Lemons and limes are so zesty and tangy when added to almost any drink which cleanse and enhance immune properties. They are both favorite citrus fruit. Whether eaten as a fruit, used in various dishes, or consumed as juice, everyone enjoys this fruit. There are several varieties of lime fruit to choose from, with colors ranging from medium green to yellow. On ripening, limes turn yellow in color.
Lemons do not differ very much from limes. They are both excellent sources of vitamin C, B6, potassium, folate, flavonoids and the outstanding phytochemical, limonene.
Health benefits of lemons and limes
1. They serve as antioxidants
Vitamin C, flavonoids, phenolic acids, essential oils, and coumarins are all plentiful in lemons and limes. They’re part of a team of superhero substances called antioxidants. They band together to fight the bad guys free radicals which damage your cells and lead to diseases and other health problems.
2. Promotes heart health
It’s all about those flavonoids. Work more of them into your life and you’re less likely to get heart disease. That’s partly because they help keep the fats and sugars in your blood at healthy levels. Too much of either is bad for your blood vessels.
3. Helps lose weight
Polyphenols, a special kind of antioxidant found in lemons and limes. They may hold off weight and body fat gain. Scientists think these substances change the way your body processes fat. Due to these, it improves response to insulin. But before you load up on lemon water, know that this study was done on mice, not people.
4. Adds flavour to dishes
Whether you squeeze the juice into water or onto a tasty fish dish, these tangy citrus treats provide you with the same vitamins and minerals as other citrus fruits. The best part: They do it with less sugar.
5. Prevents infections
Their high acid content adds the perfect sour bite to your salad greens. It also helps kill salmonella bacteria that might be on your food, your cutting board, or your kitchen counter. That might be the difference between a pleasant evening and a long, long night. Don’t plan on scrubbing the bathroom with it. But if you want to make sure your greens are clean, a half vinegar, half lemon juice mix should zap most of the bacteria in about 15 minutes.
6. Prevents cancer
While there’s no evidence that lemons and limes can fight cancer you already have. They’re full of antioxidants that may help keep you from getting it in the first place. This is particularly true for cancer of the liver, bone, stomach, breast, and colon.
7. Prevents skin wrinkles
It’s all that vitamin C, which is also known as ascorbic acid. Your body can’t create it, so you have to get it from food. It helps make collagen, which keeps your skin springy and full. Without enough, it’ll start to wrinkle. Sure, that’s also a natural part of aging, but you can slow it down with the right vitamins and nutrition.
8. Reduces blood pressure
Both the juice and the peel of lemons and limes can do the trick. Squeeze some in your water before and after you go for a walk. You may get more benefit from each. Talk to your doctor if you take blood pressure drugs or other medications. Citrus can interfere with them. Never adjust medication unless the doctor tells you to.
9. Keeps your gum healthy
Swollen, bleeding gums and loose teeth are signs of scurvy. It was common long ago when people didn’t have easy access to foods with vitamin C. But you could get it now if you’re older, a smoker, have a low income, or are addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Before you chow down on citrus to prevent it, know this: Citric acid is good for what ails you but bad for tooth enamel. Wait at least 30 minutes after you eat or drink something with acid before you brush your teeth.