Lime: Calories, Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
A zesty citrus powerhouse packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and metabolism-boosting citric acid - all in a virtually calorie-free package.
Quick Nutrition Facts
Per 1 Medium Lime (67g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 20 kcal |
| Protein | 0.5g |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 1.9g |
| Sugars | 1.1g |
| Fat | 0.1g |
| Vitamin C | 19.5mg |
| Potassium | 68mg |
| Calcium | 22mg |
| Folate | 5.4mcg |
Per 100g: 30 kcal | Vitamin C: 29.1mg (32% DV) | Fiber: 2.8g
Macronutrient Breakdown
NUTRITIONIST INSIGHT
Limes provide 32% of your daily vitamin C needs with virtually zero calories (30 per 100g). The citric acid content aids iron absorption from plant foods, supports digestion, and may help prevent kidney stones. Add lime wedges to water throughout the day for hydration and antioxidant benefits.
Myth Busters
MYTH #1: Lime Burns Fat and Causes Rapid Weight Loss
TRUTH: Limes don't "burn" fat or cause direct weight loss. They support weight management indirectly through hydration (lime water increases water intake), low calories (guilt-free flavor), and vitamin C which aids fat oxidation during exercise. Weight loss requires calorie deficit and exercise, not lime alone.
MYTH #2: Drinking Lime Water on Empty Stomach Detoxifies the Body
TRUTH: Your liver and kidneys naturally detoxify your body - lime water doesn't "cleanse" toxins. However, lime water does promote hydration, provides antioxidants, and citric acid may support liver enzyme function. The real benefit is encouraging healthy hydration habits, not magical detoxification.
MYTH #3: Limes Are Acidic and Bad for Your Stomach
TRUTH: While limes are acidic (pH 2-3), they have an alkalizing effect once metabolized in the body. For most people, citric acid stimulates digestive enzymes and aids nutrient absorption. Only avoid on empty stomach if you have GERD, gastritis, or acid reflux. For others, lime aids digestion.
MYTH #4: All Citrus Fruits Have the Same Nutritional Value
TRUTH: Nutritional profiles vary. Limes have 29mg vitamin C per 100g; lemons have 53mg; oranges 53mg. Limes contain unique flavonoids (limonoids) with antioxidant properties. Grapefruits have higher vitamin A. Each citrus offers distinct phytonutrient profiles beyond basic vitamin C content.
MYTH #5: Lime Juice Has No Calories
TRUTH: Pure lime juice contains 25 calories per 100ml from natural sugars and trace carbohydrates. A tablespoon of lime juice has about 4 calories. While extremely low-calorie, it's not zero. Lime-flavored beverages often add sugar, reaching 40-100 calories per serving.
MYTH #6: You Should Drink Lime Water All Day Every Day
TRUTH: Moderate lime water consumption (2-3 glasses daily) is beneficial, but excessive intake (8+ glasses) can erode tooth enamel due to citric acid, cause heartburn in sensitive individuals, or lead to mouth sores. Rinse mouth with plain water after drinking lime water to protect enamel.
NutriScore by Health Goals
| Health Goal | NutriScore | Why This Score? |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Loss |  | Only 20 calories per lime, zero fat, 1.9g fiber promotes fullness. Lime water adds flavor without calories, reducing sugary drink consumption. Citric acid may slightly boost metabolism. |
| Muscle Gain |  | Vitamin C aids collagen synthesis for connective tissue recovery. Citric acid enhances iron absorption from plant proteins. Low calories mean minimal impact on macros. Good hydration support during training. |
| Diabetes Management | | Low glycemic index (32), only 1.7g sugar per 100g. Flavonoids may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation. Fiber slows glucose absorption. Lime water: diabetes-friendly beverage. |
| PCOS Management | | Anti-inflammatory flavonoids combat chronic inflammation in PCOS. Vitamin C reduces oxidative stress. Low glycemic index doesn't spike insulin. Supports weight management with zero fat. |
| Pregnancy Nutrition | | Vitamin C enhances iron absorption (crucial during pregnancy). Folate (5.4mcg) supports fetal development. Relieves morning sickness nausea. Safe in normal culinary amounts; avoid excessive supplementation. |
| Immunity & Recovery | | 32% daily vitamin C per 100g boosts white blood cell production. Antioxidants (limonoids, flavonoids) fight free radicals. Citric acid's antimicrobial properties may reduce infection duration. |
PERSONALIZED NUTRITION
Track your meals with NutriScan for personalized NutriScores based on your specific health goals!
