Common knowledge tells us that lemons and limes are a great source of vitamin C, but there are plenty of other health benefits that can be found within these bright pieces of fruit. Read on to see how these members of the citrus family can also help with your immune system, protect against arthritis and much more.
9 Surprising Health Benefits of Lemons and Limes
- For those of you who need to be on your feet all day, try a refreshing lemon foot soak when you get home to help rejuvenate tired feet. Mix warm water and lemon juice to help relieve the aches and pains of standing all day long.
- Research has shown that limonoids, anti-carcinogens found in lemons and limes, have been known to stay within the body for more than 24 hours at a time. Their persistence is said to be a huge rallying force when fighting off cancerous cells.
- Did you know that lemon juice is great for your hair? Not only does it produce a great shine, but it also helps get rid of dandruff.
- With superior levels of vitamin C, lemons and limes are pivotal in preventing you from catching viral and bacterial infections.
- It’s been shown that those who consume more of the vitamin C found in lemons and limes are three times less likely to develop arthritis than those who consume considerably less amounts of the multi-faceted vitamin.
- Starting your day with a glass of lemon water has been shown to provide plenty of health benefits, such as clearer skin, pH balance, weight loss and relief of respiratory problems.
- Introducing limes to your regimen is helpful for those with kidney stones, as this fruit is high in citric acid, a natural inhibitor of kidney stones.
- Limes have been proven to be beneficial to women’s health, especially those who are post-menopausal, as they contain high levels of folate and calcium.
- With no fat or cholesterol found in lemons and limes, these fruits make for the perfect snack at only 20 calories a piece (approximately).
Facts were sourced from AViVa, SF Gate, La Jolla Mom and Chatelaine.
- Photography: Alexandra Whitney Photography
