Lime: beneficial properties, application, benefits and harm to humans

Lime - a type of citrus plant that was previously popular only in South Asian countries, but now takes pride of place in European stores. This fruit is used in cooking, as a cosmetic and medicinal product. It has many beneficial effects, so it is used for various purposes: to improve the health of the body, strengthen the immune system, and maintain the functioning of organs and systems. The medicinal properties of the fruit are especially noticeable when consumed regularly and correctly.

Lime is a unique citrus fruit that allows you to cope with various ailments and diseases, improving the general condition of the body.
Note! Despite the fact that many consider lime to be absolutely harmless, contraindications still exist. Therefore, before using it for the treatment and prevention of diseases, you must consult your doctor.

What is lime: all about the benefits and harms of lime

Lime belongs to a species of citrus plants of the Rutaceae family. Place of origin: India, Malacca Peninsula. Genetically, it is similar to lemon, but unlike the latter, it bears fruit in a humid tropical climate, so in the tropics it is the “main” citrus.

Lime fruits are small - 3-6 cm in diameter, egg-shaped, the pulp is juicy, sweet and sour. Depending on the variety, the peel is yellow or green and very thin when fully ripe. The plant blooms and produces fruits all year round. The main harvest occurs between August and October.

On a note! The shelf life of the fruit is 1.5-2 months at a temperature of +9...+11°C and a relative air humidity of 85-90%.

Many housewives add lime to various dishes. It allows you to give them a unique taste and aroma.

Citrus is mainly cultivated and supplied from India, Mexico, Cuba, and Egypt. Many varieties and hybrids of lime have been developed, differing in taste, nutritional and medicinal properties. The most popular variety is Mexican.

How to select and store limes

The most popular varieties of lime that can be found in stores and on the market are Mexican, Palestinian and Persian. When choosing fruits, pay attention to the following indicators:

• fresh appearance;
• peel with a characteristic natural shine, without dark spots and signs of deterioration. The highly shiny fruit is treated with chemicals;
• Even color of the peel indicates that the fruit is ripe. If there are spots on it, the lime is not ripe or spoiled;
• the fruit is elastic, but not hard. Soft fruits are spoiled inside;
• fresh fruit is aromatic, with a pronounced smell of essential oil or citrus. If the lime smells unpleasant, smells moldy or rotten, you shouldn’t buy it.

When properly stored in a cool, dry place, limes can stay fresh for up to 3 weeks. Fruit can be stored at room temperature for a week.

Calorie content and chemical composition of lime

Calorie content of lime - 30 kcal per 100 g, protein / fat / carbohydrate content - 0.7 g / 0.2 g / 7.7 g.

Chemical composition:

• organic acids;
• alimentary fiber;
• water;
• Sahara;
• vitamin A;
• beta-carotene;
• vitamins B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B9;
• vitamins C, E, K, PP;
• trace elements: iron, manganese, copper, selenium, zinc;
• macroelements: potassium, calcium, silicon, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus;
• amino acids;
• fatty acids: omega-3, omega-6, myristic, palmitic, stearic, linoleic, linolenic.

Beneficial properties of lime for humans

Lime contains many biologically active components that determine its medicinal properties. When consumed regularly, citrus restores health, improves overall well-being, increases endurance and ability to work, prevents many diseases, and accelerates recovery in the presence of pathologies.

Beneficial properties of lime fruit:

• suppresses the intensity of inflammatory processes;
• disinfects;
• accelerates tissue regeneration in wounds and burns;
• reduces the severity of pain;
• increases the body's resistance to infections;
• slows down the aging process;
• neutralizes dangerous free radicals;
• regulates metabolism;
• activates digestion;
• has an antibacterial effect;
• stimulates the nervous system, reduces symptoms of depression;
• eliminates spasm of smooth muscles;
• normalizes blood circulation and lymph flow;
• increases the density and elasticity of vascular walls;
• reduces the risk of heart and vascular diseases;
• cleanses the liver and kidneys;
• removes waste and toxins from the intestines;
• supports the proper functioning of the sweat and sebaceous glands;
• improves the condition of the skin, hair, nails.

