All about the benefits and harms of lime
On the shelves of many supermarkets you can find lime. This citrus fruit is characterized by a pronounced sourness, which makes it a great alternative to the usual lemon. Many housewives add lime to various dishes. It allows you to give them a unique taste and aroma. Drinks with this ingredient in the composition are also very popular.
Let's see what the beneficial properties of this citrus are, whether it can harm the body. We will also learn how to use it correctly for young ladies who want to lose weight.
Chemical composition
Lime is one of the citrus fruits with a low calorie content. 100 grams contains 17 kilocalories. The structure of this citrus contains vitamins C, B, K, A, PP, malic, folic, citric acids in abundance.
Also in the composition of the fruit there are the following mineral elements:
- iron;
- calcium;
- manganese;
- sodium;
- zinc;
- potassium;
- copper.
Thanks to the combination of ascorbic acid and potassium, cholesterol is removed from the blood, as a result of which the work of the heart muscle returns to normal. Such a combination of vitamins and microelements contributes to the production of collagen (this substance is the main "building element" of epithelial tissue). As a result of this, the vascular walls are strengthened, the risk of early aging of cells and the body as a whole is reduced.Thanks to the combination of malic and citric acid, citrus helps to activate the process of iron absorption, thereby improving blood quality.
Lime contains almost no fats and carbohydrates. At the same time, thanks to dietary fibers and acids, the digestion process is activated, as a result of which fats are better broken down.
The skin of this fruit contains a large amount of essential oils. Their pleasant aroma can be felt when the fruit is peeled to the pulp. The contained aromatic oils allow you to normalize the psycho-emotional state of a person, stimulate the production of serotonin (the hormone responsible for the feeling of joy).
What is useful fruit?
The benefits of lime are due to the content of a large amount of vitamins and valuable nutrients. Due to this, citrus has a beneficial effect on human health:
- promotes the production of red blood cells, resulting in an improvement in blood circulation;
- allows you to gently expand the vessels without injuring them at the same time, and also cleanses them, eliminating thrombosis;
- increases the internal strength of the body in the fight against various infectious and colds;
- improves the activity of the gastrointestinal tract;
- allows tissues to be updated at the micro level;
- removes radioactive particles, heavy metal oxides, as well as slags and toxic elements;
- protects against the appearance of wrinkles and the first signs of age-related changes on the skin;
- helps to cleanse the intestines, resulting in a quick disposal of extra pounds;
- allows you to resist stressful situations, improves mood;
- energizes, gives strength for the whole day;
- stimulates the work of brain neurons;
- activates visual and mental function;
- helps to cope with bad breath;
- used to combat periodontal disease and gum bleeding, can be used to prevent stomatitis;
- helps prevent infection with such a serious illness as cholera;
- raises blood pressure, which is very important for people suffering from hypotension;
- It is used in the treatment of various ailments that are of a respiratory nature (for example, tonsillitis, influenza, acute respiratory infections).
Lime zest has unique beneficial properties.
- Since lime peel contains a large amount of esters, they produce oils used in cosmetics to combat acne, purulent pimples. At the same time, they allow you to improve the condition of not only the skin, but also curls.
- Lemon peel has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. To activate the immune system, lime peel must be dried and added during tea brewing.
- The dietary fiber present in the skin of this citrus fruit is responsible for carbohydrate metabolism. Under the action of these substances, the transformation of glucose into fat is prevented. This is very important for women who are watching their figure.
- Many housewives use lime peel fresh or dried as a spice. This spice increases appetite and normalizes digestive processes.
Lime juice also has a positive effect on the human body.
- The highest content of vitamin C is observed in fresh juice. The amount of this vitamin allows the use of lime juice as a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory agent.
- In alternative medicine, this juice is used to remove warts and papillomas, as well as an effective remedy against various viruses.
- Lime juice has a laxative effect. It allows you to cleanse the intestines from stagnant processes, removing toxic and heavy substances from the stomach and liver. Due to its diuretic properties, this drink reduces swelling of the internal organs, as well as the hands and feet.
- Fresh lime can be used to whiten the dermis. It is the basis of various cosmetic preparations that allow you to cope with freckles, age spots, as well as reddened areas of the skin.
- Since this drink contains almost no calories, it is suitable for women who want to lose weight. If you use fresh juice in the morning, you can get a boost of energy and vivacity, which is enough for the whole day. Cold lime juice also has a refreshing effect, it perfectly quenches thirst in the hot summer.
