Vitamins and Minerals in Lime

Next time you want to add pizzazz to a dish, reach for a lime. Limes are available in a variety of species and range in color from green to yellow. A typical lime is about 2 inches in diameter. The juice of limes contains very few calories, but adds a sweet and tart accent to many Asian and Latin American meals. Adding limes to your diet enhances your vitamin and mineral intake.

Vitamin C

Limes provide 32 percent of the recommended dietary allowance, or RDA, for vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps promote immunity by fighting disease-causing free radicals in the body. Vitamin C is also intrinsic to the development and repair of soft tissues, specifically blood vessels, skin and cartilage.

Vitamins A, E and K

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One lime provides 1 percent of the RDA for vitamins A, E and K. Vitamin A is important to the health of your eyesight, vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps fight disease-causing free radicals and vitamin K helps with blood clotting and bone health.

B Vitamins

The B vitamins help you metabolize the nutrients in foods 3. Limes are a source of seven of the eight B vitamins 3. One lime has 1 percent of the RDA for thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate and pantothenic acid.

Macrominerals

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Macrominerals are those that the body needs in large quantities to support fluid balance, bone health, muscle and nerve function, and skin health. A lime provides 2 percent of the RDA for calcium and 1 percent for phosphorus and magnesium, all of which are important to strong bones and teeth. A lime also provides 2 percent of the RDA for potassium, which helps maintain overall mineral balance in the body.

Trace Minerals

Your body needs trace minerals in small amounts to support health. A lime provides 2 percent of the RDA for iron and 2 percent for copper. Iron helps your red blood cells function properly, keeping your energy and immunity strong. Copper also assists red blood cell function and contributes to blood vessel and nerve health, immunity and bone strength.