What is the difference between lime and lemon: the properties of fruits and their application. Lime and Lemon Differences: Benefits and Properties
Lime is a representative of the citrus genus, which at the genetic level is very similar to lemon. It is believed that the lime comes from the Indian Himalayas, it grows in the tropics and surpasses its "brother" of lemon, in its beneficial properties and vitamin content. Lime is very similar to lemon, but its taste is somewhat softer and less concentrated, due to which it is very successfully used to prepare many mixes, cocktails and exotic salads.
There are many different types of lime. For example, in the Mediterranean it is popular under the name "Limetta", in Asian countries it is Kaffir or Persian, in Mexico it is Mexican, respectively. A good fresh lime should have a smooth skin, juicy flesh and a sweet-sour taste with a slight bitterness.
Lime supplies world markets such as Mexico, Cuba, Spain, Brazil, India and Argentina. Grow it year-round, the shelf life of the fruit is small, you can keep it in a cool place for up to twenty days.
Lime - 12 useful properties
Prevention and treatment of scurvy
Lime is very widely used in the treatment of scurvy - a disease characterized by infection with symptoms that are very similar to the common cold. The patient has cracks in the lips and in their corners, ulcers in the mouth and tongue jump out, spots appear on the lips and gums bleed. This indicates that the body lacks vitamin C, which is very important for human health.
Tsinga was considered to be a very insidious and even deadly disease, and therefore the military or sailors, decreasing for a long time, were given lime to protect them from this dangerous disease. Now it is much less common, but still you can still meet this ailment - it is usually found in workers of hazardous production: in paint and varnish shops, in cement factories, in workers in mines, furnaces and thermal processors. Among the list of drugs for scurvy lime appears too.
Lime Skin Care
The lime fruit has beneficial properties for both internal and external use. Its oils, due to the high content of flavonoids and vitamin C, rejuvenate the skin, make it healthy, prevent the spread of infections and eliminate the unpleasant body odor. That is, lime acts as an antioxidant, antibiotic and disinfectant. For external use, it is used as a scrub to remove dead cells, for the treatment of rashes, hematomas and as a remedy for dandruff. Lam is successfully used in cosmetology for taking illuminating baths.
Help digestion
Lime flavonoids successfully stimulate the entire digestive system, improving the secretion of gastric juice and the flow of bile for normal digestion of food. All countries of the world successfully use citrus fruits, including lime, each in their national cuisine for preparing delicious first courses, as well as salads and desserts. Lime is a good preventive measure against various ailments.
Constipation prevention
High levels of fiber and lime acid help people suffering from constipation. The combination of lime juice with salt in large quantities acts on the body as a laxative and, moreover, without side effects.
With diabetes
Inclusion in the diet of citrus diabetes is considered very useful. Once in the body, a high level of soluble fiber contained in lime helps regulate sugar levels, retaining them in itself, which helps to slow down and reduce the dose of sugar in the blood. And the low glycemic index of lime will prevent sudden surges in glucose levels. Thus, eating a citrus fruit, a diabetic patient does not endanger himself, but rather improves his well-being.
With heart disease
The same soluble fiber contained in lime, will help reduce blood pressure in a patient and reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol. In addition, soluble fiber will relieve inflammation of the blood vessels, which will serve as prevention of any heart diseases, including strokes and heart attacks. Keeping potassium in lime is just a heart balm.
With peptic ulcer
In addition to vitamin C, flavonoids contained in lime (limonin, glucoside) act on the body as antioxidants, anti-carcinogens and antibiotics, thereby simplifying and speeding up the process of treating stomach ulcers and healing mouth ulcers.
In case of respiratory failure
The flavonoids contained in lime are indispensable for treating the respiratory tract. Balsams, evaporators, and inhalers are made from lime, they contain kaempferol, and they serve as anti-stagnant preparations. But immediately so indispensable lime will help to ease breathing. You just need to scratch his skin and deeply inhale the fresh scent, relief will not keep you waiting.
