Limes are a tasty little fruit. Yes, limes are pretty, but there is much more to limes than meets the eye. You can use limes to make drinks, pies, salads, and cakes. However, before we discuss thier health benefits, let’s find out what limes are exactly?

What Are Limes? 

Limes are small green fruit that has a rounded oval shape. Limes are usually picked when they are dark green and turn a light yellow hue as they ripen. Limes typically grow to be 2-inches in circumference.

Even though there are multiple varieties of limes cultivated worldwide, the limes most people purchase are Persian or Tahiti limes. Therefore they are no seeds in the pale yellow-green flesh. 

How To Use Limes

Limes are easy to use. You have to give them a quick rinse with water before using them as directed. You can squeeze the juice from limes and make drinks or remove the zest and add it to dishes.

You can also use limes in ice cream, sorbets, candies, coconut lime cake, and so much more. I’ve even added lime juice to strawberry jam. 

Difference Between Limes And Lemons

Limes and lemons are in the same family. While they do have some similarities, limes and lemons are uniquely different. The most noticeable difference between limes and lemons is thier color.

Limes are bright green, and lemons are yellow. Nevertheless, limes can be dark green and turn yellow as they ripen. 

Lemons and limes also differ in shape and size. Limes are much smaller and rounder than lemons. Lemons have a more oval shape. Limes are usually 1-2 inches in diameter, while lemons are 2-4 inches in diameter.

Most people also believe lemons and limes have the same flavor, and in a sense, they are right. Limes and lemons have a tart flavor that will make you pucker if you eat them on thier own.

However, lemons have a sweeter flavor, and limes have a more bitter flavor. Additionally, limes can seem sourer than lemons, but this is due to their bitterness, not because they have a more intense flavor than lemons. 

Limes and lemon also share some of the same health benefits. Both citrus fruits contain vitamin C. Vitamin C can prevent scurvy and antioxidant properties. Antioxidants prevent free radical disease, which can lead to conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. 

Health Benefits Of Lime 

Limes are a treasure trove of nutrients. Limes have been used for decades to treat common ailments. Limes have many beneficial compounds, from weight loss to digestion and constipation to urinary disorders and ulcers. 

Digestion

Not only does lime have an alluring aroma, but it is also beneficial for digestion. The interesting thing is even if you do not consume lime juice, limes can work thier magic and get your digestive saliva flowing.

Once you consume the lime, the acids will do the rest. Limes also contain flavonoids. Flavonoids are common in lime oil and stimulate the digestive system by increasing the secretion of digestive juices, bile, and acids.

Flavonoids can also help break down macromolecules in food and stimulate peristaltic movement. 

Constipation

Roughage in limes can also relieve constipation. In the same way, limes remove caked-on grease from your stove; limes can clean out the excretory system.

These effects are due to the high concentration of acids. Even if you cannot get your hands on fresh lime juice, lime juice filtered with salt and water can also serve as a laxative that does not contain any side effects. 

Peptic Ulcers

Pectic ulcers are open sores that form on the interior lining of the stomach. Peptic ulcers may also develop in the upper part of the small intestine.

Because of thier flavonoid and vitamin C content, limes possess antioxidant, antibiotic, anticarcinogenic, and detoxifying properties that play a role in curing peptic and oral ulcers.  

Respiratory Disorders

Oils like flavonoids that are extracted from limes are used to manufacture anti congestive medicines like vaporizers, inhalers, and balms. The compound Kaempferol is responsible for these effects.

If you are congested or nauseated, scratch a lime and inhale its aroma. You will get instant relief from congestion and nausea. 

Eye Care

Limes contain high concentrations of vitamin C, which has antioxidant properties. The antioxidant content can protect the eyes from macular degeneration and aging. Furthermore, flavonoids can also protect your eyes from infections.  

Gout 

Gout can arise from two primary sources: the build-up of free radicals and toxins, specifically uric acid, in the body. As previously mentioned, limes are rich sources of vitamin C, flavonoids, antioxidants, and detoxifiers. These compounds act like a built-in vacuum removing free radicals and toxins from the body.  

Gums

Scurvy occurs when an individual is not receiving enough vitamin C. Scurvy can cause your gums to bleed and become spongy. This, along with microbial growth, are the primary causes of gum issues.

Other causes of gum issues include ulcers and bone injuries. Flavonoids found in limes can inhibit microbial growth and, in combination with potassium, can heal ulcers as well as injuries. 

In Summation

When it comes to health benefits, limes contain powerful nutrients that can aid digestion gum health and play a role in curing ulcers and preventing microbial growth.