Blood Sugar Response to Lime
Understanding how limes affect blood glucose helps with diabetes management and weight control.
Typical Glucose Response Curve
*This chart shows typical blood glucose response for general healthy individuals. Individual responses may vary. Not medical advice.*
Why Limes Have Minimal Blood Sugar Impact
Limes have a low glycemic index (32) and minimal carbohydrates, resulting in virtually no blood sugar spike:
- 🍋 Low Sugar Content - Only 1.7g sugar per 100g (vs 9g in orange juice)
- 🌿 Citric Acid - Slows carbohydrate digestion and glucose absorption
- 💧 Fiber - 2.8g per 100g further moderates blood sugar response
- 🔬 Flavonoids - May improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation
Lime water or lime wedges can be consumed freely without blood sugar concerns for diabetics.
Cultural Significance
Limes have been cultivated for over 1,000 years, originating in Southeast Asia.
In India:
- Nimbu (lime) is essential in Indian cuisine: nimbu pani (lime water), pickle (nimbu ka achar), lemon rice
- Used in Ayurveda for digestive health, immunity, and detoxification rituals
- Cultural significance: lime and chilies hung at entrances to ward off evil (nimbu mirchi totka)
- India is world's largest lime producer (16% global production)
- Regional varieties: Kagzi lime, Gondhoraj lime (Bengali cuisine)
In Mexican Cuisine:
- Essential for ceviche (lime juice "cooks" raw fish through acid denaturation)
- Key ingredient in guacamole, salsa verde, and tacos
- Lime wedges accompany almost every savory dish
- Used in michelada (beer with lime) and margaritas
Global Impact:
- British sailors consumed limes to prevent scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), earning nickname "limeys"
- Thai cuisine: lime leaves, lime juice in tom yum soup, pad thai
- Caribbean: key limes are staple in key lime pie (Florida's state dessert)
- Cocktails: mojitos, caipirinhas, gimlets rely on lime juice
Compare & Substitute
Lime vs Similar Citrus Fruits (Per 100g)
| Nutrient | 🍋 Lime | 🍊 Lemon | 🍊 Orange | 🍇 Grapefruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 30 kcal | 29 kcal | 47 kcal | 42 kcal |
| Carbs | 10.5g | 9.3g | 11.8g | 10.7g |
| Fiber | 2.8g | 2.8g | 2.4g | 1.6g |
| Protein | 0.7g | 1.1g | 0.9g | 0.8g |
| Fat | 0.2g | 0.3g | 0.1g | 0.1g |
| Vitamin C | 29mg | 53mg | 53mg | 31mg |
| Sugar | 1.7g | 2.5g | 9.4g | 6.9g |
| Potassium | 102mg | 138mg | 181mg | 135mg |
| Best For | Low sugar, weight loss | Vitamin C boost | Natural sweetness, immunity | Weight loss, grapefruit diet |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a lime wedge?
A standard lime wedge (1/8 of a lime, approximately 8-10g) contains only 3-4 calories. A whole medium lime (67g) has just 20 calories, and 100g of lime flesh has 30 calories.
This makes lime wedges essentially "free" calories for flavoring water, tea, cocktails, tacos, or salads. You can use lime liberally without impacting your daily calorie budget.
Is lime water good for weight loss?
Yes, lime water supports weight loss through several mechanisms, though it doesn't directly "burn" fat:
Hydration: People who drink lime water consume more fluids, which aids metabolism and reduces hunger.
Zero-calorie flavor: Replaces sugary drinks (soda, juice) that add 100-200 calories per serving.