With arthritis
Lime will also be beneficial in diseases like arthritis. Arthritis is the accumulation of excess uric acid in the body. When waste products are not completely eliminated from the body, their remnants can accumulate, creating inflammation and pain. Citric acid is able to dissolve uric acid and remove it from the body, and the anti-inflammatory properties of lime, respectively, will do its job.
In eye care
The use of lime is also high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which protect the eyes from aging, flavonoids, and in turn from infectious eye diseases.
Fever
Lime juice has antipyretic property. Patients suffering from very high temperature should be restricted to taking lime juice and water, and, at a moderate temperature, should be resumed.
Gout
The accumulation in the body of a large number of free radicals, toxins and uric acid provokes gout. Lime consumption will help prevent this disease with antioxidants, flavonoids and vitamin C.
With gum disease
Any diseases of the gums, including those associated with a lack of vitamin C, scurvy, in which the gums bleed and loosen, a huge number of infectious diseases, any physical damage to the oral cavity - all these diseases heal the lime. Essential vitamin C copes well with scurvy, flavonoids completely stop the growth of microorganisms and safely heal multiple wounds and mouth ulcers, help strengthen gums.
Treatment and prevention of hemorrhoids
Such discomfort in the anal area, such as hemorrhoids, in which patients experience discomfort and even bleeding during the excretion of waste products, with prolonged inactivity can lead to sad consequences and even to certain forms of cancer. Lime can stop recurrence and eliminate neoplasms.
With cholera
About cholera, as a disease, mankind has already begun to forget, but there are still some disadvantaged places on the planet, where, oddly enough, you can still hear about this deadly disease. Citrus fruits and lime, among others, can protect against these terrible misfortunes. The use of lime juice in its pure form, the introduction of it into the diet, as well as adding it to the infected water is very effective in treating it as a disinfectant.
Slimming
Lime with its high content of citric acid is recommended by nutritionists as an excellent fat burner. By consuming just two glasses of warm water per day, diluted with lime juice, especially on an empty stomach or during the day, you can get excellent weight loss results after the first week.
For urination disorders
Again, any disorders of the genitourinary system cope again indispensable lime. The high content of potassium contained in it removes toxins and other unnecessary sediments collected in the kidneys and in the bladder. Disinfecting properties destroy infections in the urinary system, but besides all this, lime successfully cleans the urinary canals from blocking excess calcium deposits. It is simply an alternative to surgical intervention in the body.
Do not forget about lime and always use it even just as a preventive measure. It saves humanity from a wide variety of health problems. With scurvy, cholera, prostate, rheumatism, atherosclerosis, fever and other diseases, this is simply an irreplaceable helper. And most importantly, the lime has almost no side effects.
Lime - contraindications
In addition to the benefits of lime can harm certain groups of people:
- Lime is contraindicated in allergy sufferers and people prone to allergies. The concentration of acid with vitamins can trigger a relapse.
- Overdose with lime can cause itching, swelling, rashes and raise the temperature.
- Abuse of lime is prohibited in case of gastric ulcer, gastritis and pancreatic pathology, increased acidity can lead to exacerbation.
- Drinking lime itself or its juice is not very useful for teeth and in particular for enamel, therefore it is better to use juices or cocktails through a straw or after drinking a drink rinse the mouth cavity with warm boiled water.
What else is useful?
The beneficial properties of lime and lemon - genetically similar plants - are for the most part similar. The debate about what is more useful - lime and lemon - has been going on for many years, and there is still no clear answer to this question.
Many of our compatriots often confuse a lemon with a lime, and in fact they are in fact completely different citrus fruits. A small green lime is different from a larger yellow lemon not only in color and size, but also more sour, with a bitter taste. These fruits are also stored in different ways: if a lemon can safely lie in the refrigerator for about two months, then the shelf life of tender lime is not more than two weeks. However, these fruits have much in common.
On this page you will receive information about how lemon is useful and lime is useful. You will also learn how to choose lemon and llamas and how to use them.
