In this article we would like to portray to you the extremely valuable benefits of lime juice in water, beginning with the most helpful benefits first.  That being limited solely to the benefits for health and revitalization of the human body.

1. Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease

Limes contain high levels of magnesium and potassium.  Both of these elements help support the overall health of the heart.   In particular, potassium can improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure.  There is some limited research that demonstrates that lime may reduce the amount of harmful cholesterol in the body.  The nutrients in lime water are so beneficial for relief from heart disease, that some have thought of trying to add a few ingredients to lime and then patenting it as a heart medicine.   

This small green citrus fruit that seems to have originated in Asia, is loaded with those trace elements that are needed to repair and support heart function.  According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one lime with a 2-inch diameter contains just 20 calories, but also contains the following trace elements and nutrients:

• 22 milligrams (mg) calcium
• 12 mg phosphorus
• 68 mg potassium
• 19.5 mg vitamin C, which is about 20–25 percent of the daily value recommended for adults

Taking lime juice on a regular basis is a good start for ensuring a healthy and long-lasting heart function. 

2. Improves immune system

The vitamin C combined with the antioxidants contained in limes provides support to the body’s immune system.   Many researchers believe that, when lime water is consumed on a regular basis, it will help prevent colds and flu. According to some research, the limonins found in limes can help prevent the accumulation of Streptococcus bacteria.  Streptococcus is a type of bacteria responsible for a variety of infections and health conditions, including respiratory and mouth infections.  Drinking lime water may help stop such harmful organisms from developing and even prevent bacterial illnesses. It helps aid in the digestion and reduction of “candida” which is linked to many body ailments, such as Alzheimer’s and arthritis.  However, thus far we have not been able to support that belief through research and testing. Someone just needs to conduct such research. We would encourage students to try such a research project for a school science project. 

Among many other potential benefits of lime water, vitamin C acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in the body.  Oregon State University conducted a review of research that focused on the positive effect vitamin C has on reducing inflammation.  They concluded that most research related to vitamin C  indicated favorable results in reducing bodily inflammation.

3. Reduces cancer development

Several studies show a link between citrus fruit and the reduced risk of some types of cancer. A 2015 study in Medicine (Baltimore) showed a possible link between increased citrus fruit consumption and a diminished risk of esophageal cancer.  There are some indications that it helps with skin cancers as well. Again we need more conclusive research on this claim. 

4. Lemon Juice Helps prevent kidney stones

Limes contain both citric acid and vitamin C. A 2014 study showed that both vitamin C and citric acid helped break up or prevent the formation of some types of kidney stones.   The researchers have concluded that by including vitamin C and citric acid in their diet (key ingredients found in limes), a person could reduce their risk of developing kidney stones in their future.

5. Lowers blood sugar

According to some research, vitamin C can help to stabilize the effects of going without food all night or of eating a meal.  Often times people feel stomach uneasiness in such conditions, but a bit of lime water can reduce that.    The ingredients in limes provide relief to blood sugar spikes and downturns to help people feel comfortable stomach wise.   Though the study focused on people taking supplements of vitamin C, the conclusion indicated that vitamin C does offer excellent potential for improving a person’s sugar levels and therefore would include the natural and more normal form of vitamin C found in limes. 

6. Improves skin quality

Limes contain vitamin C and antioxidants, both of which are ingredients in many commercial skin products. When consumed with water, the natural ingredients in the lime juice can help improve the appearance of aging skin.  It helps restore the elasticity of the skin making it more able to return to its natural shape and position.   

7. Helps improve diet and digestion

A recent study in Nutritional Epidemiology showed that people who drank more water instead of sugary drinks, such as soda or juice, improved their diet in terms of weight loss.  People who drank water instead of sweetened drinks reduced the amount of sugar and fat they consumed on a daily basis. This is largely because limes contain compounds that stimulate digestive secretions in the stomach.   Limes also contain digestive acids that help break down foods both in the mouth and in the stomach.   

Another benefit of limes is that they make water more enjoyable to drink just like a juice drink.   However, they do not include all of the negative aspects of a sugary drink and can therefore, cause people to drink more water and less harmful sugary man-made drinks.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that people who do not drink enough water could add lime juice to their drinking water to enhance the flavor, which in turn, may encourage them to drink more water.  Nutritionists often recommend drinking a glass of water with a meal to help prevent overeating. Lime water has an additional benefit. The citric acid found in lime juice helps boost a person’s metabolism, helping them burn more calories and store less fat.   Lime water can aid digestion and may encourage people to drink more water.

The summary

Lime Juice revitalized heart function, reduces harmful cholesterol, reduces cancer, aids in revitalizing the appearance of the skin, and it helps a person move toward their goal of weight loss.   Don’t forget it can aid in digestion and stomach pains caused from spikes in blood sugar levels. The side benefit is that lime juice can make water more enjoyable as a drink. Most conveniently, lime juice water drinks are easy to make and you can buy lime juice in a bottle at the grocery store.   If adding two tablespoons of lime juice to a glass of water is too hard, then just take the lid off and use the cap to measure out about 2 to 3 capfuls to add to your water. Remember also, that lime juice adds nutrients to your body that bring health and vitalization, even though all of the effects of lime juice have not been verified with research.