What is Lime Juice?
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 which are known as limes. These include 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, lime essential oil is extensively used in aromatherapy and perfumes.
Lime consists of water and is a good source of vitamin C. It is rich in dietary fiber and minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, copper, magnesium, and phosphorous. Lime has various culinary and non-culinary uses. It is also used in the preparation of various cosmetic and health products. Extracted from the lime’s peel or skin, lime essential oil is extensively used in aromatherapy and perfumes.
The health benefits of lime include weight loss, improved digestion, reduced respiratory disorders, enhanced immunity, relief from constipation, as well as prevention from cancer and kidney stones. 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.
What is the difference between lime juice and lemon juice?
Lemons and limes are highly acidic citrus fruits. Limes are green, small, and generally more acidic than lemons. Lemons are yellow and larger than limes.
Similar Nutrient Content
Comparing lemons and limes by weight reveals that the two are almost indistinguishable nutritionally. Both contain around 30 calories, 2.8 grams of dietary fiber and between 2 and 3 percent of your daily intake of vitamin B-9 in 100 grams, which is the weight of approximately 1.5 limes or 1/2 cup of peeled lemon. Although limes contain slightly more carbohydrates and slightly less protein than lemons, these differences have little effect on your daily intake.
Vitamin C Content
Lemons and limes are not a source of most vitamins and minerals. However, both contain large amounts of vitamin C and differ greatly in their vitamin C content. With 53 milligrams of vitamin C, 100 grams of lemons provide 71 percent of a woman’s and 59 percent of a man’s daily intake. In contrast, the 29 milligrams of vitamin C in 100 grams of limes are 39 percent of a woman’s and 32 percent of a man’s daily vitamin C.
Top Ten Reasons To Have A Lemon & Lime Daily:
- Lemon/lime water helps purify and stimulate the liver. Lemon/lime water liquefies bile while inhibiting excess bile flow.
- Lemon/lime water aids digestion. It’s atomic composition is similar to saliva and the hydrochloric acid of digestive juices.
- The liver produces more enzymes from lemon/lime water than any other food, according to A.F. Beddoe, author of Biological Ionization as Applied to Human Nutrition.
- The lemon/lime water helps bowels eliminate naturally and easily.
- Lemons and limes are high in potassium. Potassium is an important mineral that works with sodium for smooth electrical transmission in the brain and nervous system. Depression, anxiety, fogginess, and forgetfulness can often be traced to low potassium blood levels. That same nervous system needs potassium to assure steady signals to the heart. So your heart health is improved from the lemon water’s potassium.
- Calcium and magnesium are plentiful in good ratio to each other in lemon/lime water. Magnesium is important for heart health and calcium prevents rickets.
- Lemon/lime water can help lower blood pressure.
- Lemon/lime water has an alkalizing effect in the body as it is buffered. Even if you drink it just before any meal, it will help your body maintain a higher pH than if you didn’t drink it. The higher or more alkaline your pH, the more your inner terrain is resistant to minor and major disease.
- Helps dilute uric acid, which if it accumulates it creates arthritic pain or gout.
- Helps reduce phlegm in the body.
When it comes to taste lime juice are much sweeter compared to lemon juice, which has a sour taste. In terms of nourishment, lime is superior to lemon. Lime contains higher phosphorous, vitamin A, calcium, folate and vitamin C while lemon is rich in potassium and magnesium. In terms of antiseptic use, lime juice is not usually used compared to lemon juice, which is regularly found in hand and soap washes. Both contain citric acid but lime juice contains less than lemon juice. Lemon juice contains 1.10g/ounce and lime juice contains 1.06/ounce.
Lime and lemon are very useful and contains essential nutrients that are good for your body. They also have many uses, from adding flavor, antiseptic and all other uses. Whichever you may choose, you will never go wrong.
Limes and lemons are from the same citrus fruit family, rich in vitamin C but different in color. Limes are green and smaller, whereas lemons are yellow and big in size. Despite the difference in flavor, color and size; limes and lemons have the same nutritional benefits and are low in calories.
Those who are conscious of health and diet can add lemons to their nutritional diet as a good dietary fiber which can help to meet their daily needs of Vitamin B-9 and C.
Mainly, limes and lemons contain limonoids that supports most favorable health. It helps to treat & prevent cancer. If you gain the complete idea about the difference between lime and lemon and the compounds present in them, for sure you are going to be choosy in selecting them for your health benefits and use in the kitchen.
