THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF LIME YOU MUST KNOW by Chioma Obinna

The first fruit that usually comes to medical uses is perhaps the good old lime. This citrus fruit can do what many specialist medicines cannot. Lime bearing the scientific name citrus Aurantifolia, is used for treatment of various ailments. However, lime is consumed throughout the world in sorberts, beverages, refreshing drinks, pickles, jams, jellies, snacks, candies, sugar boiled confectionaries and culinary and the oil extracted from its peel or skin is extensively used in soft drink concentrates, body oils, cosmetics, hair oils, tooth pastes, toilet pastes, toilet and beauty soaps disinfectants, mouth washes, deodorants and innumerable other products. However, experts say lime has solution to so many diseases. Studies have shown that lime helps cure arthritis, rheumatism, prostrate and colon cancer, cholera, arterisosclerosis, diabetes, fatigue, heart disease and even very high fever.


Health benefit of lime and medical uses at a glance:


Scurvy: Lime is so famous as a cure for scurvy, the disease which is caused due to deficiency of vitamin C and characterized by frequent infections with cough and cold; cracked lips and lip corners; ulcers in tongue and mouth; spongy, swollen and bleeding gums etc that now a day even a child can tell you that. Since its cause is deficiency of vitamin C, its remedy is none other than Vitamin C, and lime is blessed with this vitamin.


Skin Care: Lime juice and its oil are very beneficial for skin when consumed orally or applied externally. It rejuvenates the skin, keeps it shining, protects it from infections and reduces body odour due to presence of a large amount of vitamin C and flavonoids, both of which are class antioxidants, anti biotic and disinfectants. When applied externally on skin, its acids scrub out the dead cells cures dandruff, rashes, bruises etc and gives you a refreshing bath if its juice or oil is mixed into your bathing water.


Digestion: Lime has as irresistible scent which waters the mouth and thus aid primary digestion. Then the acids in it do the rest. While they break down of the macro molecules of the food, the flavonoids, the compounds found in the fragrant oils extracted from lime, stimulate the digestive system and increase secretion of digestive juices, bile and acids and also stimulate the peristaltic motion.


Constipation: Primarily, the ample of acids present in lime helps clear the excretory system by washing and cleaning of the tracts, just like some acids are used to clean floor and toilet. Then the roughage in it is also helpful in easing constipation. But it is constipation. But it is mainly due to high acids. An overdose of lime juice with salt also acts as an excellent purgative without any side effects, thereby giving relief in constipation.


Peptic Ulcer: In addition to vitamin C, lime contains special compounds called flavonoids which have antioxidant, anti carcinogenic, anti biotic and detoxifying properties which help healing of peptic and oral ulcers.


Respiratory Disorders: The oil, containing flavonoids and certain oils, extracted from lime is extensively used in anti congestive medicines such as balms, vaporizers, inhalers etc to presence of kaempferol. Just scratching the peel of a lime and inhaling it gives immediate relief in congestion and nausea.


Eye Care: It’s anti oxidant properties protects eyes from aging and macular degeneration. Flavonoids help protect them from infections.


Gout: There are two main causes of Gout. While the first reason is accumulation of free radicals in the body; the second is accumulations of toxins, primarily uric acid. Now, limes can help you with both of these. It is a reservoir of antioxidant & detoxifiers which free radicals as well as detoxify the body.


Gums: The root causes of gum problems are deficiency of vitamin C and microbial growth. Sometimes, the ulcers and wounds from bones, hard objects etc are also the causes. In all these, lime helps you.


Piles: Since lime helps heal up ulcers and wounds in the digestive system and excretory system and give relief from constipation too, it eradicates all the root causes of piles.


Weight Loss: A glass of warm water with a full-lime juice in it is an excellent weight reducer as well as a brilliant refresher and anti oxidant drink. The citric acid present in lime is an excellent fat burner. Just have two glasses a day and see the remarkable result within a week.


Urinary Disorder: The high potassium content of lime is very effectiveness in removal of the toxic substances and the precipitates deposited in kidneys, urinary bladder and its disinfectant properties help cure infections in the urinary system. It also stops prostrate growth and clear blockage of urine due to deposition of calcium in the urinary tract.


Caution: The seeds of all citrus fruits (and also apples) are poisonous and if ingested in large quantity can be fatal. So, avoid chewing or swallowing the seeds when use limers.


Source: Vanguard, Wednesday October 13, 2010.