Lime is a small but powerful fruit from the citrus family. Often confused with lemon, lime is actually a different variety. It’s smaller than a lemon, with a thin, smooth skin and a sweet aroma. The lime tree is small, with thorny branches, green leaves, and fragrant white flowers.
Lime vs. Lemon: What’s the Difference?
Though similar, lime and lemon are not the same. Lime is usually smaller and contains less juice than a lemon, but it has a stronger scent. While both are citrus fruits, they offer slightly different nutrients and uses.
Varieties of Lime
There are two main types of lime:
- Sweet Lime: Has more sugar but a bland taste. It isn’t very nutritious and is not commonly grown.
- Sour (Acid) Lime: Rich in nutrients, widely grown, and commonly used in food and medicine.
Nutritional Value of Lime
Limes are a great source of:
- Vitamin C (even more than lemons!)
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Natural sugars
- Citric acid
Nutritional Breakdown (per 100g):
- Moisture: 84.6%
- Protein: 1.5%
- Fat: 1.0%
- Minerals: 0.7%
- Fibre: 1.3%
- Carbohydrates: 10.9%
- Calcium: 90 mg
- Phosphorus: 20 mg
- Iron: 0.3 mg
- Vitamin C: 63 mg
- Vitamin B Complex: Small amounts
Health Benefits of Lime
- Boosts Immunity
Lime is packed with vitamin C, which helps the body fight infections, heal wounds, and maintain healthy skin, teeth, and bones. - Improves Digestion
Lime juice helps with indigestion, nausea, acidity, and excess saliva. Mix one teaspoon of lime juice with honey for quick relief. - Aids in Constipation
Drinking warm water with fresh lime juice in the morning can help relieve constipation. - Fights Colds and Fevers
Lime juice boosts resistance and cuts down recovery time during fevers and colds. Mix it with warm water and honey for a soothing drink. - Oral Health
Lime helps treat swollen gums. Rubbing the squeezed rind on gums or drinking lime juice with rock salt can provide relief. - Eye Care
A few drops of diluted lime juice can be used for conjunctivitis (with caution). - Weight Loss Support
Drinking lime juice with honey and warm water daily on an empty stomach can help with weight loss over time. - Beauty and Skin Care
Mix lime juice with boiled milk and glycerine and apply before bed to improve skin texture and treat issues like pimples, dryness, and sunburn. - Hair Care
A mix of lime juice and amla juice, when applied at night, can help reduce hair fall, dandruff, and premature greying.
Final Thoughts
Lime isn’t just a flavorful fruit—it’s a natural remedy, beauty enhancer, and a rich source of nutrients. Whether added to food or used in home remedies, lime is truly a multipurpose health booster. So, next time you slice a lime, remember all the amazing benefits packed in that tiny citrus fruit!