The benefits and harms of lime for the body depend on the quantity, appropriateness and correctness of use. Citrus has contraindications, which must be familiarized with before consuming it for medicinal or prophylactic purposes.

Lime helps maintain weight and get rid of extra pounds. It contains dietary fiber, the main effect of which is to naturally and safely cleanse the body without disturbing the intestinal microflora.

What causes weight loss:

1. Normalization of digestive processes. Pectin stimulates intestinal motility, food moves more easily and quickly through the gastrointestinal tract, does not linger, which ensures regular bowel movements and helps cope with constipation.
2. Fast and long-lasting saturation. Dietary fiber is not digested, once it enters the intestines, it swells and creates a feeling of fullness. This reduces the amount of food you consume and helps you stop snacking. As a result, more energy is consumed than is supplied through food, and the body begins to use up fat reserves.
3. Removing harmful substances (toxins, waste, pesticides) from the body, reducing the concentration of cholesterol and glucose in the blood.
4. Decreased insulin production. Thanks to the low glycemic index (32 units), blood glucose levels increase gradually without overloading the pancreas.
5. Maintaining normal intestinal microflora, restoring the disturbed balance of microorganisms.
6. Saturation with energy for a long time, increasing endurance and performance.

What are the benefits of fruit for women?

During pregnancy and lactation, lime serves as a source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids responsible for the health and well-being of women. Folic acid is of particular value at all stages of pregnancy. A deficiency of this vitamin adversely affects the state of the nervous system of the unborn child and can cause the development of serious defects: congenital pathologies of the heart and blood vessels, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and cerebral hernia.

The rich vitamin and mineral complex has a positive effect on reproductive function: it slows down the onset of menopause, alleviates the symptoms of menopause, restores and maintains hormonal levels. Regular consumption of lime serves as a preventive measure for gynecological diseases of an inflammatory nature (vaginitis, adnexitis, vulvitis) and those caused by hormonal changes (polycystic disease, uterine fibroids, menstrual irregularities).

B vitamins have a positive effect on the functions of the nervous system, increase resistance to stress, improve emotional state, normalize night sleep, and ensure good mood and well-being.

Benefits of lime for men's health

What are the benefits of lime for men's health? Zinc and selenium in the fruit stimulate the production of testosterone, which is responsible for libido and sexual health. Vitamins C and E cleanse blood vessels of cholesterol, minimize congestion, and provide sufficient blood supply to the cavernous bodies, which is necessary to achieve and maintain an erection. Due to its pronounced antioxidant properties, lime reduces the likelihood of developing testicular cancer and prostate pathologies.

Potassium and magnesium maintain the tone of the smooth muscles of the penis, vitamins and fatty acids ensure metabolism in the cavernous tissues, which helps prevent the onset of erectile dysfunction.

On a note! Citrus has aphrodisiac properties and increases libido.

What are the benefits of lime for children?

For children and adolescents, citrus serves as an additional source of vitamin C, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the immune system, all types of metabolism, and iron absorption. Its deficiency leads to bleeding and loose gums, nosebleeds due to increased permeability and thinness of the capillaries.

Lime to some extent satisfies the body's needs for calcium, which strengthens the skeletal system, helps prevent damage to the musculoskeletal system, and is important for teeth.

Lyme is a natural and safe immunostimulant. During the cold season, it protects against acute respiratory viral infections and acute respiratory infections, eases their course, and prevents complications.

How to use lime: how and with what to eat it

Fresh lime is a ready-to-eat product. Peel it and eat it in slices, after sprinkling it with sugar or salt. In India, citrus fruits are salted and pickled. However, for greater benefit, nutritionists recommend consuming fresh fruit pulp, since any heat treatment reduces the content of useful substances.

You can eat unpeeled limes, but the zest contains large amounts of essential oils, which give the fruit a bittersweet taste and aroma.

