Lime

Lime is a small citrus fruit that originated from India. It grows on a shrublike tree that has short branches, small leaves and very sharp thorns. The fruit is usually green in colour and has around shape with a diameter of 3 to 4cm. When the fruit ripens it turns to a greenish yellow colour and the pulp becomes juicy, tender and acidic. Lime grows mostly in tropical and sub tropical areas with Brazil being the world leader in lime production.

Citric acid can be extracted from the lime fruit. This process involves squeezing the fruit to extract a yellowish green juice. The juice has a sharp aroma and a stingy sour taste. The juice can be used for various uses.

            Benefits

1. Body

·         The juice from lime fruit when mixed with hot water and a little sugar removes sputum blockage along the nasal passage. It can therefore be used to treat coughs.

·         In the early 19^th century lime was used by British sailors to prevent scurvy. This can be attributed  to its high amounts of vitamin C. :Lime  juice also when taken before a long journey suppresses the urge to vomit during the journey and can therefore be used to stop or reduce travel sicknesses

·         Citric acid found in lime juice stops crystallization of calcium in the body this in turns helps in preventing the build up of kidney stones.

·         Due to the acidic content, which makes it salty and the fibres found in lime, it helps in digestion and reduces constipation.

·         Lime juice also contains flavanoids which help in preventing eye infections. The vitamin C in lime acts as an anti oxidant which protects the eyes from effects of aging.

·         Flavanoids in the lime juice also have anti biotic which help in the treatment of bacterial diseases such as cholera and typhoid

2.  Skin

·         The juice extracted from lime can be used in exfoliating the skin. It contains some bleaching agents (quite mild) which help in removing dead skin cells therefore rejuvenating the skin. The bleaching agents can also be used in getting rid of blemishes and spots on the skin.

·         The lime fruit can also be cut into slices and placed on the eyes to  remove sagging skin around the eyes and also wrinkles

·         Due to its ability to detoxify the blood it gives the skin a natural glow and reduces the chances of contacting skin diseases

·         For ages lime juice has been used in treating bruises and cuts on the skin. Slices of the lime fruit are rubbed on to the injuries as an antiseptic. Lime juice kills germs facilitating the healing of the injuries.

3. Hair

·         Lime juices’ anti bacterial and antiseptic properties help in keeping the hair and scalp clean by reducing and removing dandruff.

·         The vitamin found in lime strengthens the hair and treats split ends making it more vibrant.

                                                         

How to use

Lime juice in pure form is acidic and has some negative effects like;

-          It might cause phytophotodermatitis, a condition which swells, darkens and blisters the skin when it gets in contact with the skin.

-          It causes tooth sensitivity since the acid destroys tooth enamel.

It is therefore important to dilute lime juice before use.