The Power Of Limes
The lime is a widely used citrus fruit, closely related to the lemon and orange. It is also known as a sour clementine and is native to tropical and subtropical regions, originating from India. The lime is a small fruit that is usually green or yellow-green with a distinct sour and lemony aroma.
Value
The lime fruit has a juice content as high as 43%, and its amino acid content is the highest among citrus fruits. Through deep processing, concentrated juice can be used as a raw material in the chemical, food, pharmaceutical, and textile industries.
It can also produce prepared beverages, canned food, candied fruit, and sweet jam. The lime peel can extract aromatic oil and pectin, which can be used in jelly.
Edible Method
There are many ways to consume limes. They can be eaten directly or used to make various drinks and dishes. Before consuming limes, they should be washed to remove surface dirt and bacteria to ensure they are safe to eat.
If you prefer to eat limes directly, you can cut them open and drink the juice or cut the pulp into small pieces and add it to salads or other dishes for a zesty flavor.
Benefits
Improve Anemia
The vitamin C in limes can improve the body's absorption of iron. Iron is an essential element needed by the human body to make blood, and a lack of iron can lead to anemia.
Drinking lime juice or consuming limes can help prevent iron deficiency anemia and improve symptoms of anemia.
Protect the Heart
Limes are rich in flavonoids, which can lower cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health. In addition, vitamin C and citric acid in limes can help lower blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Prevent Many Diseases
Consuming limes can improve the body's resistance to various diseases and reduce the incidence of diseases. The vitamin C in limes can improve the body's absorption rate of catechin.
This catechin is a natural killer of heart disease, stroke, and cancer, making it an effective preventative measure against these malignant diseases.
Relieve Heat
Limes taste sour and slightly bitter and are not usually consumed fresh like other fruits. However, lime peels are rich in aromatic volatile compounds that can stimulate the appetite.
The heat and humidity are greater in the summer, and many people feel tired and lose their appetite after working or studying for long periods. Drinking a glass of lime-soaked water can refresh you and open up your appetite.
Lime Taboos
1. Overconsumption of vitamin C can lead to urinary stones and kidney stones.
2. Avoid eating limes with milk. The protein in milk reacts with the fruit acid and vitamin C in citrus and coagulates into lumps. This can affect digestion and absorption and cause abdominal distension, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms that are not conducive to health.
3. Lime may cause allergies. Allergies to citrus fruits are relatively common. If you develop allergic symptoms such as itchy skin, difficulty breathing, and diarrhea, you should seek medical attention immediately.
4. Lime juice can erode teeth. Because limes contain a lot of fruit acids, you should be careful not to let the juice come into direct contact with the teeth when drinking, as it can corrode the tooth enamel.
The lime is a highly nutritious fruit that can offer numerous health benefits. It is also versatile and can be used in many dishes and drinks. However, it is essential to follow the recommended consumption guidelines to avoid any potential health risks.