The information we are about to reveal will leave you shocked, as it turns out that the
green lime is not endemic to Mexico. According to the
Secretariat of Agriculture, this
citrus fruit arrived in national territory from Asia during colonization. Despite not being a Mexican ingredient, today we cannot imagine Mexican cuisine without lime, as what would
tacos al pastor or
suadero be without its lime juice?
In addition to adding this extra flavor to soups, broths, tacos, aguas frescas, and even desserts, the
lime also has amazing health benefits, so here are even more reasons to add more lime to your tacos— you’ll be surprised!
You can also read: Benefits of eating chili 7 reasons to add more lime to your tacos
1.
Limes are rich in vitamins Limes contain vitamins B1, B6, and C, making them an excellent option to add some vitamins to your soups, broths, salads, and more.
2.
A mineral-rich option In addition to containing B and C vitamins, green limes also contain
nutrients that are essential for health, such as calcium, iron, and potassium. It is also worth noting that they contain a small amount of folic acid, phosphorus, magnesium, riboflavin, and niacin.
3.
An extra protection Besides giving the finishing touch to tacos and
pozole, lime is also used to prepare teas and infusions to combat colds. While it won’t cure you, it has been shown that vitamin C helps you recover more quickly. The
Secretariat of Agriculture states that "the vitamin C and citric acid in lime help prevent infectious diseases by stimulating the immune system and creating defenses against viruses and bacteria."
You can also read: Does apple cider vinegar help with weight loss?4.
Excellent source of antioxidants As you may already know, free radicals are a type of molecule that damages our cells, leading to the onset of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
If you want to protect yourself from these molecules, the best thing to do is increase your intake of antioxidants. Fortunately, limes are rich in this substance, so don’t hold back at mealtime.
5.
Boosts the immune system Thanks to its good percentage of antioxidants, lime could be a great ally for your immune system, as according to the
Healthline portal, vitamin C “helps increase the production of white blood cells, which help protect the body against infections and diseases.”
Moreover, this same portal indicates that
vitamin C “could help heal wounds faster by reducing inflammation and stimulating the production of
collagen.” Now you know, add more lime juice to your tacos!
6.
Protects your heart It not only heals broken hearts when we use it to accompany tequila, but there are also scientific studies that back its benefits for the heart. On one hand, green lime could be effective in combating
hypertension, a condition that carries a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.
7.
Prevents kidney stones According to experts at Healthline, in addition to being ideal for making agua fresca, lime could help prevent the occurrence of kidney stones by “increasing citric acid levels.” Experts have found that people who consume more citrus fruits are less likely to suffer from kidney stones.
Now that you know the many benefits of
lime, don’t hesitate to drizzle some lime juice on mango with chili or add an extra touch to your tacos—it's good for your health!
You can also read: The best foods to burn fat