Is Lime a superfood? Find out what the experts say, get serving sizes, and health benefits
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Perspective from Leticia Soares
Benefits
- Lime helps in management of blood pressure. Lime contains potassium, a mineral that lowers blood pressure. Thus, the regular consumption of lime helps to keep the pressure within a healthy range, preventing hypertensive crises.
- Lime has antiseptic and antibiotic effect. Lime is rich in flavonoids, which act preventing and controlling infections caused by microorganisms, especially in the oral mucosa and throat.
- Lime consumption boosts the immune system. The vitamin C is abundant in lime, and it increases the production of white blood cells, which fight infections.
- Lime can help to improve liver health. When lime is consumed diluted in warm water while fasting, it has properties that help in the treatment of hepatic steatosis.
- Lime is a great antioxidant. Lime is a source of vitamin C, flavonoids and limonene. All these components have demonstrated important antioxidant properties.
- Lime helps to control nausea. Lime peel is rich in limonene, which is a chemical organic substance that helps to control the nausea sensation and it can be recommended for pregnant women.
- Lime helps in the health of digestive system. The acidity of lime stimulates the production of bile, which is essential for efficient digestion of dietary fat.
- Lime prevents and fight iron deficiency anemia. The vitamin C of lime helps our organism in the absorption of iron from plant foods.
Quantity Recommendation
- The recommendation is to consume one or two lime per day. It can be consumed every day without problems. For patients with gastrointestinal irritations is important to avoid consuming the pure fruit while fasting. It is highly recommended always to consume lime diluted in water.
Perspective from Alli ShircliffBenefits
- Limes are a great source of Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant that fights free radicals that could cause oxidative damage to cells.
- The citric acid in limes may help prevent kidney stones from forming and may break up stones that are starting to form.
- The Vitamin C in limes helps the body absorb iron better. Iron is needed to make red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout the body.
Quantity Recommendation
- Limes can be part of a daily diet as long as they are tolerated in a person's digestive system. Adding lime juice to water or squeezing the juice over tacos or soup are great ways to add lime.
Reference: Story by Leticia Soares, Postgraduate Degree