the urinary system, including cystitis.

Lime for beauty

To combat fatigue

Today was a hard day, and my legs are buzzing with pain? Improve well-being help limes. Foot bath of hot water and citrus juice will relieve pain, fatigue and feeling of heaviness in the legs. And thanks to the effects on the nerve endings in the feet, relaxation and preparation for quiet healthy sleep is guaranteed.

Skin care

Lime juice and its natural oils are very good for the skin. It does not really matter how to use them – externally or inwards. Citrus juice rejuvenates the skin, maintains its healthy color, protects against infections. Possessing bactericidal and disinfecting properties, when applied externally, lime products prevent an unpleasant smell of sweat. Fruit oils are useful for treating dandruff, rashes, irritations and bruises.

A mask of lime juice and oatmeal will refresh your face and smooth fine wrinkles. The juice of this exotic fruit will help to whiten dark areas of skin, make less visible traces of scars or acne, tightens pores, eliminates acne. Suitable as a means for home peeling.

Hair Benefits

Masks based on lime juice will make your hair silky and smooth. The most useful for curls are masks from citrus juice in combination with olive, coconut or almond oil. Lime juice, which must be rubbed into the scalp, will also help get rid of dandruff. The functions of a natural conditioner are perfectly performed by water, acidified with citrus juice. This tool will make the hair shiny, activates their growth, and light curls lighten for another tone or two (with regular use).

How to choose and store fruit

Properly selected lime is a hard fruit, with dense zest (without damage, signs of mold or rot) and harder for its size.

The skin should be dark green and glossy. At room temperature, they will remain fresh for a week. But still, it is important to protect the fruits from direct exposure to the sun. The optimal storage period in the refrigerator is 10-14 days (to avoid drying out the fruits, it is advisable to wrap them in a plastic wrap). Some claim that limes in a refrigerator keep freshness for several weeks. But even if by this time the fruits look satisfactory, this does not mean that long-term storage did not affect their taste and vitamin composition. For longer storage, a freezer is suitable – you can freeze freshly squeezed citrus juice. Another alternative storage method is to dry the lime zest.

Limes for weight loss: myths and truth

None fat burning product can not completely lose weight without additional effort in the form of sports and dieting.

But water with lime juice can be of some benefit. This citrus is able to speed up the metabolism, which in turn will help to lose weight. In addition, do not forget about the extremely rich reserves of vitamin C, which, against the background of physical activity, accelerates the breakdown of fats.

Lime water is a good choice for quenching your thirst. This drink contains a lot of nutrients with a minimum amount of calories (approximately 11 kcal per drink glass). By the way, nutritionists constantly repeat: for effective weight loss it is important to drink plenty of water (not less than 2 liters per day). And water with lime is much better than water.

Possible side effects

The first thing, it is important to remember: all products are good, if you use them in moderation. Limes, like many other citrus fruits, can cause allergies. The second danger is the softening of tooth enamel and caries. Acidic foods, including citrus juice, do not affect teeth well. After eating fruit or sour juices, it is advisable to rinse the mouth with clean water.

How to use

Most often, recipes use lime juice, which is easy to get at home. But there is a little secret. To give the fruit more liquid, it must first be heated to room temperature (you can dip it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes) and only then squeeze the juice out of it, which is then used to make many drinks. In particular, fresh juice is the key ingredient in the drink, known as Margarita.

It is very unusual to use this fruit in India. There it is customary to salt and pickle. But the zest of limes is an indispensable ingredient in traditional Mexican, Thai and Vietnamese dishes. Dried fruits are typical of Persian and Iraqi cuisine. Americans love lime cakes, and in Australia they make marmalade from citrus.

Indian recipe rice

This dish is traditional in Indian cuisine. Rice cooked in this way is tasty, healthy and is suitable as a flavorful side dish for meat or fish.

A glass of white rice pour 2 glasses of water, add 1 Art. l vegetable oil and some salt. Cook under a lid over medium heat until all the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat, add chopped fresh cilantro (about half a glass), 2 Art. l fresh lime juice and some zest. Cover with a lid, wrap a warm towel, let the dish infuse. Serve hot.

Chicken Stewed With Lime

Fry the chicken for about 20 minutes until crusted. Add to your taste wine vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, black pepper, green onion, garlic and oregano. Simmer for at least 10 minutes. Serve hot with fresh vegetables and a side dish.

Lime Pie

Grind shortbread cookies into small crumbs and mix with melted butter (a uniform sticky, thick mass should be obtained). Put the mixture in an even layer in the form with the sides. Bake for approximately 10 minutes. Meanwhile, beat 3 egg yolks, add a can of condensed milk, zest and juice from 4 limes, beat again. Pour the mixture onto a chilled pie base. Send to the oven for another 15 minutes. Cool (at least 3 hours), remove from mold. Garnish with whipped cream, icing sugar and lime slices.

Lime pie or cocktail “Margarita” are already for many important arguments why limes should be worth it. But there are many more important benefits to these tropical fruits. Their rich chemical composition makes them useful for the prevention and treatment of many diseases, including malignant tumors. With each subsequent study, scientists are finding more and more evidence that this little sour citrus has amazing health benefits.