The fruits are eaten fresh, processed into juice, added to smoothies, fruit cocktails, tea, vegetable and fruit salads, and served with meat, poultry, and fish. In salads, lime harmonizes with non-acidic fruits: pear, apple, peach, apricot, melon.

This citrus fruit is characterized by a pronounced sourness, which makes it an excellent alternative to regular lemon.

Freshly squeezed juice is used for pickling vegetables and meat, as a dressing and aromatic additive. The zest is used to decorate cocktails and confectionery products, and is added to baked goods, jam, puddings, and ice cream. A few drops of citrus juice are appropriate in puree soups, fresh vegetable salads, and fruit juices. The fruits are in harmony with almost all products. How to eat lime and with what depends on personal taste preferences.

Lime slices are added to tea. A cold drink quenches thirst, tones, refreshes, charges with vigor and energy; hot relieves fatigue, relaxes, normalizes sleep. To improve the taste, add grated ginger root, cinnamon, mint leaves, lemon balm, and nutmeg.

How to use

Most often, recipes use lime juice, which is easy to obtain at home. But there is a little secret. In order for the fruit to release more liquid, it must first be heated to room temperature (you can put it in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes) and only then squeeze the juice out of it, which is then used to make many drinks. In particular, freshly squeezed juice is a key ingredient in the drink known as the Margarita.

This fruit is used very unusually in India. There it is customary to salt and marinate it. But lime zest is an indispensable ingredient in traditional Mexican, Thai and Vietnamese dishes. Dried fruits are typical of Persian and Iraqi cuisine. Americans love key lime pie, and in Australia they make marmalade from citrus fruit.

Rice according to Indian recipe

This dish is traditional in Indian cuisine. Rice prepared in this way is tasty, healthy and suitable as a flavorful side dish for meat or fish.

Pour a glass of white rice with 2 glasses of water, add 1 tbsp. l. vegetable oil and a little salt. Cook covered over medium heat until all the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat, add chopped fresh cilantro (about half a glass), 2 tbsp. l. freshly squeezed lime juice and a little zest. Cover with a lid, wrap in a warm towel, and let the dish brew. Serve hot.

Chicken stewed with lime

Fry the chicken for about 20 minutes until crust forms. Add wine vinegar, lime juice, sugar, salt, black pepper, green onions, garlic and oregano to taste. Simmer for at least 10 minutes. Serve hot with fresh vegetables and side dish.

Key lime pie

Grind the shortbread cookies into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter (you should get a homogeneous sticky, thick mass). Spread the mixture in an even layer into a rimmed pan. Bake for approximately 10 minutes. Meanwhile, beat 3 egg yolks, add a can of condensed milk, the zest and juice of 4 limes, and beat again. Pour the mixture onto the cooled pie crust. Place in the oven for another 15 minutes. Cool (at least 3 hours), remove from pan. Garnish with whipped cream, powdered sugar and lime slices.

Key lime pie or a Margarita cocktail are already important arguments for many people why limes are worth it. But these tropical fruits have many other, much more important benefits. Their rich chemical composition makes them useful for the prevention and treatment of many diseases, including malignant tumors. With each subsequent study, scientists are finding more evidence that this little tart citrus has amazing benefits for human health.

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Lyme in folk medicine

Lyme is used to treat and prevent the following diseases:

