Phenolic compounds in lime juice

Citrus fruits contain bioactive compounds, primarily phenolics, which contribute to their numerous health benefits. Phenolic substances, also known as polyphenols, can be described chemically as compounds with an aromatic ring that has one or more hydroxy substituents, including functional derivatives.

The phenolic compounds present in citrus fruits include phenolic acids and flavonoids, such as flavones, flavanones, and flavonols. These compounds exhibit various physiological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, anticarcinogenic, antihypertensive, and antiarthritic activities.

Sweet lime, a type of citrus fruit, is typically consumed either in its fresh form or processed into juice. The juice is renowned for its significant content of polyphenolic compounds.

Among the phenolic acids found in sweet lime, the most common ones are caffeic, p-coumaric, sinapic, ferulic, and chlorogenic acid. These phenolic compounds act as secondary metabolites and possess antioxidant properties.

Caffeic acid is a naturally occurring phenolic acid that can be found in various plant-based foods. It is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and may also impact the immune system.

P-coumaric acid (p-CA) is a hydroxy derivative of cinnamic acid and is known for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, antimutagenic, and immunoregulatory activities.

Ferulic acid (FA), also referred to as 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid, is a phenolic compound and a significant constituent of plant cell walls. It acts as a plant-based antioxidant primarily used in anti-aging skincare products.

Chlorogenic acid, a phenolic compound belonging to the hydroxycinnamic acid family, is responsible for the sour and bitter taste associated with it.
Phenolic compounds in lime juice

Vitamin C in lime juice

Lime is a key ingredient in chutneys and pickles from certain areas, and the juice is often used to flavor drinks, food, and sweets. Lime juices are an excellent source of vitamins C, and B6 potassium and folic acid. Because limes are loaded with nutrients, they may help boost immunity, reduce heart disease risk factors, prevent kidney stones, aid iron absorption, and promote healthy skin.

In an animal study published, lime juice and peel was shown to decrease fatty streaks found in coronary arteries. These streaks are indicators of plaque buildup and cardiovascular disease. (ARYA Atherosclerosis Journal 2013 Nov;9(6):357-62)

The vitamin C content in lime increases the body’s resistance to disease, and also helpful in maintaining the health of the teeth and other bones of the body. Taking vitamin C helped shorten the duration and severity of colds. Vitamin C also helps the body absorb iron from foods and supports the immune system

Also, vitamin C could help wounds recover faster by reducing inflammation and stimulating collagen production. Collagen is an essential protein that aids wound repair.

Other benefits of vitamin C include:
*Protection against heart disease
*Prevention of prenatal health problems
*Prevention of eye disease
*Cancer and stroke prevention

One lime with a 2-inch diameter provides 32 percent of an individual’s recommended daily vitamin C intake. The juice from one lime provides 22 percent of the daily amount.
Vitamin C in lime juice

Characteristics of lime juice

Lime juice can be prepared and concentrated in large amounts at high rates in the same general manner as for orange and grapefruit juices, using similar equipment.

Since lime juice contains a higher percentage of organic acids than of carbohydrates, the degree of concentration is determined as grams per liter of acid rather than the degrees Brix (approximate percentage of sugars) commonly used for other citrus concentrates. Most lime concentrates are evaporated to about 400–500 g/L.

Lime juice from the fresh fruit and from juice concentrates, provide more citric acid per litre than ready-to-consume grapefruit juice, ready-to-consume orange juice, and orange juice squeezed from the fruit.

Acid lime fruits are similar to lemon fruits in structure and composition, and juices from the two species have about the same citric acid content. Also, malic and succinic acids have been reported in lemon and lime juices. Most of the sugars and nearly all the citric acid of acid limes are in the juice which also contains nitrogenous compounds, lipids, phenolic compounds, vitamins such as vitamin C and B and inorganic substances.

The soluble solid of the juice consist mainly of sugar and citric acid. The total acid content in acid lime is varied ranges from 5% - 7.5% and total soluble solid 5.5% - 8.5%. The acid content in juice plays an important role in determining the quality of a variety as well as maturity indices of fruit.
Characteristics of lime juice

Lime juice for blackheads and pimples

Lime contains vitamins A, B and C. It also contains various other minerals and acids. Lime juice is good remedy for blackheads and pimples removal.

Pimples are facial lesions that appear during the teens and recur till the twenties. This condition is related to changes in the body due to sex hormones.

*Equal quantities to lime juice and the juice of the fresh leaves of the drumstick plant applied on the blackheads and pimples regularly help in getting rid of them.

*Paste of cinnamon power prepare with a few drop of fresh lime juice can be applied over pimples and blackheads with beneficial results.

*Apply fresh lime juice mixed with a glass of boiled milk as a face wash for pimples.

Application of lime juice helps clear the oily plug. This removes the blockades in the glands. Infected pimples will not resolve unless the pus is let out naturally or through treatment.
Lime juice for blackheads and pimples

Health benefits of lime juice

Lime juice is derived from the fruit of lime trees. Lime trees are subtropical deciduous trees that retain their leaves all year.

Lime juices are an excellent source of vitamins C, and B6 potassium and folic acid. The vitamin C content in lime increases the body’s resistance to disease, aids the healing wounds and prevents damage to the eyes. 

Vitamin C is also helpful in maintaining the health of the teeth and other bones of the body.

Lime juice contains a wide range of phenolic compounds, including flavanones with antioxidant capabilities that could have health benefits.

Limes contain essential oils which have been widely used for bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, antiparasitical, insecticidal, medicinal and cosmetic application.

Squeezing lime juice in food may activate white blood cells and act as an antibiotic. Lime is good guard against cholera. Limes are good for the relief of arthritis because they have such high vitamin C content and are especially good for anyone with academia because they are one of the most alkalinizing foods.

A drink of lime juice and whey is a wonderful cooler for the brain and nervous system. Limonene and limonin present in lime have many health benefits.

Researchers believe that limonene may activate proteins that help eliminate estradiol, a hormone that has been linked with breast cancer. The pectin content in fruit pulp is said to be beneficial in lowering blood cholesterol.
Health benefits of lime juice