Contains similar content of nutrients
When comparing limes and lemons, the weight itself reveals that these are almost impossible to differentiate in nutritional values. Both have nearly 30 calories and 2.8 grams of dietary fiber and 2-3% of vitamin B-9 intake that weighs to nearly 1.5 times of half mug peeled lemon. Even though, the lime has (to some extent) more carbohydrates, and less protein when compared to lemons, these dissimilarities present little effect on your everyday intake.
Has good Vitamin C substance
Limes and lemons are not a rich source of minerals and vitamins, but contains large amount of Vitamin C. With nearly 53 milligrams of vitamin C, 100 grams of lemons present 71 % of a woman’s and 59% of man’s normal ingestion. In disparity, 29 milligrams of Vitamin C in 100 grams of limes are 39 % of a woman & 32% of a man’s regular eating diet.
Different in taste
Lemons are sourer than limes as lemons contain more citric acid and limes have less of it. As per the scientific name, lemons are Citrus Limon which is very tart and acidic in flavor.
Make a cocktail as per your use
Lemons and limes hold an important place in adding to the drinks and cocktails in the form of simple syrup. If you are very passionate and a professional in designing a drink or a cocktail, you need to know the consistency of citric acid in limes and lemons based upon which you can add it to the cocktail to enjoy the taste. You can try making a sweet and sour cocktail with the changes using lime and lemon as this process is creative and good to follow anytime in future.
Contains similar content of nutrients
When comparing limes and lemons, the weight itself reveals that these are almost impossible to differentiate in nutritional values. Both have nearly 30 calories and 2.8 grams of dietary fiber and 2-3% of vitamin B-9 intake that weighs to nearly 1.5 times of half mug peeled lemon. Even though, the lime has to some extent more carbohydrates, and less protein when compared to lemons, these dissimilarities present little effect on your everyday intake.
Has good Vitamin C substance
Limes and lemons are not a rich source of minerals and vitamins, but contain a large amount of Vitamin C. With nearly 53 milligrams of vitamin C, 100 grams of lemons present 71 % of a woman’s and 59% of man’s normal ingestion. In disparity, 29 milligrams of Vitamin C in 100 grams of limes are 39 % of a woman & 32% of a man’s regular eating diet.
Different in taste
Lemons are sourer than limes as lemons contain more citric acid and limes have less of it. As per the scientific name, lemons are Citrus Limon which is very tart and acidic in flavor. Lemons are a traverse between citron and lines and are in use for about 2,500 years and popular in adding as flavors and preservatives in a variety of foods and beverages to use in a fresh way anytime.
Make a cocktail as per your use
Lemons and limes hold an important place in adding to the drinks and cocktails in the form of simple syrup. If you are very passionate and a professional in designing a drink or a cocktail, you need to know the consistency of citric acid in limes and lemons based upon which you can add it to the cocktail and enjoy the taste. Try making a sweet and sour cocktail with the changes using lime and lemon as this process is creative and good to follow anytime in future.
Health benefits of lime and lemon
Limes and lemons have good antioxidants and anti cancer properties as the inclusion of lime juice was a part of everyday life and diet of people in West Africa, where cholera epidemics took place. Researches began to conduct experiments by adding lime juice to the mush eaten with rice and finally found to have strong and protective result to fight cholera and other viral diseases.
Both have different nutritional values, hence consuming any one of those is not the same. Just to give you a perspective, here is the data chart for both of these :
Measure Lemon Lime
- Taste Sour bitter/sweet
- Vitamin C 53 mg per 100g 29 mg per 100g
- Vitamin A 22 IU per 100g 50 IU per 100g
- Calcium 26mg per 100g 33mg per 100g
- Folate 11mcg per 100g 8mcg per 100g
- Iron 0.6mg per 100g 0.6mg per 100g
- Potassium 138mg per 100g 102mg per 100g
- Magnesium 8mg per 100g 6mg per100g
- Phosphorous 16mg per 100g 18mg per 100g
Despite differences in size, flavor and color, lemons and limes share the same nutritional benefits. Both are low in calories and are good sources of dietary fiber, and they help you meet your daily needs for vitamins C and B-9. In addition, lemons and limes contain limonoids, which are compounds that may help prevent and treat cancer. Although lemons and limes both provide these benefits, the higher vitamin C content of lemons makes them a slightly better option.
Similar Nutrient Content
Comparing lemons and limes by weight reveals that the two are almost indistinguishable nutritionally. Both contain around 30 calories, 2.8 grams of dietary fiber and between 2 and 3 percent of your daily intake of vitamin B-9 in 100 grams, which is the weight of approximately 1.5 limes or 1/2 cup of peeled lemon. Although limes contain slightly more carbohydrates and slightly less protein than lemons, these differences have little effect on your daily intake.
