In this blog, I wanted to spotlight the health benefits of limes. Limes are a popular citrus fruit that many people enjoy in the winter months and all year long. That’s because limes have a refreshing, somewhat sour taste and are loaded with nutrients your body needs. Like lemons, limes are a juicy fruit with a crisp taste and are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Limes contain a variety of other vitamins and minerals as well, which help stave off colds, flu and more. Some nutrients found in limes include vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, potassium, magnesium, copper and B vitamins. Limes have other health benefits, as well. 

Health Benefits of Limes

Helps Aid Digestion

Limes are an acidic fruit, so they help break down other types of food making them good for digestion. Limes help promote saliva production and help stimulate the production of digestive juices in your gut, which helps promote a healthy microbiome. Limes may also be beneficial to those individuals that experience acid reflux or heart burn symptoms because of their acidic properties. Try drinking a glass of water with a squeeze of lime or lime wedge before a heavy meal, or going to bed to help prevent reflux and any burning sensations caused from it.

Helps Boost Immunity

Limes are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, so they help protect your body and build immunity. Vitamin C also helps fight inflammation in the body and is beneficial in fighting off inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, gout and cancer. Foods rich in vitamin C and other nutrients help promote healthy cells and help your body function at an optimal level.

Helps With Iron Deficiency And Anemia

Limes and other foods rich in vitamin C help boost iron absorption in the body. In fact, in my book, Wholey Cow It Works! A Holistic Guide To Eating And Recovery From Iron Deficiency, I talk about how everyone needs an ample amount of iron in their diet, whether they have an iron deficiency or not. Iron is needed in order for you body to function properly and to promote healthy blood cell production and prevent iron deficiency and anemia. To help absorb more iron in your diet, try pairing whole grains, beans, lentils or spinach with vegetables that have acidic properties or fruit like limes that contain vitamin C.

May Boost Heart Health

Like some other fruit and vegetables, limes have been found to help improve heart health. Limes are rich in vitamin C, which has been shown to help fight coronary heart disease. In addition, limes contain potassium, which helps lower blood pressure making it a good food to add to your diet.

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Source:

¹Stanko, Caroline. “8 Healthy Reasons to Start Drinking Water With a Splash of Lime Juice.” Taste of Home, www.tasteofhome.com/collection/benefits-of-lime/.

²Higuera, Valencia. “8 Benefits of Lime Water for Health and Weight Loss.” Healthline.com, 23 Aug. 2016, www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/lime-water-benefits#skin.