Lemon has been used as a medicine since time immemorial, and nowadays its healing properties have been scientifically confirmed. Hot water with lemon has long been used to treat the throat; use lemon is recommended for weight loss and cleansing the body. And due to the high content of citrates - esters and salts of citric acid - lemon juice prevents the formation of kidney stones.
Lime and Lemon Contains Vitamin C
Both citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, which has an anti-inflammatory effect and prevents vascular fragility. Lemon contains more vitamin C than lime, although this difference is not significant.
Vitamin C supports the health of the connective tissues of the body, protects our cells from the harmful effects of free radicals, and also promotes the absorption of iron by the body. The high content of vitamin C in limes and lemons became for seafarers during the Great Geographical Discoveries a real salvation from a terrible disease called scurvy.
In addition to this vital vitamin, lemon and lime contain other valuable substances, such as limonoids, including limonin. This compound, concentrated mainly in the peel and seeds of citrus fruits, has scientifically proven anti-cancer properties. For example, a University of Arizona study showed that drinking black tea with lemon reduces the likelihood of skin cancer by 30%. In addition, limonin reduces the level of harmful cholesterol in the blood.
There are also differences between the composition of lemon and lime: for example, the first is famous for its high content of volatile production and vitamin P, and the second is richer in fruit acids and B vitamins.
How to choose and eat lemons and limes
When buying lemons, choose elastic yellow fruits. The greenish color of the skin indicates that the lemon is not ripe and too sour. But for lime greenish color - this is the norm. And for both citruses, the rule applies: the heavier the fruit, the fresher it is and the more juice in it.
Fresh lemon and lime are perfectly combined with fish and; their juice is added to sauces and salads; these fruits make great refreshing drinks. Since the skin of lemon and lime contains many nutrients, it is best to use the fruit completely, along with the peel.
Freshly squeezed citrus juice can be frozen and then, if necessary, added to cocktails and other beverages.
What you need to eat lemon and lime:
Cancer prevention; immunity strengthening; cleansing the body.
It belongs to the category of exotic fruits, but in stores it can be purchased at any time of the year. There are many varieties of lime, but three varieties are considered the most popular: Florida, Persian and Mexican. Fruits differ in size, in the presence and number of seeds inside, as well as in the minor nuances of the shape of the fruit.
Lime color may be:
- green;
- yellowish green;
- dark orange.
Orange lime is still a rarity in the Russian markets, but you should not refuse to buy it. This variety has a taste reminiscent of lemon and mandarin at the same time. Bitterness in such fruits is practically absent.
How to choose a lime
When buying lime it is necessary to evaluate the appearance of the fruit and their density. If visually it seems faded or spoiled, then you should not buy it. Lime has a slightly bitter aftertaste, and unripened, overripe or spoiled fruit will have flavor properties, due to which it will be problematic to eat them.
What lime can I buy:
- the surface of ripe and high-quality lime is always smooth, with a characteristic brilliance and without cavities or hillocks;
- lime color is always even (spots of any color indicate immaturity or deterioration of fruits);
- the fruit of ripe lime is springy but not firm;
- when cutting lime, the granules that make up the pulp should be clearly visible;
- the pulp of ripe lime is always juicy;
- when buying lime, you should not pay attention to the size of the fruit (different varieties of fruit imply different sizes, and the largest lime can reach 9 cm in diameter);
- lime saturated green color can be bought (even if the fruit is not ripe, it can be eaten, but the bitterness in it will be more palpable);
- persian lime is better to buy from May to August (in the remaining months there is a risk of buying fruits that fall on the shelves after long-term storage and the use of chemical compounds to extend shelf life);
- the shine of the lime rind should be natural (if the fruit is too shiny, this may be a sign of the use of paraffin to extend the shelf life, and inside the fruit may already be spoiled);
- the aroma of ripe and high-quality lime should be felt even through the skin.
On the skin is allowed the presence of brown spots that resemble plaque or stains. Do not confuse such signs with rotting. Brown color should be present only on the top layer of the peel. Such a symptom may be the result of a natural burn of lime by sunlight. After that, the fruit is not spoiled, and the nuance does not affect the taste properties.
