Be green and in the light today. Green is a sign that Spring is HERE
Citrus anurantifolia ( Lime ) belongs to the family Rutaceae and is related to the other well known citrus fruits--oranges, grapefruits and lemons. To prevent scurvy, a deficiency in vitamin C, English sailors used limes.
The health benefits of lime include weight loss, skin care, good digestion, relief from constipation, eye care, and treatment of scurvy, piles, peptic ulcer, respiratory disorders, gout, gums, urinary disorders, etc.
The first fruit that comes to our minds when it comes to medicinal uses is perhaps the good old lime. I felt it was the first fruit my Nanny grabbed if we had a cut, bad digestion or gum/tooth problems. I used to love to suck on a lime when I was a child.
This sour citrus fruit can do what many specialist medicines cannot. Lime has been used for ages for treatment of various ailments. Lime is consumed throughout the world in sorbets, beverages, refreshing drinks, pickles, jams, jellies, snacks, candies, sugar boiled confectioneries and many other culinary creations. The oil extracted from its peel or skin is extensively used in soft drink concentrates, body oils, cosmetics, hair oils, tooth pastes, toilet and beauty soaps, disinfectants, mouth washes, deodorants and innumerable other products. There are many varieties of lime found all over the world, particularly in the tropical and the Mediterranean climates.
Perhaps the best use is to drink either lime or lemon juice squeezed in room temperature glass of water in the morning. It is as great way to start the day.
So what is it about the limes. Limes have similar nutritional and health benefits as lemons. They provide an excellent source of vitamin C. They also offer a good source of folic acid, vitamin B6, potassium, flavinoids, and the important phytochemical limonene. Limes contain phytochemicals that are high in antioxidant and anticancer properties.