The Lima comes to us from the Malaca Peninsula, in Asia. The fruit belongs to the family of the root plants and is genetically similar to the lemon. The tree in which the fruit grows measures between 1. 5 and 5. 5 and a half meters high.
The ripe fruit in the four times of the year, but the most favorable climate for collection is at the beginning of autumn, after a rainy summer. In our countries it is not possible to grow it, since it does not support the cold and dies at temperatures of up t o-3 degrees Celsius.
Fruit description
Although many people closely associate it with lemon, the Lima is not a cross between a lemon and a lime. The plant belongs to a different family of citrus. The fruit measures between 6 and 7 cm in diameter. The pulp is light green, very acidic and juicy, without seeds.
The skin is very fine, greenish, sometimes yellowish. The taste varies from sweet and acidly to slightly bitter, with a slightly more acidic taste according to the variety. The fresh flavor of the lime is popular for cooking and drinking, while its beneficial properties are used in cosmetics and medicine. There are more beneficial substances for the human body in files than in lemons.
What does the Lima contain?
Fruit is a treasure of healthy vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamins A, K, PP, E, B;
- Ascorbic acid – from 30 mg per 100 grams of product;
- Minerals: copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, etc;
- esters, tannins, etc.
Lima has the highest vitamin C content, and is understandable, since it is also the most acidic of all. In dietary, the fruit is valuable for its low fat content and its total absence of cholesterol.
In addition, it contains 13% of the recommended daily amount of food fiber. Dietary fiber provides the human body with a satiating effect, so less food is needed and it is easier to diet.
One hundred grams of citrus fruits contribute only 30 calories, which means that an average fruit only contains 21 kcal. One hundred grams of pulp contain
- approximately 88 g of water
- 0. 65 grams of proteins;
- 3 g of fiber;
- 1. 73 g of carbohydrates.
The high amount of ascorbic acid provides one of the most useful functions of the lime: eliminating the “harmful” cholesterol of the organism, which translates into a beautiful and younge r-looking skin. Of course, ascorbic acid is essential during colds and flu.
BENEFITS OF THE LIMA FOR THE ORGANISM
The valuable composition of the fruit guarantees its usefulness in many areas, not only in the kitchen, but also in medicine and cosmetology.
Important: Limas even influence mental health: they improve the nervous system, increase mood and prevent the tendency to depress.
In winter, this fruit is recommended to improve immune processes. If we colds or hurts our throat, citrus is an antiseptic and ant i-inflammatory effective. Teeth, bones, hair and nails benefit from their calcium and phosphorus content.
For digestion
The digestive processes of the organism improve in lovers of the Lima. Once the pulp and fruit fluid enter the stomach, they act as natural digestive enzymes, affecting the release of acid and digestive juices.
Thanks to essential oils, the inhalation of the aroma of fruit activates the production of digestive juices and salivary secretions, improving appetite. Fruit consumption improves digestibility and eliminates constipation difficulties.
Pectin substance and organic acids contribute to the elimination of harmful toxins of intestines, which accelerates metabolism and burning fat. To obtain the best effect, it is recommended to dilute the fruit fluid with water and drink it twice a day – immediately after bedtime and at night before bedtime.
For the view
Citrus fruits are used to favor and improve vision, reduce the risk of ophthalmic pathologies and prevent them. The juice of this fruit is recommended to people who spend a lot of time in front of the computer or books. Vitamin C, abundant in the lime, is fruitful for the cornea of the eye and protects against the harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun.
A substitute for the oncologist
In addition to preventing heart disease, varicose veins, arthritis and brain spills, lime is a possible preventive against cancer. This is thanks to the antioxidants they contain, which prevent cancer cells being divided.
They also strengthen blood vessels, joints and many other organs. The flavonoid chemical compound affects the areas affected by cancer, causing its death. Green citrus fruits gradually stop the progressive development of cancer by slowing the growth of cancer cells.
Lima juice to lose weight
In addition to eliminating harmful toxins, lime reduces the desire to eat sweets. Although his juice stimulates appetite, he also normalizes it, protecting the organism from excessive eating. Nutritionists advise consuming it to activate rapid metabolism.
Dilute 200 ml of water and squeeze the juice of 2-3 fruits to be more effective. Take 100 ml in the morning and at night, preferably fresh, freshly cooked.
Heals the scurvy
The scurvy manifests as a lack of vitamin C in the form of a strong cough, ulcers in the mucous membranes of the mouth. Cal is included in the diet of miners prone to these diseases.
The sailors chewed the fruit pulp to relieve scurvy symptoms. The effect is possible thanks to the valuable vitamin C combined with unique fruit nutrients along with copper, calcium and phosphorus.
