Article Edit Discuss

Use Limes and Lemons for Various Health Problems

Edited by Ermin, Lynn, sheryl hernandez, Robbi and 12 others

6 Parts:

Summary of the Nutritional Value of Lemons and Limes

Benefits of Lemons and Limes for Various Health Problems

How to Make a Lemon or Lime Iced Tea

The Final Verdict

Questions and Answers

Comments

The benefits of lemons and limes are often overlooked. People may have these citrus fruits in their homes, but they may not know how good lemons and limes can be for them. These versatile citrus fruits can be used for various health problems, but before we talk about the benefits, lets talk about the difference between lemons and limes.

Contents

1 What are Limes?
2 What are Lemons?
3 Summary of the Nutritional Value of Lemons and Limes
4 Benefits of Lemons and Limes for Various Health Problems
- 4.1 Other Health Benefits of Limes:
- 4.2 Other Health Benefits of Lemons:
5 How to Make a Lemon or Lime Iced Tea
6 The Final Verdict
7 Questions and Answers
8 Comments

What are Limes?

Limes are green, and usually smaller than lemons. Some are oval or circular in shape. Although there are different kinds of limes, they are usually green-flesh citrus fruits.

Sweet limes are rarely found in the United States, as they are native to India. Other types of limes are; Mandarin limes, Australian Desert limes, Kaffir limes, Mexican limes, Persian limes, and Calamondin or Calamansi, native to the Philippines. Because of their distinctive taste, sweet or sour, they are used for cooking around the world. Limes can be sweet or sour. Sweet limes are picked when they are still green, but they will become yellow, a clue that the fruit is mature. Most limes, however, are sour. Their flavor is distinctively sour. Mexican limes and Mandarin limes are acidic or extremely sour. Calamondin and Persian limes are sweet - not completely sweet, but may be less tart than other sour limes. Some limes are grown in Southern Florida.

What are Lemons?

Lemons are bigger than limes. They are yellow in color and have a textured skin. They are mostly oval in shape. Like limes, lemons also have different varieties. There may be 50 varieties of lemons used for culinary and non-culinary purposes. However, the two most common lemons found in the United States are the Meyer and the Eureka lemons. Eureka lemons are mostly found in grocery stores, and these are highly acidic. The ones you have tried or usually have at home are probably Eureka lemons. Meyer lemons are hybrids of pure lemons and oranges, and are sweet. These lemons are native to China and have been cultivated in the United States since 1908. Due to their tart taste, most people use them for making delicious desserts, such as the lemon meringue recipe below.

Summary of the Nutritional Value of Lemons and Limes

Both lemons and limes are excellent sources of vitamins B6 and C. They have detoxifying effects that can help treat common colds and influenza. They help boost the immune system in children. Lemonade is an example of a nutritional drink that can help boost immunity. They are also rich in pectin - a dietary fiber compound in fruits help digest foods quickly. These citrus fruits do not have cholesterol or sodium and contain no fat, but they do contain vital nutrients needed for the body, such as magnesium, calcium, folate, copper, potassium, thiamin, phosphorus, and niacin.

Lemons and limes have significant and beneficial effects in treating gout and rheumatism. They also have flavonoid compounds containing anti-bacterial, antibiotic, anti-cancer and antioxidant properties. Some researchers conducted an experiment by including lime juice with every meal for a person with Cholera. They concluded that limes are beneficial for the treatment of Cholera, a severe infection of the bowels causing uncontrolled vomiting, frequent watery bowel movements or diarrhea, and it may even lead to death.

Benefits of Lemons and Limes for Various Health Problems

Lemons and limes almost have the same health benefits. However, limes have a richer nutritional value than lemons. On the other hand, lemons are also richer in different nutrients compared to limes, which contribute to the treatment of some diseases, as well. Below are some specific health benefits of limes:

Other Health Benefits of Limes:

1
Respiratory disorders
.
Because of the flavonoid compounds in limes, it can be used to reduce symptoms of respiratory diseases. Nausea and congestion can be treated by drinking limes with a mixture of water, or inhaling the extracts or the inside skin of limes. This gives quick relief for nausea and congestion.

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Constipation
.
The acidity in limes can help treat constipation by clearing off or washing the tracts in the excretory system. This way, you may be able to have bowel movements comfortably after drinking lime drinks. To make a relieving lime drink, just squeeze two limes into a glass of lukewarm water and drink as many times as you want. You may add a little sugar or honey to it to bear the sour taste.

