5 Reasons to Eat More Lemon and Lime

In winter, citrus fruits are in season,

Reasons to eat more lemon and limeso they are good and cheap.

Even if no one (or anyone we know!)

would eat a lemon or a lime as a snack, integrating their juice or zest into our diet can do us a lot of good!

Here are: 5 good reasons to eat more lemon and lime.

1. For their vitamins

Lemons and limes have a very high content of vitamin C.

This “sun” vitamin offers many health benefits: it helps to strengthen our immune system, it destroys the free radicals that cause aging, pain and inflammation, and it can even prevent cardiovascular disease by preventing our arteries from clogging.

In fact, lemon and lime both contain vitamin B6, potassium, folic acid, and limonene.

This last very powerful compound is especially contained in essential oils.

It is known for both anti-cancer and detoxifying properties.

2. For their antioxidants

Lemon and lime contain many antioxidants, including flavonoids, which are well known anti-cancer agents.

Clinical studies have demonstrated the positive effect of limonene on cancers of the mouth, breast, lungs, stomach, and colon.

It has even been shown that the anti-cancer properties of lemons and limes were still present in the body 24 hours after eating them!

In comparison, the antioxidants contained in tea or dark chocolate only have an effect for about 4 hours.

3. For their antibiotic and antiviral effect

Several studies and experiments have revealed fascinating properties with lemon and lime.

For example, lime juice is a first-line weapon in West Africa against cholera epidemics.

Indeed, this juice can very effectively prevent this bacterial infection. In addition to acting as an antibiotic, lemon and lime also have an antiviral effect, which helps fight and minimize a cold, for example.

4. For their digestive improving properties

Lemons and limes contain digestive enzymes, which can give a good boost to our system.

These enzymes are indeed very similar to those naturally contained in our digestive system.

For years, whenever I have a stomach ache (indigestion or heartburn), I make myself a lemon tea from a bag or just with a few slices of lemon in hot water. This “grandmother’s remedy” works almost every time!

Plus, the relief is very fast.

5. For their anti-inflammatory properties

Although lemon and lime have an acidic taste, their effect on the body is rather alkaline.

Eating foods that provide this effect is very important to balance our North American diet, too rich in elements causing inflammation (refined flours, sugar, alcohol, processed meats, salt, etc.)

The alkaline effect on the body reduces inflammation that causes many ailments, such as arthritis, rheumatism and sciatic nerve problems.

A study of more than 20,000 people showed that those who consumed the least vitamin C-rich foods (lemons and limes are full of them!) were 3 times more likely to develop arthritis problems compared to those who consumed the most. Meal ideas to help you eat more lemon and lime:

• Add the juice of half a lemon or half a lime to your glass of morning orange juice
• Use lemon or lime in your homemade vinaigrette
• Put slices of lemon and/or lime in when cooking a fish

Do you often eat lemon and/or lime?

How do you integrate these citrus fruits into your diet?

Let us know in the comments below!