The fruit can bleach the teeth, eliminate the bleeding of gums and kill the germs of the mouth. Phosphorus and potassium have a preventive and therapeutic effect in cases of dental calculations, strengthen enamel, eliminate the inflammation of gums, help with tooth decay.
Prevents cholera.
Fruit fluid is a powerful remedy against viruses, fungi and bacteria. In Nigerian medicine, Lima juice acts as a valuable remedy against a series of parasitic diseases, malaria, cholera. The chemical substances of its composition are flavonoids that stop the progressive development of bacteria and prevent cholera.
Cosmetic properties
Ascorbic acid and flavonoids in large quantities have a positive effect on the skin, keeping it toned and with a healthy appearance. The lime serves to exfoliate the skin.
Hair benefits from calcium and phosphorus. Citrus fruits help fight dandruff and rejuvenate the skin. Your medicinal juice is even used in deodorants.
Important: The skin becomes firmer and smooth thanks to the ability of ascorbic acid to synthesize collagen, an important substance of the connective tissue that maintains young and fresh skin.
A natural salt substitute
The specific acid flavor and the unique composition of the lime allow the use of fruit as a sodium substitute, adding a salty touch to the dishes. Although there is not a salt milligram in the fruit, adding lime to the dishes causes a salty note when it is cooked correctly. The dishes were sprayed with fresh fruit juice to achieve the effect.
Important: fruit juice with the addition of a small amount of salt causes a laxative effect on the body, avoiding constipation.
Special applications
The fruit is consumed at home and used to manufacture many cosmetics and medicines. In traditional medicine, both fruit and leaves are used to treat fever symptoms, infections, throat problems and nervous system disorders. It is said that its leaves and peels relieve nervousness and prevent sleep problems.
In the kitchen
The grated shell is used in fish and meat dishes. Refreshing cocktails become more aromatic and healthy with lime juice. Its leaves are also consumed fresh, frozen or dry. They are used in soups, sauces, garrisons, salads, especially in rice and curry sauce.
Sweet pastry and kitchen desserts acquire specific freshness and juiciness with the addition of Lima. In summer, it is enough to add the citrus juice to a refreshing cocktail with ice, and in winter a piece of fruit to any hot drink. You have to clarify the fruit under the tap and clean its bark with a cloth.
In cosmetology
In cosmetology, the ingredients of the lime are used to elaborate
- facial tonic;
- creams, shampoos;
- prepared to prevent wrinkles;
- Nail treatment to strengthen them and stimulate their rapid growth.
Fruit can prevent and treat black points. Close the pores and clean the skin. It has a regenerative and ant i-inflammatory effect and cool the complexion.
A simple cleaning facial mask is made with 1 teaspoon of ground lime zest, 2 tablespoons of liquid honey and a pair of tea tree drops. All ingredients are mixed and applied to the face. Clarify 10-15 minutes later with clean water.
In medicine
The medicinal properties of the plant are difficult to overestimate. With it, tinctures and antirreumatic, antiviral and healing remedies are elaborated. It is said that the tila balances excessive palpitations of the heart and eliminates inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It is also used with the following purposes
- For herpes and papillomas
- tensions;
- Atherosclerosis: its active ingredients reinforce the membranes of the blood vessels;
- intestinal problems;
- bacterial diseases.
Hot citrus juice drinks are recommended for homemade treatment and prevention of acute respiratory infections, as well as for use as an antipyretic. In medicine, this fruit eliminates the adverse effects of antibiotics in the body.
How to choose and conserve a Lima
The darker the skin of the fruit, the more juicy and tasty it will be. If there are signs of mold in the area where the peduncle is located, the fruit is of poor quality. The lime must be firm to touch and smooth, without blows or abolish. There are some important points that should be taken into account when buying it:
- Any spot on the surface or a deformed cortex are signs of a bad lime.
- The surface brightness must be natural and should not be used to use wax.
- Citrus smell of a quality product can be detected even through the cortex.
- Black spots in the peel are a sign of plant disease.
Damages and possible contraindications of the files
Any product, even the healthiest, if consumed in excessive quantities can have adverse effects.
The beneficial properties of fruit cannot be experienced by all people. Children under 3 should not be given citrus due to the danger of allergies. People prone to allergic reactions must also be cautious. The following diseases do not allow the consumption of Lima
- acute nephritis;
- serious gastrointestinal problems
- intestinal or stomach ulcers;
- cholecystitis;
- rashes; colitis and allergies;
- Gastritis and pancreatitis.
In order not to damage the teeth, doctors advise to rinse their mouth after consuming lime in any of its forms.
Lima is an exceptional and irreplaceable citrus that represents a treasure for human health. More and more is used in various industries to promote health, lose weight, improve skin, etc.
But it is important to remember that it is not necessary to exceed and that it should not be consumed in excessive quantities.