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
Weight Loss
.
Indeed, limes have citric acids that can help you burn fat. If you keep drinking limes diluted in warm water every day, you will lose fat in no time. The only problem is that it makes you crave foods after the frequent urination. You should know how to handle your food cravings, and be smart in choosing foods that are healthy.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
4
Urinary Disorders
.
The disinfectant properties of limes are vital in cleansing infections or bacteria from the urinary tract. Limes can also prevent some men at from developing prostate cancer. The high potassium in limes can clear the toxic chemicals from the kidneys and bladder.

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
5
Scurvy
.
This is a disease of the body tissues is caused by lack of vitamin C. Since limes contain high amounts of vitamin C, it can resupply the amount of vitamins needed in a person with scurvy. (In the British navy - they supplied the sailors with limes to prevent them getting scurvy while at seas. This is why they call a person from England a Limey.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
6
Gout
.
This is a painful disease in the joints. Gout is caused by the accumulation of free radicals and toxins in the body. Limes can help wash the unwanted toxins and free radicals from the body, allowing it to function properly.

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
7
Eye Care
.
Limes can protect the eyes from deterioration and infection, because of its active properties called flavonoids and vitamin C.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
8
Gums
.
Bleeding and spongy gums are bothersome. You cannot eat properly because of the problem. Now, you do not have to worry, because you can use limes to treat gum problems. Like scurvy, bleeding and spongy gums are caused by a vitamin C deficiency. Always drink lime juice to receive the benefits of all that vitamin C.

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
9
Skin Care
.
Limes have vitamin C and flavonoids that are important in protecting the skin from infections and even pimples. You may either take limes orally or externally. If you opt to choose limes for external use, it can cure dandruff, exfoliate dead skin cells, treat rashes, heal pimples, etc. You can also add some limes into your bath water to clean off external bacteria from your body.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
10
Digestion
.
You can drink lime juice daily to promote good digestion. This has been a traditional practice in India and other countries for ages.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
11
Peptic Ulcer
.
Flavonoids found in limes can help treat peptic ulcers, lesions in the lining of the digestive system or in small intestines, which can be caused by bacteria and excessive stomach acidity.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Other Health Benefits of Lemons:

Here are some specific diseases that lemons can help reduce the risk for:

1
Cholera
.
This is a serious infection in the bowels and stomach. It causes diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and sometimes it can lead to death. The cause of this is due to eating foods and drinking beverages are contaminated with germs and bacteria. Cholera can be treated by drinking lemon juice regularly.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
2
Throat Infections
.
The antibacterial property found in lemons can kill infections in the throat. Drink lemon juice daily to wash out the infection and bacteria.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
3
Constipation
.
Like limes, lemons are also excellent in easing bowel movements.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
4
Dental Care
.
Once again, like limes, lemons can also relieve toothache and reduce the swelling and bleeding of the gums. You just have to rub the affected tooth with lemon juice using your index finger, and it will then ease the pain. When it comes to the gums, you just have to do the same thing, or you can drink lemon juice daily.

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
5
Rheumatism
.
This is a disease in the joints, causing them to become swollen and painful. To treat rheumatism with lemons, you just have to drink lemon juice daily, and it will flush out toxins and bacteria in the body. Lemons can also treat arthritis because they are diuretics.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
6
Fever
.
Drinking lemon juice can treat influenza or common colds and flu. Children can drink lemon juice but only in moderation - to avoid stomach upset.

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
7
Respiratory Disorders
.
Lemons can also treat respiratory disorders, like asthma.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
8
Foot Relaxation
.
Lemons are aromatic and have antiseptic properties. These can help relax the feet. To do this, you just have to add some lemon juice to warm water and soak your feet in it for 30-60 minutes. This will help relax your feet and get rid of the bad foot odor.

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
9
Burns
.
Lemons have cooling properties, and can remove scars due to burns.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
10
Hair Care
.
If you have problems related to scalp and hair, such as dandruff and hair loss, you can prevent it from becoming worse by applying lemon juice on the affected area. This can also give you smooth and shiny hair after washing.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
11
Hypertension
.
Lemons are rich sources of potassium, which can help reduce and regulate blood pressure. Drinking lemon juice daily can help you achieve good results in a short period of time. In addition, it can also help reduce depression and mental stress.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help
12
Weight Loss
.
Like limes, lemons can also help you burn fat fast. You just have to follow the same procedure as with limes. Add lemon juice to a glass of lukewarm water plus honey to taste, and then serve. This should be consumed daily.
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

