Huatulco Life was inspired by people with a passion for Huatulco and the Mexican lifestyle. It is a place to find out more information about the region and enjoy the beauty of the Oaxacan coastline through the photo gallery. From time to time, other interesting tidbits about Mexico make their way into the pages of this blog. Enjoy!

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Monday, September 12, 2011

The Power of Limes

I received some interesting information on the weekend about the health benefits of limes.  And since we are in a country known for it's limes, I thought it best to share this information...after all, it's your health we are talking about.

After doing a little more research myself, it turns out that little green fruit packs a real punch when it comes to enhancing our well being.  Let's have a closer look.

Citrus Aurantifolia or lime, has been used for for years but most people probably don't really think about this fruit in a medicinal way.  Usually, we squeeze a little in our drinks or food to add that citrusy boost of flavor, and that's it.  Little did we know that those splashes of lime would help prevent or cure numerous diseases as well.

Lime has a long history as a cure for scurvy which is a deficiency of vitamin-c.  This disease is characterized by colds and coughs, cracked lips, ulcers of the tongue and mouth, bleeding gums and other symptoms.  And since this fruit is loaded with vitamin-c, it has been used to boost vitamin-c levels and stave off scurvy.

Lime juice and its oil are also very beneficial for your skin whether it is consumed orally or applied externally.  Due to limes large amount of vitamin-c and flavonoids, it rejuventates the skin, protects it from infections and helps to reduce body odor.  Both vitamin-c and flavonoids are considered class-1 anti-oxidants, anti-biotics, and disinfectants.  Simply scrubbing it on your skin helps remove dead cells, and it will also help cure dandruff, rashes, and speed the healing of bruises.

The flavonoids (Limonoids such as Limonin Glucoside) which have anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-biotic and detoxifying properties will help heal peptic and oral ulcers.  And lime helps heal up ulcers and wounds in the digestive system and excretory system and gives relief from constipation too, and it eradicates all the root causes of piles.

Limes also aid in the digestive process.  The flavonoids, the compounds found in the fragrant oils extracted from lime, stimulate the digestive system and increase secretion of digestive juices, bile and acids and also stimulate the peristaltic motion aiding in increased digestion.

The oil extracted from lime is extensively used in anti-congestive medicines such as balms, vaporizers, inhalers etc. due to the presence of Kaempferol. Just scratching the peel of a lime and inhaling it gives immediate relief in congestion and nausea.

When it comes to looking after your eyes, vitamin-c again has huge benefits.  Its anti-oxidant properties protect eyes from aging and macular degeneration. And it's those flavonoids again that help protect them from infections.


For those of you who have every had gout, you will know the debilitating pain associated with this condition.  Gout is caused by the accumulation of free radicals in the body, and also accumulation of toxins, primarily uric acid. Limes contain a plethora of anti-oxidants & detoxifiers (vitamin-c & flavonoids) and help detoxify the body.

Who ever thought that the lime could also help you loose weight!  A glass of warm water with a full-lime juice in it is an excellent weight reducer as well as a brilliant refresher and anti-oxidant drink, so squeeze some fresh lime into that glass of water and watch the pounds melt away.

Removing toxic substances from the kidneys and urinary bladder is also aided by the properties in lime juice.  Lime has a high potassium content and disinfectant properties that can help cure infections in the urinary system.  Also, good news for men, it will stop prostate growth which is very common among men over the age of 40 and help to clear the blockage of urine due to calcium deposition in the urinary tract.

And while I certainly have not explored the subject to death, it appears that lime can also help cure arthritis, rheumatism, prostrate and colon cancer, cholera, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, fatigue, heart diseases and even a very high fever.

For me, this seems like reason enough to squeeze a little extra lime on my fish, in my water, or at least my Corona.  Worst case scenario is that it tastes great and there are no side effects!

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