Vitamin C Content
Lemons and limes are not a source of most vitamins and minerals. However, both contain large amounts of vitamin C and differ greatly in their vitamin C content. With 53 milligrams of vitamin C, 100 grams of lemons provide 71 percent of a woman’s and 59 percent of a man’s daily intake. In contrast, the 29 milligrams of vitamin C in 100 grams of limes are 39 percent of a woman’s and 32 percent of a man’s daily vitamin C.
Top Ten Reasons To Have Chestnut iin:
- Lemon/lime water helps purify and stimulate the liver. Lemon/lime water liquefies bile while inhibiting excess bile flow.
- Lemon/lime water aids digestion. It’s atomic composition is similar to saliva and the hydrochloric acid of digestive juices.
- The liver produces more enzymes from lemon/lime water than any other food, according to A.F. Beddoe, author of Biological Ionization as Applied to Human Nutrition.
- The lemon/lime water helps bowels eliminate naturally and easily.
- Lemons and limes are high in potassium. Potassium is an important mineral that works with sodium for smooth electrical transmission in the brain and nervous system. Depression, anxiety, fogginess, and forgetfulness can often be traced to low potassium blood levels. That same nervous system needs potassium to assure steady signals to the heart. So your heart health is improved from the lemon water’s potassium.
- Calcium and magnesium are plentiful in good ratio to each other in lemon/lime water. Magnesium is important for heart health and calcium prevents rickets.
- Lemon/lime water can help lower blood pressure.
- Lemon/lime water has an alkalizing effect in the body as it is buffered. Even if you drink it just before any meal, it will help your body maintain a higher pH than if you didn’t drink it. The higher or more alkaline your pH, the more your inner terrain is resistant to minor and major disease.
- Helps dilute uric acid, which if it accumulates it creates arthritic pain or gout.
- Helps reduce phlegm in the body.
When it comes to taste lime juice are much sweeter compared to lemon juice, which has a sour taste. In terms of nourishment, lime is superior to lemon. Lime contains higher phosphorous, vitamin A, calcium, folate and vitamin C while lemon is rich in potassium and magnesium. In terms of antiseptic use, lime juice is not usually used compared to lemon juice, which is regularly found in hand and soap washes. Both contain citric acid but lime juice contains less than lemon juice. Lemon juice contains 1.10g/ounce and lime juice contains 1.06/ounce.
Lime and lemon are very useful and contains essential nutrients that are good for your body. They also have many uses, from adding flavor, antiseptic and all other uses. Whichever you may choose, you will never go wrong.
Limes and lemons are from the same citrus fruit family, rich in vitamin C but different in color. Limes are green and smaller, whereas lemons are yellow and big in size. Despite the difference in flavor, color and size; limes and lemons have the same nutritional benefits and are low in calories.
Those who are conscious of health and diet can add lemons to their nutritional diet as a good dietary fiber which can help to meet their daily needs of Vitamin B-9 and C.
Mainly, limes and lemons contain limonoids that supports most favorable health. It helps to treat & prevent cancer. If you gain the complete idea about the difference between lime and lemon and the compounds present in them, for sure you are going to be choosy in selecting them for your health benefits and use in the kitchen.
Contains similar content of nutrients
When comparing limes and lemons, the weight itself reveals that these are almost impossible to differentiate in nutritional values. Both have nearly 30 calories and 2.8 grams of dietary fiber and 2-3% of vitamin B-9 intake that weighs to nearly 1.5 times of half mug peeled lemon. Even though, the lime has (to some extent) more carbohydrates, and less protein when compared to lemons, these dissimilarities present little effect on your everyday intake.
Has good Vitamin C substance
Limes and lemons are not a rich source of minerals and vitamins, but contains large amount of Vitamin C. With nearly 53 milligrams of vitamin C, 100 grams of lemons present 71 % of a woman’s and 59% of man’s normal ingestion. In disparity, 29 milligrams of Vitamin C in 100 grams of limes are 39 % of a woman & 32% of a man’s regular eating diet.
Different in taste
Lemons are sourer than limes as lemons contain more citric acid and limes have less of it. As per the scientific name, lemons are Citrus Limon which is very tart and acidic in flavor.