How to Make a Lemon or Lime Iced Tea

Lemonade tea is so simple to make, as well as the lime juice diluted with water. To make your lemon or lime tea a lot healthier and taste a lot more delicious, follow an easy-to-make lemon or lime iced tea with green tea infusion below:

1
Ingredients:
1. 1 lime and 1 lemon (thinly sliced)
2. Ice cubes
3. 1 cup of white rum (optional)
4. 8 cups of water
5. 3 green tea bags
6. 335 ml frozen concentrated lemonade/335 ml of limeade
7. Sugar or honey as sweeteners
Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

Directions

Pour all eight cups of water into a pot and add the teabags.
Bring them to boil.
Let it steep for four minutes and then remove the teabags.
Add the frozen lemonade into it and wait until it dissolves.
Add honey or sugar to sweeten the flavor.
Turn the heat off and let it cool for few minutes.
Strain it into a clean, large pitcher and refrigerate.
Stir in rum when it is already cold, but this is only optional.
Add the ice cubes into the pitcher as well as the slices of lime and lemon citrus fruits.
Serve and enjoy!

Was this step helpful? Yes | No| I need help

The Final Verdict

Lemons and limes are very potent herbal citrus fruits for treating various health problems. The only preparation you have to do is to make a lime or lemon juice and drink it daily. Lemonade is easy to make. You can make it with either pure lemon or lime juice mixed with water, or you can add sugar or honey to it to make it sweeter. If you want limes or lemons to treat the external areas of the body, you just have to rub the affected area with the juice extracted from the citrus fruits.

Questions and Answers

What's the difference between lemons and limes for reducing a potbelly?

Actually, there is no difference between lemon and lime when it comes to their effect in reducing a potbelly. Both fruits are high in vitamins and fiber to help reduce belly fat. These fruits boost the body's metabolism. They are fruits that have high acidity but with low sugar content so really good if you want to have a flat belly.

Technically speaking, lemons have a higher concentration of citric acid and vitamin C compared to limes. The citric acid and the vitamin C play an important role in reducing a potbelly. According to the USDA Nutrient Database, lemons contain 53 mg vitamin C per 100 grams of raw lemons compared to the 29 milligrams in limes. Studies shows that vitamin C helps oxidize body fats during exercise resulting in weight loss, and the citric acid helps in the digestive system and improves metabolism resulting in weight loss. Another effect of the citric acid is it helps reduce the absorption of sugar from the various foods you eat to your body. This allows the body to burn the fat rather then store the fat. In regards to your query, lemons are better than limes in reducing potbelly due to its higher vitamin C and citric acid contents.

Will squeezing limes into rum reduce its vitamin c content?

Drinking lime squeezed into rum won't reduce its Vitamin C content. Just like drinking lime with water, it won't reduce the Vitamin C content because no matter what you add it to, you are still drinking the same amount of lime with the same Vitamin C content.

Can drinking limes and lemons stop cold feet?

Depends on what you mean by cold feet. If you mean nervousness:

Take deep breaths.
Calm yourself by drinking coffee.
Smoking can calm you but only if you are used to it (this is not highly recommended).
Divert your attention by doing other things such as playing games, listening to music or reading.

If you mean the feeling of coldness on your feet:

Yes, drinking lime and lemon helps get rid of that.
Eat a high-fiber, low fat diet.
Do aerobic exercise.
Take garlic.
Take a supplement called Kyolic.
Eat watermelon (because of lycopene that helps circulation).
Eat dishes that have Cayenne or take Cayenne supplements.

Benefits of Indian Green Sweet Lime in Breathing Disorders?

The Indian green sweet lime is known to be a versatile fruit in combating a variety of ailments. It looks like a regular lemon, but with an interesting sugary sour taste. Aside from being consumed as candies, juices, salads, and sorbets; it is also used as a marinade to enhance the flavors of meat.

The Indian green sweet lime or also known as "Mosambi" has multitude of health and nutritional benefits for boosting the immune system, anti-carcinogenic properties, treatment of digestive problems, relief of dehydration and jaundice, as well as other antiseptic uses for variety of skin and hair conditions; to name a few.

The India green sweet lime is also an effective remedy in the treatment of a variety of breathing disorders. For one, its oil extract is used in different vaporizers and inhalers and is known to relieve congestion in the treatment of various respiratory conditions. The Mosambi fruit juice is also a known remedy for asthma and chronic cough.