Vitamin C: Enhances fat oxidation during exercise by up to 30%.
Citric acid: May slightly increase metabolic rate.
Best practice: Drink lime water before meals to promote fullness; use juice of half a lime per glass, 2-3 glasses daily.
What are the main health benefits of lime?
Key Benefits:
- Immunity Boost: 32% daily vitamin C per 100g supports white blood cell production
- Antioxidant Protection: Flavonoids and limonoids fight free radicals and reduce cellular damage
- Digestive Aid: Citric acid stimulates digestive enzymes and bile production
- Kidney Stone Prevention: Citric acid inhibits calcium oxalate crystal formation
- Skin Health: Vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis, reducing wrinkles and improving elasticity
- Iron Absorption: Citric acid and vitamin C enhance non-heme iron absorption from plant foods by 300-400%
Can diabetics eat lime?
Yes, limes are excellent for diabetics and may even help manage blood sugar:
Why limes are diabetes-friendly:
- Low glycemic index (32) causes minimal blood sugar spike
- Only 1.7g sugar per 100g (vs 9g in orange juice)
- Fiber (2.8g) slows glucose absorption
- Flavonoids may improve insulin sensitivity
Best practices: Use lime juice in water instead of sugary drinks; add lime wedges to meals; squeeze lime over salads (enhances iron absorption from leafy greens); monitor blood sugar after consuming larger amounts (2+ whole limes) initially.
Is it better to drink lime water or plain water?
Lime water advantages: Adds vitamin C, antioxidants (flavonoids), and citric acid; makes hydration more enjoyable; may slightly aid digestion and metabolism; provides trace minerals (potassium, calcium).
Plain water advantages: No citric acid to potentially harm tooth enamel; truly zero calories (lime juice has 4 calories per tbsp); no risk of heartburn in sensitive individuals.
Verdict: Lime water is excellent for those who struggle to drink enough plain water, but plain water is equally effective for hydration alone. Alternate between both; rinse mouth with plain water after drinking lime water to protect enamel.
How much lime can I safely consume daily?
General guideline: 1-2 whole limes daily (20-40 calories, 44-88% vitamin C DV) is safe and beneficial for most adults.
Lime water: Juice of half a lime in 8oz water, 2-3 times daily.
Maximum safe amount: Up to 4-5 limes daily (approaching 200% vitamin C DV) is generally safe for healthy adults.
Caution if: You have GERD, gastritis, or sensitive teeth - limit to 1 lime daily and always dilute juice; you take certain medications (check interactions); you have citrus allergies (rare but possible).
Tooth enamel protection: Rinse with plain water after consuming lime; use a straw for lime water; wait 30 minutes before brushing teeth.
Does lime water detoxify the body?
No, lime water doesn't "detoxify" in the way often claimed in wellness marketing. Your liver and kidneys naturally remove waste and toxins - no food or drink can enhance this process significantly.
What lime water actually does:
- Promotes hydration (essential for kidney function and toxin elimination)
- Provides antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress
- Citric acid may support liver enzyme production
- Encourages healthy habits (replacing sugary drinks)
Bottom line: Lime water is beneficial for hydration and nutrition, but it's not a magical detox solution. Claims about "cleansing toxins" lack scientific evidence. Focus on adequate water intake, balanced nutrition, and limiting alcohol for genuine liver and kidney health.
Can lime juice damage tooth enamel?
Yes, excessive lime juice consumption can erode tooth enamel due to citric acid (pH 2-3). However, moderate use with precautions is safe:
Risk factors: Sipping pure lime juice throughout the day; brushing teeth immediately after consuming lime (softened enamel is vulnerable); holding lime water in mouth for extended periods.
Protective measures: Dilute lime juice in water (not pure juice); use a straw to minimize tooth contact; rinse mouth with plain water after drinking lime water; wait 30 minutes before brushing; limit to 2-3 glasses lime water daily; don't swish or hold in mouth.
Alternatives for sensitive teeth: Reduce lime concentration; consume with meals (buffering effect); use lime zest for flavor without acid.
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