7 Lime Water Health Benefits

There is no question—adequate hydration is essential. It benefits cognition, can reduce the onset of headaches, and can even aid in weight management. With around 60% to 75% of the human body made up of water, it is imperative to replenish your system from lost sources, whether that is hydrating with water, other beverages, or fruits and vegetables.

If drinking water feels like a chore, why not level up by adding a slice of lime for a dash of flavor? After all, this round, green fruit, hailing from one of several citrus trees, has many beneficial properties for our everyday health. In fact, the mighty lime brims with nutritional properties and contains only a trace amount of sugars.

Citrus fruits, as a whole, offer anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and can even protect the cardiovascular system. Limes, in particular, can add a zing to your salads, spruce up many dishes, give a sour boost to your cocktails, or simply provide a refreshing twist to an ice-cold glass of water.

Lime Nutrition Facts

The following information is provided by the USDA for one 67 gram lime.

An individual lime contains a healthy dose of nutrients including 20 milligrams of vitamin C, which is 22% of the recommended daily dose for men and 27% for women as well as small levels of vitamin A, calcium, and folate.

7 Lime Water Health Benefits

Enhance the benefits of your next guzzle of water by dropping a few slices of lime into the mix. In doing so, you may just reap a number of benefits. Here is are the potential health benefits of lime water.

Promotes Hydration

Hydration is crucial to your health, with the general recommendation that adults drink at least 2 liters of water per day. During and after exercise, you will need to hydrate with additional water to replace lost fluid. Adding flavor to your water, such as with lime, can encourage increased drinking, especially for people who do not like to drink plain water.

Remember, if you feel thirsty, it likely means you are already 1% to 2% dehydrated. Therefore, waiting until you feel a desire to drink is not the best method for adequate hydration.

Contains Vitamin C

Limes are brimming with quality nutrients that are essential for your body particularly vitamin C. Because the human body is unable to produce vitamin C on its own, people need to meet their daily needs through food consumption or supplementation. Among its benefits, vitamin C plays a vital role in immune function and also helps with the absorption of iron found in plant-based foods.

Contains Antioxidant Properties

Limes contain antioxidants which, alongside vitamin C, pump up the immune system and promote anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation. Limes may also help reduce the risk of specific diseases.

A 2019 analysis of 69 studies pointed to a higher intake of vitamin C, carotenoids (found in limes), and α-tocopherol (a type of vitamin E) being associated with a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and even total cancer, supporting the increased intake of fruits and vegetables.

Promotes Digestion and Gut Health

The acidic nature of limes causes you to salivate, which is good news for your digestion. Saliva contains, among other properties, the digestive enzyme amylase (also produced in the pancreas), which helps break down starchy food, as an example.

Much research has also pointed to the ability of flavonoids, a type of phytochemical present in limes, to regulate various gut physiology in the gastrointestinal tract. It also stimulates the secretion of gut hormones and digestive juices, as well as gut microbiota, which plays an important role in immune function to fight the growth of certain harmful bacteria that can lead to infection.

Helps Reduce Severity of Colds

Although it is a common belief that vitamin c supplementation reduces the risk of the common cold, this may not be true in most people. However, people who take vitamin C regularly, may see milder symptoms from the common cold and a decreased duration of the common cold.

Although findings vary, data indicates that when treating a common cold, vitamin C intake should be increased within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms, and continued for 5 consecutive days.

Prevents Bacterial Illnesses

Limonene, a chemical present in the rind of citrus fruit, can protect against different strains of Streptococcus, a type of bacteria that can lead to infections such as strep throat and Scarlett fever.

Its anti-biofilm property allows limonene to work as an inhibitor against the development of biofilm, which can lead to infections in your body. And aside from this, limonene contains antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral compounds that can ward off certain bacterial and fungal activity that's harmful to your body.

Promotes Healthy Skin

The powerful properties of vitamin C are spotlighted in its ability to stimulate collagen production, an essential protein that can improve and help maintain skin elasticity, and even soften the appearance of wrinkles.

Your skin is exposed daily to environmental factors and stresses, such as atmospheric pollution, which research indicates can cause oxidative stress and therefore damage, prompting its aging. However, antioxidant agents, such as those found in the lime peel and skill extract have the ability to promote the elasticity of the skin.

A Word From Verywell

If drinking plan water seems like a chore for you, you may find that adding lime to water makes it more interesting and more refreshing. Plus, there is evidence that adding lime to water can provide a number of health benefits. So, the next time you are pouring yourself a glass of cold water, consider adding a dash of lime. Both your tastebuds—and your body—will thank you.