12 health benefits of lime water
The body needs water to survive and drinking enough is crucial for maintaining optimal health.
Water ensures the human body is adequately hydrated. People stay hydrated by drinking liquids and consuming foods with high water content.
The amount of water a person needs to drink varies according to:
- their age
- their sex
- the amount of physical activity they do
- whether someone is pregnant or breast-feeding
- the temperature and other environmental factors
- whether or not a person has a fever or diarrhea or vomiting
Many people do not drink enough water. In fact, many people drink more sweetened beverages than plain water.
Some people might find that a squeeze of lime improves the taste of the water, encouraging them to drink more of it. By drinking lime water, people can also take advantage of the many health benefits it offers.
12 benefits of lime water
This small citrus fruit with origins in Asia packs a large nutritional punch. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one lime with a 2-inch diameter contains just 20 calories.
The same size lime also contains the following 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
In addition to the nutritional value of limes, lime water has the following benefits:
1. Promotes consumption of water
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that people who do not drink enough water could add a squeeze of lime to enhance the flavor, which may encourage them to drink more water.
2. Helps improve diet
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.
People who drank water instead of sweetened drinks reduced the amount of sugar and fat they consumed on a daily basis.
3. May aid digestion
Adding lime to water can help aid digestion. Limes contain compounds that help stimulate digestive secretions in the stomach. Also, the acid in the lime juice helps the saliva break down food.
Lime water is easy to make:
- Wash a fresh lime before cutting it.
- Fill a glass with water and squeeze the juice from a piece of the lime into the water.
- To make lime water ahead of time, fill a pitcher with water and squeeze in the juice of a whole lime.
- Add lime slices to the pitcher for added flavor.
- Drink the water within 1 day for best flavor.
Takeaway
For people who have trouble drinking the recommended amount of water each day, lime water may be a good alternative.
In addition to extra flavor, lime water also offers additional nutrients that may have a variety of health benefits.
Lime water is easy to prepare, and almost everyone can add it to their diet.
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