Key lime is a very versatile fruit. Therefore, this unique nature of this multipurpose fruit is beneficial for both health and well-being.
Key lime is originated from Southeast Asia. It is a hybrid of a wild lime (Citrus Micrantha) with citron (Citrus Medica). This citrus fruit is also known as Mexican lime or West Indian lime.
Unlike regular limes, key limes are smaller in size with more yellowish outer skin than brighter green. Also, they have more seeds and have more acidic floral taste than regular Persian limes (1).
As key limes are rich in citric acid, they are acidic. However, once digested, they become alkaline and easily absorbed in the body.
In this article, we will look at the nutrition and health benefits of key lime.
Nutrition Facts
Not surprisingly, key lime is a rich source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
It provides 31.3 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams, which is 35% of the recommended value. Vitamin c acts as an antioxidant, which may help protect your skin from UV exposure (2).
Also, key lime has just 7 grams of net carbs per 100 grams. So you can use them on a keto diet.
According to the USDA, key limes provide the following nutrients per 100 grams (3).
- Calories: 30 kcal
- Fat: 0 gram
- Protein: 0 gram
- Carbohydrate: 10.45 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Vitamin C: 31.3 mg
Health Benefits of Key Lime
1. Boosts your immunity
Vitamin c in key limes boosts your immune system. Key lime also has antimicrobial properties, which may help fight against harmful microorganisms.
In one study (4), key lime managed to inhibit the growth of microbes on participants who had asthma or sinusitis.
Therefore, regular consumption of key lime may provide you fast relief from all respiratory tract infections, including common cold and fever.
2. Keeps your heart healthy
Key limes are an excellent source of antioxidants called flavanones (5).
Research says the consumption of citrus flavanones reduces blood cholesterol levels and lowers the risk of heart diseases (6).
Besides, key limes are a rich source of dietary fiber, which may improve your digestion, weight loss, and insulin resistance.
Eating fiber-rich foods may also help reduce your blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart diseases and stroke (7).
3. Boosts male fertility
Since key lime is rich in vitamin c (Ascorbic Acid), it appears to be an excellent solution for boosting male fertility.
According to a study on rats (8), key limes increase the levels of hormones, such as testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Deficiency in these hormones may lead to infertility. Therefore, consuming key lime may boost male fertility, as it increases the sex hormone levels.
4. May help protect your liver and kidney
The abundance of citric acid in key limes may protect you from kidney stones (9).
Citric acid increases urine volume and acts against the formation of kidney stones.
Additionally, key lime has an antioxidant called naringenin, which may protect you from liver diseases (10).
5. May lower the risk of cancer
Key lime has anti-cancer properties, which may prevent the formation of cancer cells.
Research says that the intake of key lime may help fight several cancers, including colon cancer and breast cancer (11).
Also, essential components like flavanoid, are found abundantly in key limes, which may reduce the risk of cancer (12).
Significance Of Key Limes In Recipes
Key lime juice is the main ingredient in making tasty key lime pies. This highly flavourful citrus fruit is also used in a variety of cookies, cupcakes, etc. The bitter and sour key lime taste is prevalent in making a great cocktail.
Conclusion
Key lime is an amalgamation of health, diet, and beauty. This fruit is a one-stop solution for the overall health of your body. Therefore, stocking up your kitchen with key limes is a must.