Make a cocktail as per your use
Lemons and limes hold an important place in adding to the drinks and cocktails in the form of simple syrup. If you are very passionate and a professional in designing a drink or a cocktail, you need to know the consistency of citric acid in limes and lemons based upon which you can add it to the cocktail to enjoy the taste. You can try making a sweet and sour cocktail with the changes using lime and lemon as this process is creative and good to follow anytime in future.
Contains similar content of nutrients
When comparing limes and lemons, the weight itself reveals that these are almost impossible to differentiate in nutritional values. Both have nearly 30 calories and 2.8 grams of dietary fiber and 2-3% of vitamin B-9 intake that weighs to nearly 1.5 times of half mug peeled lemon. Even though, the lime has to some extent more carbohydrates, and less protein when compared to lemons, these dissimilarities present little effect on your everyday intake.
Has good Vitamin C substance
Limes and lemons are not a rich source of minerals and vitamins, but contain a large amount of Vitamin C. With nearly 53 milligrams of vitamin C, 100 grams of lemons present 71 % of a woman’s and 59% of man’s normal ingestion. In disparity, 29 milligrams of Vitamin C in 100 grams of limes are 39 % of a woman & 32% of a man’s regular eating diet.
Different in taste
Lemons are sourer than limes as lemons contain more citric acid and limes have less of it. As per the scientific name, lemons are Citrus Limon which is very tart and acidic in flavor. Lemons are a traverse between citron and lines and are in use for about 2,500 years and popular in adding as flavors and preservatives in a variety of foods and beverages to use in a fresh way anytime.
Make a cocktail as per your use
Lemons and limes hold an important place in adding to the drinks and cocktails in the form of simple syrup. If you are very passionate and a professional in designing a drink or a cocktail, you need to know the consistency of citric acid in limes and lemons based upon which you can add it to the cocktail and enjoy the taste. Try making a sweet and sour cocktail with the changes using lime and lemon as this process is creative and good to follow anytime in future.
Health benefits of lime and lemon
Limes and lemons have good antioxidants and anti cancer properties as the inclusion of lime juice was a part of everyday life and diet of people in West Africa, where cholera epidemics took place. Researches began to conduct experiments by adding lime juice to the mush eaten with rice and finally found to have strong and protective result to fight cholera and other viral diseases.
History Of Lime Juice
Lauchlan Rose of Leith (1776-1857) patented a method to preserve citrus juice without alcohol in 1867. He had realised that preserving the juice with sugar rather than alcohol opened the product up to a far wider market.
The first factory producing lime juice was set up by Rose on Commercial Street in Leith, Scotland in 1868. This was located adjacent to the Old East Dock built during the Napoleonic War. This aided both the supply of limes (which do not grow in the UK), and its proximity to what was then Scotland’s principal harbour for the Royal Navy. The limes at this time largely came from Dominica in the West Indies. In 1893, Rose purchased plantations there to ensure his supply. This was further supplemented by plantations from Africa from the region now called Ghana.
In 1875 the company had grown so much that it built and moved its headquarters to new premises in London (though still retaining its Leith production). In 1940, during The Blitz, it moved its headquarters from the London docks (a key German target) to St. Albans. After the end of World War II, the company saw its market share in the UK grow. In 1957, Schweppes acquired the company and operated it in the UK until it purchased Mott’s in 1982. Cadbury Schweppes merged the operations of the two brands in the United States and Rose’s US products became domestically produced.
When Cadbury divested its US beverage operations in 2008, Rose’s was transferred to the newly formed Keurig Dr Pepper.
Nutritional Value Of Lime Juice
Predominantly known for its ascorbic acid reserves, lime provides 32% of the daily recommended vitamin C intake. It has high water content and a good source of minerals like calcium, iron, copper, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium as well as vitamins like folate, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K.
The best thing about lime is that it has the least amount of calories, carbohydrates, and fats. A single serving (67 g) of lime provides 20 kcal of energy. Moreover, lime peel and pulp are also rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, flavonol glycosides like kaempferol, as well as diverse phytochemicals like polyphenols, limonene, and terpenes.
Amount of nutrition per 100g
- Calories 25
- fat 0.1g
- Sodium 2mg
- Potassium 117mg
- Carbohydrates 8g
- Dietary Fiber 0.4g
- Protein 0.4g
- Vitamin A 1% RDA
- Vitamin C 50% RDA
- Calcium 1% RDA
- Magnesium 2% RDA
Macronutrients, Fiber and Calories
A 1-cup portion of fresh lime juice contains 1 gram of protein, 0.17 grams of total fat, which is 2 percent of the daily value set by the United States Food and Drug Administration based on a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet, and about 20 carbohydrate grams, which is just 7 percent of the DV. One cup of fresh lime juice has 1 gram of fiber, which is 4 percent of the DV, and 60 calories. Additionally, lime juice has a trace amount of fat and is cholesterol free.
