Its appearance is a mixture of orange and lemon, the acid flavor common to these citruses is also present in it. Who are we talking about? From the file ! This equivalence makes this fruit an object of confusion for many people. And if you think the similarities stop there, you’re wrong. With the benefits it is the same, since its strength is plenty of vitamin C .
Of Asian origin and acclimated in Brazil, this food is divided into types and the best known of them is Tahiti. Contrary to what many people might think, this species is not a lemon, but an acid lime with enormous commercial relevance.
It is extremely important for cell health, as it has an antioxidant action . It is succulent, with 85% of its composition made up of water. Another positive point is the low caloric value, where 100 grams comprises only 53 kcal.
In the kitchen, the fruit of the lime tree can be used a lot, yielding a juice with a sweet-sweet flavor. However, it can still be used to compose recipes, such as: mousse and cake.
6 Benefits of fruit lime
The advantages that this fruit adds to the health and well-being of the body are due to its numerous nutrients, such as vitamins B2 (riboflavin), the minerals potassium and calcium, and flavonoids.
1. Strengthens the organism
Like other citrus fruits, lime is rich in vitamin C , favoring immune modulation. This means that it strengthens the immune system, preventing the body against colds , for example.
This action occurs because ascorbic acid, as the vitamin is also called, helps the body’s cells to grow and remain healthy. Among the main favored cells are those of the bones, teeth , gums and blood vessels.
2. Helps fight cancer
For fruits to have vibrant colors, they need a compound called a flavonoid. This substance is also responsible for the antioxidant action of these foods. Therefore, they are able to prevent cell oxidation, usually caused by molecules known as free radicals.
Pollution, smoke and excessive exposure to sunlight are some of the external situations that increase the presence of radicals in the human body. These molecules start attacking the body’s healthy cells. In the long run, this can lead to degenerative diseases such as some types of cancer.
In 2016, a study showed that the anticancer activity of lime ( Citrus aurantifolia ) comes from flavonoids. In fact, they are able to prevent the proliferation of cancer cells in the colon, pancreas, breast and lymphoma .
3. Helps to prevent heart disease
Another important role of flavonoids is the prevention of diseases that affect the heart. But they are not alone, since both potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) are important allies in the fight against heart disease and all of them are present in the lime fruit.
For example, potassium can reduce blood pressure as it promotes increased sodium excretion via urine. In addition, this mineral has a vasodilator effect, contributing to increased blood flow. Consequently, there is a greater supply of energy to the muscles, including the heart. Therefore, its deficiency can cause muscle weakness and even cardiac arrhythmia.
Calcium also has a hypotensive effect, as it can lower blood pressure. For this reason, an adequate intake of Ca can aid in both the treatment and prevention of hypertension .
TIP! Indirectly, lime can be used in the kitchen for a healthier diet, especially for the heart. That’s because the acidity of the fruit accentuates the taste of foods and ingredients, including salt. Thus, it is possible to reduce the hints of this seasoning in the preparation of salads, meat and fish.
4. Fight bacteria
Citrus aurantifolia has antibacterial properties, inhibiting the development of certain pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . The first bacteria can cause illnesses such as urinary tract infections and diarrhea . While the second is responsible for causing simple infections like boils and abscesses, or more serious problems like pneumonia.
5. Helps prevent anemia
The vitamin B2 present in this food is an essential nutrient in the production of red cells , called red blood cells or erythrocytes. They are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to other organs. But when there is a decrease in them, the body presents anemia as a sign that something is not right with the body and tiredness is one of the first symptoms.
6. Favors eye and skin health
Riboflavin is also important for vision and the epidermis. Among the benefits of B2 are the prevention of cataracts and the repair and maintenance of the skin. Not to mention the action of flavonoids in preventing premature aging.
How to use in healthy recipes?
As seen, lime can be used in food preparation, but it can also be a protagonist in some recipes. Check out!
Juice
Squeeze from six to seven units of fruit. Then, just put the contents in a container with ice and serve yourself. Prefer not to sweeten, but if so, prefer brown sugar, demerara or honey.
Mousse
The mousse is ideal for refreshing on hot days. So, check out the recipe that Nestlé posted on its YouTube channel. Remember that if you want a less caloric option, it is better to prefer light ingredients.
It was
Ingredients
- 2 cups of wheat flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup (of tea) of oil
- 2 tablespoons of baking powder
- 3 eggs
- 2 tahiti type files
- 4 tablespoons of milk.
Preparation method:
Beat eggs , sugar, oil and milk in a blender . In a container, mix together dry ingredients. Then, add the two mixtures and mix everything with a spoon, without using an electric mixer. Now just put the dough in a greased pan and take it to a preheated oven at 180°C. The cake will be ready when you pass the toothpick test, so keep an eye out so it doesn’t burn!
What is the difference between lime and lemon?
These two fruits are part of the same genus, Citrus . However, there are two different species: the lime is Citrus aurantifolia, a fruit of the lime tree, while the lemon is Citrus limonum, a fruit of the lemon tree.
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.