- For women who seek to rejuvenate or tighten the skin, and also struggle with the manifestation of cellulite, water procedures with the addition of this citrus juice will be effective. Usually half a liter of fresh is poured into a bath of water (approximately 200 liters). This procedure not only has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, but also allows you to relax in the process of aromatherapy.
Contraindications and harm
Despite the beneficial properties, lime is not shown to everyone. Do not use this fruit for young children whose age has not reached 3 years. Otherwise, it may cause a serious allergic reaction.
Contraindications apply to people who suffer from diseases such as:
- acute form of nephritis;
- pancreatitis and liver disease;
- cholecystitis;
- various colitis and enterocolitis;
- peptic ulcer of the duodenum and stomach.
Due to the content of a large amount of acids and essential oils, excessive consumption of such a citrus fruit can exacerbate certain types of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
When eating citrus, take care to carefully remove the seeds, as they are poisonous, and therefore can provoke severe food poisoning.
You will learn more about the benefits and contraindications when using lime by watching the following video.
Usage Tips
Many women use lime for weight loss by mixing freshly squeezed juice with warm purified water. To make this drink you will need:
- half a lime;
- a glass of warm water;
- a pinch of sea or Himalayan salt
Squeeze the juice from half a citrus and pour it into a glass of water. Add salt and mix ingredients well. The salt should completely dissolve.
This drink has a high content of antioxidants and acids. Thanks to this, the metabolic processes in the body are normalized and accelerated. As a result, there is a burning of deferred fat layers. The drink has a low calorie content, has a pleasant taste and a refreshing effect. It is recommended to use it twice a day (morning and evening). A tangible result can be seen after 7 days.
As an alternative to the usual morning tea, vitamin fresh is recommended. To prepare it you will need:
- one fourth of a pineapple;
- 1 lime;
- 1 bunch of spinach;
- 2 celery stalks;
- a piece of ginger 2.5 centimeters long.
Squeeze out the juice from all the indicated ingredients using a juicer.
Remember to remove the skin from the pineapple, lime, and ginger first.
Such a drink is characterized by a high content of nutrients, can be used by the fair sex when losing weight.
Lime with tea will be a great option for people who cannot imagine their life without tea taste. It can be an excellent alternative to coffee, as it has an excellent tonic effect. To prepare it you will need:
- 400 milliliters of water;
- 1 teaspoon green tea;
- 2 teaspoons of dry crushed mint leaves;
- 2 teaspoons lime juice;
- 2 teaspoons of sugar or honey;
- 1 teaspoon dried barberry berries.
Pour tea, mint and barberry berries into the teapot. Dry ingredients should be poured with boiling water and left to infuse for 5-10 minutes. Then lime and honey are added, the drink is poured into cups.
Tea with lemon, lime and cinnamon has a wonderful refreshing effect. It is better to use it chilled when it is very hot outside. This drink will perfectly quench your thirst. To prepare it, you need to take:
- 750 milliliters of water;
- a quarter of a lemon;
- a fourth of a lime;
- 4 teaspoons of sugar or honey;
- a couple of sprigs of mint;
- 1 stick of cinnamon.
In the teapot, you need to put mint, cinnamon and lemon and lime cut into thin slices. All components must be poured with boiling water. The contents of the kettle insist 15 minutes. After this time, the drink is filtered, honey or sugar is added to it. If the drink is planned to be consumed when losing weight, then you should refrain from adding a sweetener. Such tea will have a pleasant sourness. It will improve the functioning of the digestive tract, helping to get rid of excess weight as soon as possible.
Lime goes well with white meat or fish, so there are various recipes for sauces that include this ingredient.
To prepare one of them you will need:
- 1 lime;
- 300 milliliters of cream;
- 10 grams of starch;
- sprig of mint.
Preheat the pan by pouring the cream into it, then add the starch. Mix everything well until you get a homogeneous consistency. Add finely chopped mint, citrus zest and juice. Boil for a few minutes. Remove from fire and cool. Pour the mixture into a blender and blend thoroughly. The sauce is ready to use.
Many nutritionists recommend using lime juice as an alternative to regular table salt. In the process of preparing any dish, add a few drops of fresh lime juice to give it a salty taste. At the same time, familiar products will acquire an unusual aroma and taste.
As you can see lime is a unique citrus fruit that allows you to cope with various ailments and diseases, improves the general condition of the body. In addition, due to the ability to burn fat, this citrus is very much appreciated by the fair sex, who are watching their figure.