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Organic Lime

Also known as: Lime, Mexican lime, Key lime, Persian lime, Organic lime, Citrus aurantifolia

Overview

Organic lime, primarily *Citrus aurantifolia*, is a citrus fruit cultivated without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, limonoids, and organic acids, it's valued for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and potential anticancer properties. It is commonly used to support immune function, cardiovascular health, skin health, and urinary tract health. Lime powder regimens have shown promise in preventing urolithiasis (kidney stones). The fruit contains approximately 22-32% of the daily value of vitamin C per medium lime. Research includes clinical trials, in vitro studies, and systematic reviews supporting the health benefits of vitamin C and flavonoids found in limes.

Benefits

Organic lime offers several evidence-based benefits. Its high vitamin C content boosts white blood cell production and reduces cold duration, supported by human studies on vitamin C. A phase 2 RCT demonstrated that a lime powder regimen increased urinary pH, citrate, and potassium while reducing calcium and oxalate excretion, preventing kidney stone recurrence over 6 months. Lime flavonoids and limonoids exhibit strong radical scavenging activity, with methanol extracts inhibiting pancreatic cancer cell growth in vitro. Vitamin C also supports collagen synthesis, benefiting skin health, and enhances non-heme iron absorption when consumed with plant-based meals. These benefits make organic lime a valuable addition to a healthy diet, particularly for those with recurrent kidney stones or low vitamin C intake.

How it works

The benefits of organic lime stem from several key mechanisms. Vitamin C acts as a potent antioxidant, scavenging free radicals and regenerating other antioxidants. Citrate from lime increases urinary citrate, binding calcium and reducing the risk of kidney stone formation. Flavonoids and limonoids induce apoptosis in cancer cells by modulating Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, and p53 pathways. Additionally, vitamin C enhances immune cell function by promoting white blood cell production. These actions collectively contribute to the observed health benefits, impacting the renal system, immune system, and skin.

Side effects

Organic lime is generally safe when consumed in typical dietary amounts or as a supplement. Common side effects are rare, with no significant adverse effects reported in clinical trials using lime powder regimens. Uncommon side effects may include mild gastrointestinal discomfort with high intake. Rare side effects could involve allergic reactions in citrus-sensitive individuals. No major drug interactions are documented, but caution is advised with potassium-sparing drugs due to the fruit's potassium content. Contraindications include allergies to citrus fruits. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consume lime within dietary limits to ensure safety.

Dosage

While a minimum effective dose of organic lime is not firmly established, clinical trials have used lime powder regimens for 6-month supplementation. A typical dietary intake of one medium lime (approximately 67g) provides roughly 22-32% of the daily value of vitamin C. There is no established upper limit for lime fruit consumption, but excessive vitamin C intake (over 2g per day) may cause gastrointestinal upset. Regular daily consumption is recommended for sustained benefits. Organic lime can be consumed as whole fruit, juice, or lime powder supplements. Vitamin C absorption is dose-dependent, and co-consumption with iron enhances its absorption.

FAQs

Is organic lime more beneficial than conventional lime?

Organic lime avoids synthetic chemicals, but nutrient content is similar to conventional lime. The primary difference lies in reduced pesticide exposure.

Can lime supplements replace vitamin C pills?

Lime provides natural vitamin C and antioxidants, but the dose may be lower than dedicated supplements. It can be a valuable complement to a balanced diet.

Are there risks of kidney stones from lime?

Lime citrate actually reduces kidney stone risk by increasing urinary citrate and pH, making it beneficial for stone prevention.

How quickly do benefits appear?

Immune and antioxidant benefits may appear within weeks of regular consumption, while kidney stone prevention requires several months of consistent intake.

Can lime juice cause skin sensitivity?

Topical application of lime can cause photosensitivity; however, oral consumption is generally safe and does not pose the same risk.

Research Sources

  • https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8225893/ – This phase 2 RCT (n=74) investigated the effects of a lime powder regimen on urolithiasis patients over 6 months. The study found that the regimen increased urinary pH, citrate, and potassium levels, while reducing calcium and oxalate excretion, effectively preventing stone recurrence with minimal side effects.
  • https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/limes – This article summarizes multiple studies, highlighting that limes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It supports the claim that limes contribute to immunity, skin health, iron absorption, and cardiovascular health, based on available research.
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30225852/ – This study investigates the impact of citrus fruits on Helicobacter pylori. The research suggests that citrus fruits, including limes, possess antimicrobial properties that may be effective against Helicobacter pylori, contributing to gastrointestinal health.
  • https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/304448 – This article provides an overview of the health benefits of limes, emphasizing their vitamin C and antioxidant content. It discusses how these components support immunity, skin health, and overall well-being, drawing from various human and animal studies.
  • https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf901718u – This in vitro study examined the effects of lime juice extracts on a pancreatic cancer cell line (Panc-28). The research found that lime juice extracts inhibited cancer cell growth through apoptosis, with flavonoids and limonoids identified as the responsible bioactive compounds.

Supplements Containing Organic Lime

Lime by Hawaii Pharm
53

Lime

Hawaii Pharm

Score: 53/100
Living Vitamin C by Garden Of Life
88

Living Vitamin C

Garden Of Life

Score: 88/100
Lime by Herbal Terra
67

Lime

Herbal Terra

Score: 67/100
Lime by Herbal Terra
50

Lime

Herbal Terra

Score: 50/100
organic supergreens fruits & vegetables by zena greens™
65

organic supergreens fruits & vegetables

zena greens™

Score: 65/100
Organic Protein™ & Superfoods POWDER by Orgain®
65

Organic Protein™ & Superfoods POWDER

Orgain®

Score: 65/100
Bloom kids greens & superfoods + multivitamin strawberry apple flavored by Bloom Nutrition®
65

Bloom kids greens & superfoods + multivitamin strawberry apple flavored

Bloom Nutrition®

Score: 65/100
Dark Cacao Superfood Protein by Vita Hustle®
65

Dark Cacao Superfood Protein

Vita Hustle®

Score: 65/100
grüns cubs Superfoods Greens Gummies by grüns
55

grüns cubs Superfoods Greens Gummies

grüns

Score: 55/100
grüns Superfoods Greens Gummies by grüns
63

grüns Superfoods Greens Gummies

grüns

Score: 63/100
grüns Superfoods Greens Gummies by grüns
70

grüns Superfoods Greens Gummies

grüns

Score: 70/100
Orgain® Organic Protein 50 Superfoods Protein Powder by Orgain®
73

Orgain® Organic Protein 50 Superfoods Protein Powder

Orgain®

Score: 73/100

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