Micronutrient Value
limeLime juice is rich in vitamin C. A 1-cup portion of fresh lime juice contains 73 milligrams, which is more than 100 percent of the daily value set by the FDA. Vitamin C is crucial to the development of the body’s connective tissue, for healing wounds and supporting blood vessel walls. Lime juice contains other important micronutrients in lesser amounts, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin A and B vitamins.
Flavonoid Value
Flavonoids are pigments that give plants their color. Citrus fruits and their juices are rich in flavonoids, which act as potent antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect your body from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage healthy cells. According to Linus Pauling Institute, a diet rich in flavonoids is linked to a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, degenerative nerve diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, and certain cancers.
Citric Acid Value
Citric acid, which gives the juice of sour limes its tart taste, may provide valuable protection for your body. In a study that investigated the antibacterial activity of lime juice against a species of harmful bacteria, lime juice was effective in decreasing the spread of the bacteria due to citric acid in the juice, according to an article published in the “Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology” in April 2006. The results suggest that fresh lime juice is effective in preventing certain bacterial infections.
Increases Iron Absorption
Vitamin C in lime when paired with foods rich in iron helps maximize the body’s ability to absorb iron. Those suffering from iron-deficiency anemia symptoms like dizziness, brittle nails, hair loss, and fatigue should add lime to their diet!
Health Benefits of Lime Juice
1. Skin Health
Lime is rich in Vitamin C which helps rejuvenate the skin and protect it against infections. Vitamin C and flavonoids helps reduce body odor.When applied externally on the skin, its acids scrub out dead cells and cure dandruff, rashes, and bruises. It can also be used to create a refreshing bathing experience if its juice or oil is mixed in your bath.
2. Weight Loss
Citric acid in lime helps burn fat. A glass of warm water with a full lime’s worth of juice is an excellent weight reducer as well as a brilliant refresher and antioxidant drink.
3. Eye Care
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant which help protect eyes from aging and macular degeneration. On top of that, flavonoids help protect them from infections.
4. Cures Fever
Vitamin C have fever-reducing qualities, it helps lower body temperature.
5. Prevents Gum Bleeding
Gum bleeding and microbial growth are caused by a deficiency in Vitamnin C. Vitamin C in lime cures scurvy, the flavonoids inhibit microbial growth, and potassium heals ulcers and wounds.
6. Treats Urinary Disorders
Potassium in lime helps in the removal of toxic substances and the the precipitates deposited in kidneys and the urinary bladder. Due to its disinfectant properties it helps cure infections in the urinary system and helps clear blockage of urine caused due to the buildup of calcium in the urinary tract.
7. Helps fight cholera
Due to its disinfectant properties it can be added to infected water to treat it. Numerous studies were done on this application of lime juice, particularly following the horrible outbreak of cholera in Guinea-Bissau in 1994.
8. Heals Peptic Ulcer
Lime juice contains flavonoids (limonoids such as limonin glucoside) which have antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, antibiotic, and detoxifying properties that stimulate the healing process of peptic and oral ulcers.
9. Helps manage diabetes
Lime contains high levels of soluble fiber which help regulate the body’s absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, reducing the occurrence of blood sugar spikes that are a serious risk to diabetic patients.
10. Relieves Constipation
Primarily, the ample amount of acid present in lime helps clear the excretory system by washing and cleaning the tracts, just as some acids are used to clean floors and toilets. The roughage in lime is also helpful in easing constipation. An overdose of lime juice with salt also acts as an excellent purgative without any side effects, thereby relieving constipation.
11. Prevents Heart Diseases
Soluble fiber and limonin found in lime help lower blood pressure. This helps cut down on inflammation of the blood vessels, which prevents heart diseases. Also, potassium and magnesium in lime improves blood circulation and boosts heart health.
12. Lowers Risk of Stroke
Vitamin C in lime juice and lime peels lowers ischemic stroke risks, especially for women. It also helps slow down the progression of coronary heart diseases like atherosclerosis by decreasing fatty streaks in arteries.
13. Lowers Cholesterol
Hesperidin, a flavonoid present in lime, helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body.
