By Maryam Abimbola Mikail
Nowadays, it seems that everyone carries a bottle of water throughout the day. It is more convenient to have an “endless” supply of water at your fingertips than having to run and buy it after being up to your neck in work.
Beside the fact that water is the natural elixir of life and the best option to stay hydrated, it can also be used as a medium for a healthy life.
Squeezing a little lime juice into that bottled water or simply adding a sliced-up lime to the water every day will nourish the body with vitamins, minerals and trace elements which we absolutely need.
One of the best ways to trick yourself into developing a healthy habit of taking a moderate amount of lime every day is by squeezing or adding a wedge of fresh lime to the water we carry around.
In addition to their unique medicinal properties, limes are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant.
Lime water, which is inexpensive to make, can help you lose weight and keep your skin nourished, thanks to its antioxidant, antibiotic and disinfectant properties.
With that in mind, here are some reasons why you should be gulping down lime water daily.
Limes are super rich in antioxidants and vitamin C
These tart, flavourful fruits contain many phytonutrients, antioxidants and are a source of vitamin C which helps the immune system function.
Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by highly unstable and potentially detrimental molecules known as free radicals. Besides protecting against heart disease and stroke, antioxidants may help reduce cancer risk. Likewise, antioxidants actively slow signs of ageing and reduce risk of vision loss or disorders.
Drinking lime water improves digestion
The natural acidity in lime helps saliva break down food for better digestion. Drinking lime water early in the morning helps stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, thus enhancing digestion.
Limes and weight loss
Another benefit of lime-laced water is that it is a great weight reducer. Citric acids in limes can help speed up metabolism, thereby helping you burn more calories and store less fat.
Fibre and sugar-lowering effects of limes
According to the American Diabetes Association, the high levels of soluble fibre in limes have been found to be very effective and beneficial in regulating the body’s absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. This helps prevent spikes in blood sugar.
Limes and skin
Drinking lime water hydrates and rejuvenates your skin. Lime water, which is packed with vitamin C, acts as a free radical scavenger and helps refresh your skin. Lime water helps your body get rid of toxins and waste, which in turn keeps your skin clear.
Other benefits of lime water include fever-reducing qualities, energy boosts, blood pressure-lowering effects, liver function improvement and detoxification.
To get your day off to a good start and rev up your metabolism, drink a glass of lime water on an empty stomach early in the morning, and make drinking lime water a daily habit. Almost every part of your body can benefit from drinking lime water
Maryam Abimbola Mikail is a lecturer at Lincoln University College.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.