Externally, lime fruits resemble
Visually, lemons can differ in shape, smoothness of the skin, saturation of its hue, as well as the size of the fruit. The taste of lemons is almost always the same, but due to improper storage there may be fruits with quite bitter taste properties.
When choosing a lemon, you can ignore the skin color and size. It is much more important to determine the ripeness and quality of the fetus. This is done visually. Cutting a lemon to determine its quality is not necessary.
In form, lemons can be round, oval, with elongated stems or tips, and also have elongated fruits. The reason for this diversity are varieties of these citrus. To taste almost all varieties are the same.
In a broad sense, lemons can be divided into two categories depending on the thickness of the peel.:
- with thin skin;
- with thick skinned.
To say that some lemons can be bought, and others - no, it is difficult. Both of these species are consumed differently. For example, thick-skinned lemons are ideal for adding to soups or drinks, and thin-skinned fruits are best bought when juice is important.
How to choose a lemon
Sometimes lemons can have a slightly bitter aftertaste. This quality is not characteristic of a good ripe fruit. There can be two reasons for bitterness: improper storage or treatment with antibiotics to prolong shelf life. The natural reason for the bitter taste may be the immature condition of the fetus. In any case, if the lemon is bitter, then you can get rid of this quality with boiling water. The fruit is lowered into boiling water for a few seconds, and then consumed as planned.
What lemons worth buying:
- the surface of the lemon should have a uniform color without dark spots or spots;
- lemon peel should be smooth without pits, wrinkles or faded areas;
- lemon flavor should be felt through the skin and be characteristic of this type of citrus;
- if you lightly squeeze a lemon in your hand, then its skin must be elastic (too hard a lemon will be unripe);
- ripe lemon can only be yellow;
- if you attach a napkin to a lemon, then traces of essential oils should remain on its surface (if there are no traces, this does not mean that the fruit is of poor quality, but the release of oil indicates the absence of chemical treatment);
- lemons with thin and smooth skin are characterized by higher rates of useful properties (such fruits are usually removed at the first harvest of the tree).
- if the lemon peel is not even, then when the fruit is cut, it will also be thick (the skin will be too much, and the pulp will be small);
- if black dots or small specks appeared on the surface of the lemon, the fruit was incorrectly stored and, most likely, was supercooled (the taste qualities of such a lemon will differ in bitterness);
- dark and sluggish patches on the peel indicate the beginning of the process of decay (the taste of lemon will be spoiled and the amount of juice reduced several times);
- lemons with a too shiny surface were treated with chemicals or paraffin;
- if the lemon does not smell, then it was grown using a large amount of chemicals;
- if when the lemon is squeezed in the hand, its skin is soft and not springy, then the fruit is overripe;
- greenish or green spots on the peel of a lemon are a sign of its immaturity;
- sluggish lemon peel can be a consequence of improper storage, over-ripeness or rotting of the fruit from the inside (there may not be brown spots or spots on the surface of the peel);
- there are fewer vitamins in lemons with thick skin than in thin-skinned fruits (useful properties accumulate in the white layer between the pulp and the peel).
Unripe lemons you can buy. This option is acceptable, for example, if you do not plan to eat citrus fruits as soon as they are purchased. At room temperature, fruits ripen pretty quickly.
What are the beneficial fruits? Probably, everything can be considered as such. After all, each fruit contains certain vitamins and minerals. In order for fruits not to lose their usefulness, it is necessary, of course, to use them properly, as some can cause not only an allergic reaction, but also lead to an exacerbation of some chronic disease.
In our article today we look at the fruit called lime. We describe when it is better to use and to whom. Also list the contraindications. So, let's begin…
Delicious light green fruit
An incredibly fresh, amazingly fragrant and invigorating fruit, lime is a relative of everyone's favorite lemon. This fruit is a surprisingly tender shade of green of the rue family. It refers to the form of fortified citrus.
Lime, in contrast to its "twin sister" of lemon, has a softer and more pliable peel, and does not contain such pleasant citrus seeds at all. The smell of this light green fruit is somewhat similar to mandarin.