14. Prevents Cancer
Lime scavenges free radicals and reduces oxidative stress.Antioxidant-packed phytochemicals like flavonoids, flavones, triterpenoid, and limonoids in lime have potent cancer-fighting properties.They can stop the growth of various cancer cells preventing colon, breast, prostate, pancreatic, stomach, lungs, kidneys, and blood cancer. It is also capable of eradicating cancer cells in some cases.
15. Reduces inflammation
Arthritis, gout, and other joint problems are caused by inflammation. Vitamin C can reduce the level of inflammation in your body, so adding lime juice to water can relieve symptoms of arthritis and similar conditions that cause joint pain and stiffness. A study from the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases reported that those who consumed the least amount of vitamin C were more than three times as likely to develop arthritis.
Limes can also reduce uric acid levels. Uric acid is a waste product the body produces when breaking down foods that contain purines, like meat, liver, mushrooms, and dried beans. High levels of uric acid can cause gout.
16. Fights infections
Your risk of an infection is higher during cold and flu season. If you want to stay healthy, sip on lime juice throughout the day. The vitamin C and antioxidants in limes can strengthen your immune system and help your body fight off infections such as the cold and flu virus. It may also shorten the duration of an illness.
17. Lowers blood sugar
As an excellent source of vitamin C, limes can be helpful for people with diabetes. Limes have a low glycemic index and help regulate how your body absorbs sugar into the bloodstream. As a result, you may experience fewer blood sugar spikes.
18. Prevents Kidney Stone
The citric acid in fresh or concentrated lime juice helps remove and prevent kidney stones by increasing urinary citrate and urine volume. A study showed that consuming lemonade for nearly four years decrease kidney stone formation from an average of one stone per year down to just 0.13 per year.
19. Treats Scurvy – Ref
For ages, use of lime is a well-known cure for scurvy, a disease caused due to the deficiency of vitamin C. It is characterized by frequent infections that show as normal cold symptoms, cracked lips, and lip corners.
20. Treats Respiratory Disorders
The flavonoid-rich oil that is extracted from limes is extensively used in anti-congestive medicines such as balms, vaporizers, and inhalers due to the presence of kaempferol. Just scratching the peel of a lime and inhaling it gives immediate relief from congestion and nausea. Vitamin C also prevents the trigger of asthma caused by air pollution.
21. Treats Arthritis
One of the many causes of arthritis is an excess build-up of uric acid in the body. The citric acid found in limes is a solvent in which uric acid can dissolve. Increasing citric acid in the body helps eliminate excess uric acid from the urine. Citrus fruits, in general, have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used for a number of inflammatory issues.
22. Treats Gout
There are two main causes of gout. The first source is the accumulation of free radicals and the second is the accumulation of toxins in the body, primarily uric acid. Limes can help prevent both of the causes, due to the presence of abundant antioxidants, vitamin C, and flavonoids.
23. Treats Piles
Since lime helps heal ulcers and wounds in the digestive and excretory system while providing relief from constipation, it eradicates all the root causes of piles. Piles are a different term for hemorrhoids, an uncomfortable condition that occurs in the anal region, and can result in bleeding and discomfort during excretion. It can help prevent their formation or recurrence.
24. Antimicrobial and Antibacterial
Lime intake protects the body against various microbes, virus, and bacteria including Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) and Salmonella bacteria infections.
25. Hair Care
Applying lime juice to the scalp and hair has tremendous benefits like shiny, healthy, and dandruff-free hair as well as a healthy scalp. Apply lime juice to your hair and expose your hair to sunlight for an hour. Then, rinse it. This will make your hair 2-3 shades lighter in color.
26. Boosts Women’s Health
Calcium and folate present in lime are two important nutrients for women in menopausal and child-bearing age.
How To Make Lime Juice
Lime juice is an important ingredient in many southwestern, Caribbean, and Latin America dishes. You can also combine it with water and sugar to make limeade, a puckery-sweet drink that rivals lemonade. It’s easy to make your own lime juice from fresh limes, and freshly squeezed lime juice is far more flavorful than the bottled concentrate from the grocery store. Read on to learn how to make lime juice.
Things You’ll Need
- Fresh, whole limes
- A sharp knife a bowl or jar
- A citrus juicer (optional)
- A fine grater (optional, for making lime zest)
Select your limes. Limes are generally small—about half the size of your fist—and should have a glossy skin that is deep, bright green with a little bit of yellow. The fruit should be firm but with a little bit of give—not too squishy but not rock hard, either.
Fresh, whole limes can be stored at room temperature and out of direct sunlight for a week or two, and even longer in a cool root cellar. They may also be stored in the refrigerator for two weeks or more, although their pungency will diminish over time. If you refrigerate your limes, allow them to come to room temperature before juicing.
