Lime is a term referring to a number of different fruits, bothspecies and hybrids, citruses, which are typically round, green to yellow in color, 3–6 cm in diameter, and containing sour andacidic pulp; they are a good source of vitamin C. Limes are often used to accent the flavours of foods and beverages. They are usually smaller than lemons. Limes are grown all year round and are usually sweeter than lemons.
In cooking, lime is valued both for the acidity of its juice and the floral aroma of its zest. It is a very common ingredient in authentic Mexican, Southwestern United States, Vietnamese and Thai dishes. It is also used for its pickling properties inceptive. The use of dried limes (called black lime or loomi) as a flavouring is typical of Persian cuisine and Iraqi cuisine, as well as in Gulf-style baharat (a spice mixture that is also called kabsa or kebsa). Lime is an essential ingredient of any cuisine from India, and many varieties of pickles are made, e.g. sweetened lime pickle, salted pickle, and lime chutney.
Lime leaves are also a herb in South, East, and Southeast Asia.
Lime is frequently used to add flavour to cold drinks, including water, gin and tonic and other cocktails.
Health Benefits of Lime
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. This sour citrus fruit can do what many specialist medicines cannot. Lime, bearing the scientific name Citrus Aurantifolia, is being 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 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 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
- Lime contains by far more vitamin C than the lemon. A glass of warm water with lime juice and a teaspoonful of honey is an ideal remedy for cold and dry cough.
- Lime juice is a pep-up in cases of listlessness and a rundown feeling due to vitamin deficiency.
- The pectin content in fruit pulp is said to be beneficial in lowering blood cholesterol.
- The vitamin C content in lime increases the body’s resistance to disease, aids the healing of wounds and prevents damage to the eyes.
- Vitamin C is also helpful in maintaining the health of the teeth and other bones of the body. It prevents decay and loosening of the teeth, dental caries, toothache, bleeding of the gums and fragility of bones.
- The rind of the fruit also has medicinal properties. It contains a volatile oil which is used in medicine for improving digestion and removing wind
- Lime is considered highly beneficial in the treatment of digestive disorders.
- The lime juice is of great value in constipation, when it is taken first thing in the morning in a glass of warm water.
- The citric acid in limes has an alkaline reaction in the system which can relieve peptic ulcers.
- Few drops of warm lime-juice diluted with water should be instilled in the eyes in case of conjunctivitis. Its regular use with pure rose water in the ratio of 1:4 is helpful in preventing old-age cataract.
- Lime juice diluted in warm water was proven valuable in cystitis. It gives relief to burning sensation and also stops bleeding in cystitis.
- The lime juice is also excellent for weight reduction. Fresh juice’ of a lime mixed in a glassful of water and sweetened with honey should be taken every morning on empty stomach in case of obesity.
- Lime contain limonene, this phytochemical are potent detoxifiers with anti-biotic effect that is protective against bacterial poisoning.
- The potent anti-viral properties in lime can kill cholera bacilli within a very short period of time. Drink one part juice and one part water regularly.
- Lemon peels when rub on dry or scaly skin can restore softness and add moisture to the skin.
