Lime vs. Lemon: Which is healthier?
| May 23, 2019, 18:31 IST
Lemons and limes are types of citrus fruit with very similar nutritional profiles and health benefits. However, there are also some differences between them.
Lemons come from a small evergreen tree native to South Asia.
Lemon and lime, both citrus fruits look so alike, that they’re often mistaken for the other. Turns out, they have far more things in common. Aside from their own distinct citrusy taste, both fruits have similar nutritional profiles and benefits. But there are some less than visible differences too. Read on to find out.
Both lemons and limes have a long history of use in traditional medicine. They each contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals and provide a range of health benefits. Both lemons and limes are high in vitamin C, an important antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Lemons and limes both contain flavonoids. Flavonoids are phytochemicals that may have several health benefits, such as for heart disease and metabolic disorders. Along with vitamin C, lemons and limes also contain other antioxidants.
The nutritional benefits of lemons and limes are the same. Although lemons have slightly more of some vitamins and minerals, the difference is too small to have any effect.
Both lemons and limes are high in citric acid. This means that they are acidic compared with many other foods.
Lemons and limes have very similar citric acid content, though lemons may have slightly more on average:
• Lemon juice contains around 48 grams of citric acid per liter (g/L).
• Lime juice contains around 45.8 g/L.
Lemons and limes are citric fruits with very similar nutritional profiles. They are rich in vitamin C and contain other antioxidants and flavonoids that are beneficial to health.
Both fruits are common ingredients in a variety of foods and drinks. Their acidity also makes them good for use in cleaning products.