5 Health Benefits of Limes

Did you know that there over twenty different types of limes, most of which can be cooked with?¹ The origin of limes is attributed to a hybrid of citron and C. micrantha, which are fruits grown in the Philippines.²

Here are five health benefits of limes.

Full of Nutrients

One of the health benefits of limes is that it is high in nutrients. Limes are low in sugar and sodium. In particular, one lime has:

20 calories
7 grams of carbohydrates
2 grams of fiber
1/3 of the recommended Daily Value of vitamin C³

Provides Immunity

An additional health benefit of limes is that they can boost your immune system. The vitamin C in limes helps your body create more white blood cells, which results in a shorter cold, reduced inflammation, and helps heal wounds faster due to an increase in collagen production.⁴

Additionally, vitamin C and the increase in collagen production help protect your gut’s protective lining. Vitamin C in limes can shield your body from toxins and pollutants. Lastly, limes contain folates, which is a property that helps T-cells calm an overactive immune system.⁵

Beneficial for Your Skin

Another health benefit of limes is that they may benefit your skin. The vitamin C in limes has collagen which is a protein that firms your skin. Additionally, a study of 4,000 women found that the more vitamin C they consumed, the greater the probability of less wrinkles and dried skin.^6,7

Additionally, the citric acid in limes can help get rid of pimples. Specifically, the citric acid can cause your skin to peel and regrow. It is recommended to only use a small of amount of citric acid and to leave it on your skin for five to ten minutes every other day for a few weeks.⁸

Heart Health

An additional health benefit of limes is that it may help improve your heart health. This is because the vitamin C and fiber in limes is correlated to a lower chance of dying from cardiovascular diseases.⁹ Additionally, a study conducted by Soochow University in China found that if someone has small amounts of vitamin C in their body, the lower the chance of stroke.¹⁰

Another study conducted by the ARYA Atherosclerosis Journal found that the peels and citric acid in limes were found to lower the number of fatty streaks in the coronary arteries. These fatty streaks can cause a buildup of plaque and lead to heart disease.¹¹

Fights Against Cancer

Another health benefit is that limes may help fight against cancer. This is due to the antioxidants found in limes. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect your body from free radicals, which are cancer-causing compounds.¹²

Additionally, a study conducted by medical journal Plant Medica found that geranyloxy methoxycoumarin, a compound in limes, may prevent the growth of colon cancer cells by sixty-seven percent.¹³

Ways to Eat More Limes

There are a variety of ways you can incorporate more limes into your diet. Here are some examples of how you can enjoy limes and the health benefits that come along with them:

Make a key lime pie
Add lime to you water
Squeeze a lime over guacamole
Add lime to tequila¹⁴
Serve limes alongside seafood¹⁵

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Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.

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