1. Respiratory diseases, acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections, which cause coughing, sore throat, fever. Citrus has antipyretic and antibacterial properties, increases the body's natural defenses.
2. Neurological disorders, insomnia. Acts as a sedative, eliminates the feeling of tension, facilitates the process of falling asleep, and improves the quality of sleep.
3. Prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system (ischemia, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis). Strengthens the walls of blood vessels, reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, promotes normal blood flow, preventing the formation of sclerotic plaques.
4. Rheumatic diseases (gout, arthritis, arthrosis, osteoarthritis). Dissolves crystals of uric acid salts and painlessly removes them from the body, inhibits inflammation, reduces pain, and normalizes purine metabolism.
5. Arterial hypertension. Normalizes blood pressure, reduces the tone of the veins and the volume of circulating blood, reduces the load on the heart muscle.
6. Constipation. Stimulates intestinal motility, normalizes water-salt balance, dilutes stool, and facilitates bowel movements.
7. Infections. It has antibacterial and antiviral activity, destroys or prevents the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, and prevents their spread to other organs and systems.
8. Avitaminosis. Replenishes the deficiency of micro- and macroelements, vitamins and other valuable components that take part in metabolic processes and physiological reactions.
9. Skin diseases, including papillomas, warts, dermatitis, herpes. Accelerates tissue regeneration, reduces inflammatory processes.
10. Pathologies of the digestive organs. Restores damaged structures and functions of the liver, increases bile secretion, regulates metabolism, removes free radicals and toxic substances from the body.
11. Anemia. Serves as an additional source of iron, improves its absorption, reduces the severity of symptoms from the nervous system (headache, irritability, weakness, dizziness).
12. Obesity, diabetes. Controls blood sugar levels, accelerates the process of fat breakdown, removes excess fluid from the body, and eliminates swelling.

The use of lime in cosmetology

Lime is a popular cosmetic product. At home, it is used to care for the skin of the face and body. Citrus contains high doses of vitamin C, which stimulates collagen production, prevents the formation of early wrinkles, and slows down the aging process.

Lime reduces the severity of age spots on the skin and protects it from the negative effects of UV rays. Acids have an exfoliating effect, gently remove the upper stratum corneum, and improve tissue nutrition. As a result, the skin acquires a healthy and even complexion. Lime has tonic, nourishing and moisturizing properties, tightens pores, gets rid of comedones, and restores water balance.

On a note! Cosmetologists recommend that those with oily and problem skin pay special attention to lime. Citrus juice controls the functioning of the sebaceous glands, reduces sebum production, and prevents the formation of comedones.

Lime juice has a positive effect on the condition and health of hair. As a component in homemade masks, it reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands, nourishes and stimulates follicles, improves the condition of the scalp, strengthens and restores hair, and promotes its active growth. The juice is used to lubricate the head with seborrhea, to strengthen weakened and thin hair, oily at the roots.

Growing limes at home

Limes can be grown at home by layering, seeds and cuttings. The most favorable period is March or April. The most affordable way is to use seeds. Planting includes several stages:

• Carefully remove the seeds from the ripe fruit, sort and leave only the large ones. You can plant 10 seeds in a pot at once and then select the best shoots;
• place the seeds in humic fertilizer to stimulate growth;
• prepare the soil from a mixture of garden soil and humus in a ratio of 1 to 1;
• plant the seeds to a depth of 2 cm, with a distance of 5 cm between the seeds;
• water using a watering can with a divider and cover the soil with a glass container. The sprout should appear in 2-3 weeks;
• The sprout needs good lighting 12 hours a day; place the pot on the windowsill on the south side. But at noon, shade it so that the leaves do not get burned. On short daylight hours, supplement lighting with fluorescent lamps;
• at 3-4 months, prune the branches;

When the plant grows, replant it. A suitable period is the end of winter or the beginning of spring. Transplantation is carried out by transferring it into a larger container. It is better to immediately transplant into a large pot with a volume of 20 liters.

• prepare the soil from breathable, loose soil containing humus and coarse sand;
• Place a 3 cm layer of drainage on the bottom of the pot; small pebbles or polystyrene foam are suitable for this;
• Place 1 cm of dry manure on top of the drainage, then add soil. There is no need to deepen the root too much; it should be located at the top layer of the pot;
• immediately after transplanting, water the lime and create a greenhouse for it.

If the lime has weak branches, prune the vertical shoots in the spring. In this case, you need to leave 4-5 buds on each. After 3 years of life, the plant will begin to produce its first small fruits. At home, lime grows up to 2 meters in height.

During the flowering period, the room temperature should be 14-18 degrees; at higher temperatures, the flowers and ovaries will begin to crumble. Do not move the pot from place to place, the plant does not like this and may stop blooming and producing fruit. Ventilate the room in which the lime lives daily, but protect the plant from drafts. In the spring, take the pot of lime outside for a while.

