Persian Limes are round, sour and bright green citrus fruits that are high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients (iron, calcium, vitamin B6, thiamine, potassium etc). They are the most common type of lime found in the US.
Antioxidants are important compounds that defend your cells against molecules called free radicals. In high amounts, free radicals can damage your cells, and this damage has been linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and many types of cancer.
Limes are high in active compounds that function as antioxidants in your body, including flavonoids, limonoids, kaempferol, quercetin, and ascorbic acid.
Limes are high in vitamin C, a nutrient that may help boost your immune system and lower your blood pressure.
Also, vitamin C could help wounds recover faster by reducing inflammation and stimulating collagen production. Collagen is an essential protein that aids wound repair.
Both Antioxidants and Vitamin C help promote healthy skin.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, research shows that limes may reduce several heart disease risk factors.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, and limes help to lower that.
Citrus fruits like limes are high in citric acid, which may prevent kidney stones by raising levels of citrate and binding stone-forming minerals in the urine.
Foods high in vitamin C, such as limes, may help prevent iron deficiency anemia by improving the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.
Limes are high in flavonoids which may help stop the expression of genes that promote cancer progression.
Limes are valued for their juice and the floral aroma of their zest.
Lime zest and juice are common ingredients in desserts and baked goods, such as Key lime pie, cookies, and ice cream.
They can also be used in savory dishes and to add flavor to both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.
Outside the kitchen, limes are used as a natural cleaning agent and to neutralize odors. Lime juice can be mixed with vinegar and water and used as a surface spray for a nontoxic cleaning option.