Health Benefits of Limes
These zesty little fruits provide vitamin C, folate, potassium and fibre, along with citrus flavonoids such as hesperidin and compounds called limonoids.
Wellness
The lime has long been celebrated for its bright, tropical punch of flavour. Here is what it brings to a balanced diet:
Immune health One lime provides around a third of an adult’s daily vitamin C needs, which supports the normal function of your immune system.
Healthy blood A squeeze of lime over leafy greens, lentils or beans helps your body absorb the iron in them, thanks to its vitamin C.
Heart health Citrus flavonoids and potassium support healthy blood vessels and blood pressure, and lime juice is a great way to add flavour without salt.
Kidney health The citrate in lime and lemon juice may help reduce the risk of some types of kidney stones.
Antioxidants Vitamin C and citrus limonoids help protect your cells from everyday oxidative stress, and researchers are studying limonoids for their potential health effects.
For women after menopause Bone health becomes especially important after menopause. Vitamin C is needed to make collagen, part of the framework of bone, and enjoying citrus as part of a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D and protein, plus regular weight-bearing exercise, all helps.
Beauty
From the inside Vitamin C helps your body make collagen for firm, radiant skin.
Important skin warning Don’t put lime juice or peel on your skin before going out in the sun. Lime contains compounds that react with sunlight and can cause painful burns and dark patches (phytophotodermatitis). Enjoy limes in your food and choose properly formulated skincare instead.
Weight management
Limes are very low in kilojoules, and a squeeze adds big flavour to water, dressings and marinades, an easy swap for sugary drinks and heavy sauces.
Cooking with limes
The lime is the zesty tropical cousin of the lemon, with a tropical flair, and this twist of tangy effervescence has infused thousands of tantalizing culinary creations
Stir up a big pitcher of homecrafted limeade, perfect to quench your thirst on a hot summer’s day or give you a quick delicious immune-boosting shot of vitamin C in the winter. Just combine a half cup fresh lime juice, the zest from those squeezed limes, four cups of water, simple syrup made of sugar or even honey, pour into a large pitcher, refrigerate for at least an hour and serve in festive glasses garnished with mint sprigs
Peel the skin, blanch it and keep it in olive oil in the fridge for up to a few days (or freeze it for longer), and use it in soups, stews, salads and curries for fantastic flavour
A really lovely appetizer that highlights limes is a Thai coconut soup lavished with fresh lime juice, lime leaves, Thai chillies, garlic cloves, chicken stock and unsweetened coconut milk, to name a few of the main ingredients in this sumptuous starter that can either be served warm or chilled
Chili-lime rubs are all the rage these days and are quite simple to make at home. Really, they are just a combo of lime juice and rinds, minced garlic, quality EVOO, and a plethora of awesome and easy to find in the supermarket aisles spices including chili powder, coriander, cumin,
cinnamon, oregano and good ol’ salt and pepper. This rub is perfect massaged into pre-grilled skinless chicken breasts or even a whole oven roasted chicken
Lime juice and lime zest can be incorporated with some fish sauce, curry paste and a variety of exotic spices of your choosing such as coriander and made into an outrageously delectable broth on which to rest your gently seared Salmon fillet.
This article is general information about food and wellbeing, not medical advice. Please talk to your GP or a qualified health professional about any health condition, medication or major change to your diet.
