If you regularly cook with lemons, you are likely to enjoy the taste of limes as well. Limes are citrus fruits that are very similar to lemons, and also have a sour, astringent taste. Although they bear many similarities, lemons and limes have unique flavor and nutritional profiles. Apart from boosting the flavor of other foods, more people are using limes because of their health advantages.
Types of Nutrients in Limes
When most people think of limes, they think of vitamin C. It is true that limes are one of the best providers of this vitamin, but they also contain lots of antioxidants, calcium, fiber and citric acid. It is believed to be capable of preventing many illnesses from scurvy to cancer, and can lower LDL cholesterol to prevent heart disease.
Limes and Disease Prevention
Limes are effective cures for common viral diseases like colds and flu. It is the vitamin C in these fruits that helps to control the population of viral bodies and strengthen the immune system. When vitamin C combines with antioxidants, they form a powerful barrier against many kinds of diseases and conditions. Eating limes or drinking lime juice frequently can eliminate free-radicals and prevent cancerous growths from developing in the body.
Vitamin C is also loved for its anti-aging effects. This nutrient is responsible for generating collagen, which is the substance that keeps skin young and elastic. It is also essential for healthy nails and hair. The vitamins in limes can give you an immediate energy boost, and help reduce bad breath.
Limes and Bone Health
Limes get their bone-strengthening power from calcium. When calcium is synthesized and absorbed properly in the body, it adds strength to bones and teeth. Calcium is also known for keeping the heart rate normal and stabilizing blood pressure. Incorporating lime or lime juice in your daily menu can be complementary to calcium supplements, if you’re taking any.
Limes and Weight Loss
It is often challenging for dieters to find low-calorie beverages. Fortunately, lime juice is a great and tasty option. 1 lime contains roughly 20 calories. You can juice a few limes and add a little water to make a refreshing, energy-boosting drink. Furthermore, experts believe that people who ingest more vitamin C and citric acid usually burn fat easier and faster during their workouts.
Another weight loss benefit of limes worth mentioning is recovery from injuries. Vitamin C has been shown to accelerate the healing of muscle injuries that are often caused by vigorous training and exercise. Having a cup of lime juice can improve your bounce-back rate and allow you to fit in more workouts per week.
Cooking with Limes
If you’ve never cooked with limes before, the best place to start is to replace lemons with limes in every recipe. Limes can be used to make salad dressings and meat seasonings. They are great for making sauces for seafood dishes as well. For a more direct effect, you can juice limes and enjoy as a chilled beverage.
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