To make lime juice, first wash and dry your limes, then slice each one in half with a sharp knife.
If you have a citrus juicer, press or squeeze the lime halves according to the directions of your juicer.
Otherwise, simply squeeze each lime half over a bowl or jar until all the juice is extracted. If you are squeezing limes by hand, you might need to strain or scoop out any seeds or pulp that fell into the juice. Each lime will yield 1 to 2 tbsp. of juice.
Freshly squeezed lime juice is best used immediately, but it can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You may also freeze lime juice in ice cube trays, then transfer the frozen cubes to a zipper-topped bag. Frozen lime juice can be kept for six months or more.
Don’t throw that rind away. You can use the spent lime peel to make lime zest. Gently rub the outside of the lime against a fine grater. Be sure to only grate off the very outside of the peel—the colored part—and not the bitter white pith. Fresh lime zest should be used immediately. You can also dry it in a food dehydrator or a very low-heat oven and store it for two to three months.
Uses of Limes
Limes have many surprising medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic uses. Below are some of them.
- Culinary Uses: Lime juice adds a tart flavor to soups, salads, vegetables, and also baked foods. Squeezing some lime on roasted chicken or pan-fried white fish can add a tangy taste to it. It is also widely used in the preparation of desserts, pickles, jams, jellies, snacks, and candies.
- Cleansing Agent: It can easily increase the cleansing properties of any facial cleanser or shampoo by merely adding 2-3 drops of it.
- Aromatherapy & Perfumes: Lime essential oil is used in aromatherapy and perfumes for its fragrance and its stimulating effect on the body and mind.
- Beverages: Lime is the most favorite ingredient when it comes to cocktails, sorbets, and fresh beverages.
- Cosmetic Products: Lime is used in cosmetic products like body oil, hair oil, toothpaste, beauty soap, disinfectant, mouthwash, and deodorant.
- Medicinal Uses: Because of limes’ antibacterial, antiseptic, and disinfectant properties, the peel, oil, and juice of the fruit have medicinal uses. It is also used in making anti-congestive medicines and to treat severe diarrhea.
Limes vs. Lemons
Given their similarities in taste and nutrition, it’s easy to understand why so many people mix up these two citrus fruits. They’re both packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, supply similar benefits to health, and are both used to bring a bit of flavor and zing to recipes.
However, there are also plenty of differences that set apart the lime vs. lemon, including some pretty notable differences in appearance. Limes tend to be smaller than lemons and have a vibrant green color while lemons are bright yellow. Additionally, limes are often less sour and have a smoother taste, though they can be used interchangeably in many recipes.
As far as nutrition, though, there are some noteworthy differences between the two. Lemons are incredibly high in vitamin C; in fact, the amount of vitamin C in lemon vs. orange is almost equal. Limes, on the other hand, are slightly lower in vitamin C. Gram for gram, there is about half the amount of vitamin C in limes vs. lemons. The lemon nutrition profile is also a bit more substantial, with higher amounts of several micronutrients like vitamin B6 and folate.
Where to Find and How to Use Limes
Limes are grown year-round, primarily in warm, tropical and subtropical regions around the world, such as India, Mexico and Egypt, though it can vary based on the type of lime. They are also widely available at most grocery stores and can be found in the produce aisle, usually right next to the lemons and other citrus fruits. Look for a fruit that feels heavy for its size and has the characteristic bright lime color with minimal discoloration.
In cooking, limes are usually used to add a bit of zest and complement the flavors of foods and drinks. They are considered a staple ingredient in Thai, Mexican and Vietnamese cuisine and are even used for pickling in some parts of the world. Limes are also commonly used to add flavor to cocktails and drinks. There are a myriad of potential lime uses that extend beyond the kitchen as well. For example, lime extract can be found in some cleaning products, perfumes and aromatherapy oils.
Lime Recipes
Cauliflower Rice with Cilantro and Lime
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 4 cups grated cauliflower
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- juice of one lime
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- sea salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a large pan, melt ghee over medium high heat.
- Add in cauliflower and minced garlic, stirring occasionally.
- Cook cauliflower for 5-10 minutes then remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, add in cauliflower mixture.
- Pour in lime juice and mix well.
- Stir in chopped cilantro.
- Add sea salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
Salty Lime Roasted Nuts Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups of raw cashews
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ lime, juiced
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375.
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Spread out on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes.
- Allow to cool before eating.
