Many a times, limes have been taken as being the same as lemons and many people cannot really make a difference, since if it is a type of citric fruit they perceive all of them as one. So, in order not to have any mixed information we are here to elaborate and emphasize the importance of eating limes as a part of your everyday diet.
Limes were originally grown in India and they soon became spread all over the world such as Florida, California and the Southwest regions of the United States. Just because of their amazing health benefits they were used in British naval vessels during the 1800s.
Limes protect against Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is the flavonoids in the limes which have antioxidant properties and have amazing antibiotic effects. Limes are a great source of vitamin C, which is one of the main antioxidants found in food and is primary water-soluble antioxidant in the body. Vitamin C, in fact, travels through the body and neutralizes any free radicals which can cause several cell damage and cause inflammation, or painful swelling in the body. One of the main reasons why eating limes is important is that they reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
They protect from colds
Vitamin C is yet again the nutrient in limes that protects from colds and minimizes its symptoms. Athletes and people who have enjoyed the benefits of vitamin C have been a living proof that the risk of getting a cold is lowered up to 50% by adding limes to their diet.
Limes can prevent cholera
It has been shown that in 2010 following Haiti’s earthquake, after thousands of people have died of cholera, limes have been used to prevent this epidemic. According to a study conducted by A. Sandrom, P. Aaby, A.Rodrigues et al, limes stop any inflammation or disease by inhibiting the growth of the bacteria. Therefore researches have used contaminated rice with a lime sauce in it which automatically decreases the risk of cholera; so many West African villages have used it as a remedy.
Lime protects your body from cancer cells and inhibits cancer if it is existent
The flavonoids in limes alter the cellular cycle, including apoptosis (cellular death) which is key to stop the growth and spread of cancer. In an article in 2010 published in “Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology” it was shown how oral cancer cells responded to the introduction of the flavonoids. When mixed with saliva, the flavonol glycosides inhibit the oral cancer cells.
They support your digestive system
Limes are a source of fiber which will boost your metabolism, improve nutrient absorption and maintain the digestive health. Therefore, they will help you lose weight in a healthy way.
Limes protect your body from chronic inflammation
Any cases of chronic inflammation in your body will be ceased with the consumption of limes. If you have some allergies in the spring, the antibodies will try to get rid of the allergen but also release histamines, which might cause rash or swelling. Any inflammation which becomes chronic can harm your vital organs, such as: heart, pancreas and liver or even cause hypertension. Therefore, adding limes in your diet is of crucial importance.