The lime is here. Small but mighty, limes are bright green citrus fruits used in recipes and add zest to water.
Under the lime’s thick coat, however, a fountain of vitamin C, antioxidants and vital nutrients hide. These mighty gems are simply waiting for you to take a stab.
Don’t shy away! One lime carries 22% of a person’s daily value of vitamin C. Avid lime-eaters also consume traces of iron, calcium, vitamin B6 and potassium when biting into the citrus fruit, according to Healthline.
Nutrients like vitamin C invigorate a person’s immune system by increasing white blood cell production. According to Healthline, a supplemental dose of 1 to 2 grams of vitamin C shortened the duration of a head cold by an average of 18% in children. When helped, the body fights off disease better.
If you’re trying to get some vitamin “sea” while kicking it at the beach, the real vitamin C might also be your friend. The body needs vitamin C to produce collagen, a protein responsible for skin elasticity. As a result, aging people who consume vitamin C are at a lower risk of developing wrinkles and dry skin, so this is great for protecting your skin in the summer.
Alongside these benefits, limes reduces a person’s risk of certain cancers, heart disease and increases the body’s iron absorption because they carry antioxidants, such as flavonoids. Flavonoids, for example, help stop genes that promote cancer progression, according to Healthline.
According to Twisted Citrus, consumers should follow these simple steps next time they buy limes. Smell the lime to see if it smells like lime. If it does, it’s ready to eat. Then, squeeze the lime. If the lime is ripe, it should feel firm and a little heavy.
From there, eat, use and enjoy your lime! Some people drink lime water each morning, while others add limes to soups and fruit salads. The choice is deliciously yours — yum.
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