Frozen Berries with Coconut and Lime Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups berries (your choice)
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Directions
Place berries in a bowl and pour coconut milk and lime juice over. Mix and freeze until hardened.
Grilled Chili Cilantro Lime Chicken Grilled Chili Cilantro Lime Chicken
If you will be making this chicken for a salad, double the marinade and reserve half for the dressing. Be sure to reserve it before adding the marinade to the chicken in order to avoid contamination.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 4 medium chicken breasts boneless, skin-less (or thighs)
- Marinade:
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- zest of one lime or 1 tsp
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves chopped finely
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon red chilli flakes adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground Cumin
Instructions
- Whisk the ingredients for the marinade in a small bowl. Place chicken in a large plastic bag or bowl and add the marinade to the chicken. Mix to combine. Seal bag or cover bowl with plastic bag and place in the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Pre-heat grill, pan or griddle to medium-high heat. Grill chicken fillets for 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through and the skin is golden and lightly charred. Rest for 5 minutes then slice and serve on salad, rice, noodles, or tortillas. Garnish with chopped cilantro and Enjoy!
Lime Oil
The essential oil of lime is extracted by cold compression of fresh lime peels or by steam distillation of its dried peels.It has antiseptic, antiviral, astringent, aperitif, bactericidal, disinfectant, febrifuge, hemostatic, restorative properties.
Health Benefits of Lime Oil
1.Helps stop bleeding
Lime oil helps stop bleeding either by promoting the coagulation of blood or by means of contracting the blood vessels, is considered a hemostatic. Lime oil is a hemostatic, by virtue of its astringent properties, which help to reduce hemorrhaging by contracting the blood vessels.
2. Cures Infections
Due to its antiseptic properties Lime oil cure infections and protect against their development. More specifically, it can prevent tetanus if you are wounded by iron. When externally applied, lime oil can cure infections of the skin and wounds. When consumed, it effectively helps to cure infections of the throat, mouth, colon, stomach, intestines, and urinary system. It is miraculously effective in curing sores, gangrene, psoriasis, ulcers, rashes, carbuncles, and other similar problems.
3. Prevents Viral Infections
This essential oil helps to fight and protect against viral infections which may cause the common cold, mumps, measles, pox, and similar diseases.
4. Cures Toothache
Lime oil is an astringent and helps to cure toothaches, strengthen the grip of gums on the teeth, and protect them from falling out. It also tightens loose muscles and gives a feeling of firmness, fitness, and youth.
5. Increases Appetite
The very smell of lime oil is mouthwatering. In small doses, it serves as an appetizer or an aperitif. It also activates the secretion of digestive juices into the stomach before you even start eating and increases your hunger and appetite.
6. Treats Bacterial Infections
Lime oil is a good bactericide and can be used to treat food poisoning, diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera, all of which are caused by bacteria. Furthermore, it can cure internal bacterial infections like those in the colon, stomach, intestines, and urinary tract as well as external infections on the skin, ears, eyes, and in wounds.
7. Effective Disinfectant
Lime oil is also known for its disinfectant properties. If added to food, it protects them from getting spoiled through infection by microbes. When consumed, it can cure the microbial infection in the colon, urinary tract, kidneys, and genitals. When applied externally, it protects the skin and wounds from infections and helps them heal quickly. It can also be used in a diluted state for applying on the scalp. This strengthens the hair and protects them from various infections like lice.
8. Reduces Fever
Lime oil is antiallergenic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, cicatrizant, fungicidal and antiseptic substance which can cure the causes of fever since fever is a symptom that shows the immune system of the body is fighting against infections or various unwanted substances.
9. Prevents Signs of Aging
Lime essential oil tones up muscles, tissues, and skin as well as the various systems that function in the body, including the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, digestive, and excretory systems. This tonic effect helps to retain youth for a long time and prevents the appearance of aging symptoms like hair loss, wrinkles, age spots, and muscle weakness.
10. Alleviates pain
Lime oil helps relieve pain whether it is chronic joint pain or muscular aches.
Negative Effects of Lime:
Although limes do not have major side effects, excessive intake may cause some issues like:
Skin allergy: Itchiness, redness, and swelling.
Food allergy: Hives, asthma, and flushed skin.
Eroded enamel: Overconsumption of limes may erode the tooth enamel and increase its sensitivity due to the high amount of citric acid.
Phytophotodermatitis: In some cases, applying the lime juice to the skin directly may increase skin sensitivity to UV rays, resulting in phytophotodermatitis.
Migraine trigger: Tyramine present in the citrus fruit can cause migraine trigger in some people.
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