Drinking an adequate amount of water, especially with the addition of lime, may provide some health benefits, such as helping with weight management, skin health, and prevention of kidney stones.
The body needs water to survive, and drinking enough of it is crucial for maintaining optimal health. Water allows the human body to be properly hydrated. People stay hydrated by drinking fluids and consuming foods high in water content.
The amount of water a person should drink varies depending on:
his age
his gender
the amount of physical activity she does
pregnancy or breastfeeding, or not
temperature and other environmental factors
if the person has fever, diarrhea or vomiting.
Many people do not drink enough water
Some people may find that a squeeze of lime improves the taste of water, encouraging them to drink more. By drinking this water, people can also enjoy the many health benefits it offers.
8 Potential Benefits of Lime Water
This small citrus fruit native to Asia has many nutritional benefits. A standard lime contains only 20 calories.
The lime of the same size also contains the following nutrients:
22 milligrams (mg) of calcium
12 mg of phosphorus
68mg potassium
19.5 mg of vitamin C, or about 22% of the daily value (%DV) recommended for adults.
In addition to the nutritional value of limes, this blended water may provide the following benefits:
1. Promotes water consumption
People who don’t drink enough water might add a squeeze of lime or a wedge of lime to boost the flavor, which might encourage them to drink more water throughout the day.
2. May Reduce Risk of Certain Cancers
Several studies show a link between citrus fruits, such as limes, and a reduced risk of certain types of cancer. A 2015 meta-analysis of observational studies published in Medicine showed a possible link between increased citrus consumption and a decreased risk of esophageal cancer. The researchers also demonstrated that people with the highest citrus intakes, compared to those with the lowest intakes, had a 9% reduction in lung cancer risk. However, scientists need more research on citrus consumption for different types of cancer, including when people add lime to water, before they can draw firm conclusions.
3. May Play a Role in Overall Skin Health
Limes are an excellent source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that the body needs to make collagen, a compound that contributes to overall skin health. According to a study published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, researchers suggest that drinking large amounts of water (more than 13 cups a day) may have positive effects on skin hydration and appearance. . Not only does adding lime to water make it easier to drink, but the combination of water and lime juice can help improve the appearance and health of the skin. While healthcare professionals generally understand the health benefits of lime and water, they currently don’t have any scientific studies to back it up.
4. May Promote Weight Loss
Several studies have examined the relationship between water intake and weight loss. Although there is some scientific evidence to support this link, scientists are unsure why this relationship exists and suggest they need more research. A 2019 review article on drinking water and weight loss confirms that the current evidence on water and weight loss is of low to moderate quality. Citrus fruits, such as limes, may have bioactive compounds that could help control weight, but doctors need more research to better understand the role limes and water may play in promoting weight loss. weight.
5. May Help Support Immune Function
The body needs vitamin C to ensure the normal functioning of the immune system. A person’s body cannot make vitamin C on its own, so it must get it from food or other sources. One lime contains 19.5 mg of vitamin C. When a person consumes it regularly, lime water can help strengthen the body’s defenses and can reduce the lifespan of colds and flu cases. , although scientific evidence is limited.
6. May Help Lower the Risk of Heart Disease
Following a healthy eating pattern that contains fresh fruits, including citrus fruits like limes is important for preventing heart disease and its complications.
Researchers recently addressed this question in a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies published in 2020 in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The results of this study suggest that higher total fruit intake has links to a lower risk of heart disease, and the researchers found greater benefits specifically for citrus fruits among other fruit and vegetable sources. Scientists need more clinical studies to confirm the role that citrus fruits, such as limes, play in reducing the risk of heart disease. Since it is important to drink enough water each day to ensure the normal functioning of the body, including the heart, the use of limes can be an effective and tasty way to promote increased consumption of limes. water.
7. May Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
With 22% of the recommended daily value for vitamin C in one lime, they are rich in this nutrient. Among many other potential benefits, vitamin C acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in the body. According to a review article in Frontiers in Immunology, citrus fruits and juices, including limes, contain bioactive components that may help support a functional immune system response and control inflammation. Scientists need more well-designed studies in humans to explore the role citrus fruits may play in reducing inflammation.
8. They May Help Prevent Kidney Stones
Limes contain both citric acid and vitamin C. Several research studies in a 2015 scientific review article showed the ability of citrus fruits containing these nutrients to break down or prevent the formation of certain types of kidney stones. A risk factor for kidney stone formation is not drinking enough water. Lime water could be a solution to help a person meet daily fluid recommendations.
How to make lime water
It’s easy to prepare:
Wash a fresh lime before cutting it.
Fill a glass with water and squeeze the juice from the lime into the water.
To make the lime water ahead of time, fill a pitcher with water and squeeze the juice from 2 or 3 whole limes.
Add lime slices to the pitcher for extra flavor.
Drink the water throughout the day for best flavor.
Summary
For people who have difficulty drinking the daily amount of water recommended by doctors, lime water may be a good alternative. Along with added flavor, lime water also offers additional nutrients that may have a variety of health benefits. However, it is important to note that these health benefits are more likely in people who make a habit of drinking lime water daily.
Sources
An, R., et al. (2016). Plain water consumption in relation to energy intake and diet quality among US adults, 2005–2012 [Abstract].
Bracamontes-Castelo, G., et al. (2019). Effect of water consumption on weight loss: A systematic review [Abstract].
Lv, X., et al. (2015). Citrus fruits as a treasure trove of active natural metabolites that potentially provide benefits for human health.
Miles, EA, et al. (2021). Effects of citrus fruit juices and their bioactive components on inflammation and immunity: A narrative review.
Prezioso, D., et al. (2015). Dietary treatment of urinary risk factors for renal stone formation. A review of CLU Working Group [Abstract].
Sorice, A., et al. (2014). Ascorbic acid: Its role in immune system and chronic inflammation diseases [Abstract].
Wang, A., et al. (2015). Citrus fruit intake substantially reduces the risk of esophageal cancer: A meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies.
Wang, J., et al. (2021). Citrus fruit intake and lung cancer risk: A meta-analysis of observational studies [Abstract].