Lime water for weight loss

Water with lime not only gets rid of excess weight, but also normalizes metabolism and cleanses the body of accumulated waste and toxins. This vitamin remedy protects against flu and colds and, with regular consumption, keeps the entire body in good shape.

It’s easy to prepare the drink: add the juice of half a lime to 200-250 ml of water at room temperature.

This drink contains virtually no calories and is suitable for women who want to lose weight.

If desired, you can add 1 tsp. natural honey. Honey enhances the dietary and adsorbing properties of citrus fruits, activates the process of fat breakdown, stimulates intestinal motility, resulting in more effective weight loss.

Take the drink daily on an empty stomach. Morning meals are possible no earlier than half an hour later.

Recipe 3: Green Radish Salad with Lime

Radishes have a harsh taste, which can only be softened with dressing. In this case, lime with olive oil will add a wonderful sourness, not only soften the taste of radishes, but also make the dish more exotic.

Ingredients: green salad (6 pcs), coriander (20g), radish (1 bunch), fine sugar (pinch), olive oil (5 tbsp), lime (2 pcs).

Cooking method

Cut the salad in half. Place in a salad bowl or on a large platter. Cut the radishes into slices. Using a sharp knife, remove the pulp from two lime quarters and chop it. Squeeze the juice from the remaining quarters, mix it with the pulp and chopped radishes. Add olive oil, coriander, sugar and stir everything into the dressing. Season and serve immediately. Bon appetit!

Lime contraindications and possible harm

Lime is contraindicated for people with allergies to citrus fruits. Limiting its amount or completely eliminating it from the diet is recommended if you have the following diseases and conditions:

• stomach or duodenal ulcer;
• erosive gastroduodenitis;
• gastrointestinal bleeding;
• increased acidity of gastric juice;
• renal/liver failure.

In the absence of contraindications, lime will not cause harm to health. Citrus seeds pose a danger to the body. They contain toxins and can cause poisoning.

In people with individual intolerance to citrus fruits, consuming lime increases the risk of allergic reactions, and in case of gastrointestinal diseases it can cause colic, pain, increased gas formation, and heartburn.

On a note! Excessive and long-term consumption of lime juice can worsen the condition of tooth enamel. This will manifest itself as hypersensitivity of dental tissues to temperature and chemical irritants.

Pests and diseases of the lime tree

Diseases that affect lime are gommosis and sooty fungus. Gommosis affects the trunk, which becomes covered with small cracks, and liquid begins to flow from them, the consistency of which is similar to glue. Gradually, the bark of the affected plant dies off. The cause of this disease is deep planting or too much watering with cold water. The disease is treated using a 3% solution of copper sulfate. The cracks are covered with a paste made from lime or vitriol.

Sooty fungus appears as a dark-colored coating that can be easily removed with a wet cloth or brush. Pests that attack limes are spider mites, scale insects, mealyworms and aphids. Parasites are destroyed by special means. For prevention, spraying with organic products is carried out - margosa oil or spray for citrus fruits.

As a home ornamental plant, lime looks very beautiful and pleases all year round with green leaves, flowering and healthy fruits.

Lime or lemon: which is better and healthier?

There is no clear answer which is healthier - lime or lemon. These are interchangeable products, both having a rich chemical composition and characterized by dietary, nutritional and medicinal properties. However, for those who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, it is better to give preference to lime. The organic acids in its composition are less aggressive and do not irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa.

On a note! When choosing which is better - lemon or lime, take into account the state of health, especially the digestive system, and gastronomic preferences.

Lime - useful tips from experienced chefs

A dressing of lime or lemon juice with olive oil will successfully highlight the taste of salads with herbs or cheese. For example, cut tomatoes, cucumbers, chop arugula, cut olives (into 3 rings), and mix these ingredients. Squeeze half a lime into this salad, drizzle with olive oil and season to taste. Mix feta cheese with finely chopped dill, form small balls from it and place on plates in portions with salad. The dish is ready to serve. Bon appetit!

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