Answer:
Drinking diluted lime juice in the morning can offer several health benefits when consumed correctly and if it suits your body’s needs. Mixing fresh lime juice with warm water (40-50°C) without adding sugar can gently stimulate the digestive system after sleep, rehydrate the body, provide vitamin C, boost immunity, and ease feelings of mild nausea or heaviness.
However, if you have stomach ulcers, severe acid reflux, stomach chills, or diarrhea, it’s best to avoid drinking lime juice. It’s also important not to use overly sour limes, skip the dilution process, or consume lime juice on an entirely empty stomach.
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A close up shot of a glass of lime juice. Illustration photo by Pexels |
When it comes to weight loss, lime juice itself does not burn fat. However, its citric acid and vitamin C can provide a slight metabolic boost. Paired with a balanced, science-based diet, drinking warm lime juice may indirectly support weight management by improving alertness and reducing appetite.
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that lime juice detoxifies the liver or cleanses the body. Our body already has built-in detoxification systems, and lime juice can only offer modest support when included in an overall healthy eating pattern.
Overall, lime juice is beneficial when consumed properly. It’s important to know how much to drink and when to drink it, especially if you have stomach issues or acid reflux. A sensible routine is mixing about one-quarter to one-half of a lime with 250-300 ml of warm water. You can optionally add a little raw honey or a few slices of ginger. Drink it after brushing your teeth and taking one or two gulps of plain water to avoid shocking your stomach. The mixture should be diluted, not overly concentrated. If you have a sensitive stomach, consider drinking it after a light snack or opting for warm ginger water instead.
It’s important to remember that lime juice is just a small part of the nutritional puzzle, and nutrition is only one pillar of a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, the benefits of lime juice should not be overstated.
Besides the morning, lime juice can also be consumed at other times. You can drink it about 30 minutes after a meal to aid digestion and reduce bloating, whenever you feel dehydrated or fatigued to replenish fluids, or roughly 15 minutes before a light meal to stimulate gastric secretions. Additionally, combining lime with ginger and honey can help soothe a cough or sore throat.
Dr. Phan Thai Tan
Nutrition coach, Homefit Weight Loss Program