Lime and its lemon counterpart are healthy fruits that contain a variety of vitamins (C, B, and A), mineral elements such as potassium, calcium, and phosphorus (essential for normal growth and maintaining good bones and teeth).
They also contain an abundance of organic highly digestible acids (ascorbic in particular). Such a utility company allows you to use lime for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis, some gastrointestinal diseases. Also, the fruits help in the fight against overweight and even insidious depression.
A good helper in losing weight
To help the fruit in the normalization of weight, it is necessary to use its juice, squeezed from 2-3 medium fruits, mixed with a glass of warm, filtered water. Healthy cocktail is worth drinking twice a day. The effect will be visible after a week and a half of systematic reception. Due to its fortified structure, the fruit lime will bring out the “bad” accumulated cholesterol. This ability makes this fruit popular among women seeking to
The benefits of fruit for the body
Essential oils hidden in lime activate uniform production, which increases and balances The combination of juice rich in salts (not only when using “hot” tequila), has a laxative effect. It is the lime served according to the eastern example to each table that can perfectly balance and balance the quantity and quality of the food taken.
For anemia, this fruit is also helpful. It helps to better absorb the gland due to citric and malic acid.
Lime is a natural and mild tranquilizer, which is able to gradually and evenly fight off winter “sleeping” states of the body, leaning on unreasonable fatigue and lethargy. The warming and fortified fruit lime can not only raise the level of mood, but also activate the body's processes.
Potassium, perfectly balanced in this overseas fruit, helps in strengthening the capillary walls, and also delicately balances the work of the heart muscle.
Lime juice perfectly whitens, strengthens broken enamel and resists the formation and aging of tartar. Also bleeding or inflamed gums are beautifully restored.
Lime is also effectively and concisely combating the manifestations and effects of varicose veins. Regular application of thin, fresh slices of lime on tired and inflamed caviar will be able to prevent and effectively slow the progression of the disease.
Lime juice (from one large and two small) with 100 grams of honey, brought to the consistency of a low-fat sour cream, perfectly bleaches the pigment spots and freckles.
Overseas Aphrodisiac
Lime and its matchless juice are also considered by many experts as an unrecognized aphrodisiac. Proper use, consisting in a moderate dosage (about half a teaspoon), can activate the internal focus and warm the whole body perfectly.
To use the above-mentioned property, it is necessary to gradually add finely twisted fruit to nutritious salads, fresh juices and even cakes.
Lime helps with nausea
Also foreign vitamin fruit helps with gagging. To facilitate and extinguish the hearth, you need to add ten drops of juice and a quarter of a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of clean, warm water. Drinking should precipitate and soften processes.
To improve digestion
The symbiosis of lime and ginger particles perfectly normalizes, activates and levels the digestive processes. Eating only 5 grams of ground ginger pieces with lime (juice or gruel) 15 minutes before a meal, you prepare the body for food intake and optimal digestion.
Eating fruit
How to eat lime? Everyone decides personally. But the beautiful combinations are lime and salt, lime and cinnamon, as well as lime and greens. Such culinary combinations will improve your well-being and mood.
Pieces of fruit peel perfectly complement the dishes with a tart, multifaceted taste, and it enriches pastries and various souffles with the most wonderful aroma of freshness.
Lime has beneficial effects, supports and balances the appetite. Therefore, it is possible without any danger to add this overseas fruit in the freshest salads, fruit drinks and juices.
Be careful when consuming the fruit.
As far as vitaminized and rich in its contained acids and minerals, so fruit lime and dangerous for the body of children two or three years. It is worth introducing lime gradually, scrupulously checking the effect of juice on the body. In general, it is better to not eat it in babies up to 3 years. Allergic and inflammatory reactions are possible in people with increased or unstable acidity. The use of such a vitamin fruit should be limited according to the measured recommendations of your own doctor.
Small conclusion
Now that you know what the fruits of lime are, we have described in detail what the harm and benefits of fruit are for the body. We hope that this information will be useful to you.