Limes and their health benefits

The term lime refers to a number of different fruits in the citrus family, and originated in the Himalayan region.  Limes are typically round and green, 3-6 centimeters in diameter and have a tart and sour taste.  The fruit is generally used to accent flavors in culinary recipes, beverages, juices, perfumes, cosmetics and cleaning products. 

Health Benefits of Limes

The dietary fiber content of limes is good for the prevention of chronic constipation.  Dietary fiber lowers the risk of digestive complications.  A diet high in fiber can lower the risk of a person developing hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulitis.  Fiber in limes can also lower total blood cholesterol levels by reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol content in the blood.  Fiber can also help slow the body’s absorption of sugar which can help improve blood sugar levels in people suffering from type II diabetes.

 The vitamin K found in limes is essential to the body for healthy blood clotting.  Three proteins which are dependent on vitamin K are isolated in the bone and prevent calcification of soft cartilage and facilitate healthy bone growth and development.  Vitamin K is also important for cell adhesion and proliferation, prevents apoptosis and regulates platelet signaling and vascular balance.  The vitamin K content in limes also reduces the risk of age-related osteoporosis, bone fractures, vascular calcification and cardiovascular disease.

Limes also contain folate which is a water-soluble vitamin which helps in the formation of red blood cells and genetic cellular material.  Folate also plays a vital role in reducing homosyteine levels in the blood, protein metabolism, cell growth and division and prevents neural tube defects within the first trimester of pregnancy.  

The copper content in limes is one of the most important metallic elements and is essential to the health of humans.  Copper combines with fatty and amino acids and vitamins that are necessary for the function of several metabolic processes in the body.  Copper is also a powerful antioxidant which helps protect the cells and tissues of the body from cancer causing free radicals and is responsible for tissue pigment.

Limes contain many important vitamins, minerals and nutrients which can be a beneficial addition to a healthy diet.  Medical researchers and scientists are currently focusing on limes to provide a better understanding of everything the fruit has to offer the human body in terms of health and well being.