Lime
Lime is a small citrus fruit rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, offering potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits with minimal calories. Its acidic nature and bioactive compounds make it particularly valuable for metabolic health and longevity.
Nutrition · per ~140 g serving · ≈ 2–3 limes
- Vitamin C40.7 mg45% DV
- Vitamin B60.30 mg18% DV
- Thiamin0.04 mg3% DV
- Folate11.2 mcg3% DV
- Riboflavin0.03 mg2% DV
- Vitamin E0.31 mg2% DV
- Niacin0.28 mg2% DV
- Choline7.1 mg1% DV
- Vitamin K0.84 mcg<1% DV
- Vitamin A2.8 iu<1% DV
- Copper0.09 mg10% DV
- Iron0.84 mg5% DV
- Calcium46.2 mg4% DV
- Potassium142.8 mg3% DV
- Phosphorus25.2 mg2% DV
- Magnesium8.4 mg2% DV
- Zinc0.15 mg1% DV
- Selenium0.56 mcg1% DV
- Manganese0.01 mg<1% DV
- Sodium2.8 mg<1% DV
- Polyunsaturated Fat0.08 g
- Saturated Fat0.03 g
- Monounsaturated Fat0.03 g
- Polyphenols~210 mg
Score · 89/100
Vitamins & minerals packed in relative to calories — the single biggest driver of the score.
How much protein it delivers, by absolute grams and per calorie.
Dietary fiber for gut health, satiety and steadier blood sugar.
Fat quality — unsaturated vs saturated, and trans-fat free.
Polyphenols, flavonoids and other beneficial plant compounds for this food group.
Low sugar with a high fiber-to-carb ratio scores best — gentler on blood sugar.
- Vitamin C32% DV
- Vitamin B613% DV
- Copper7% DV
- Iron3% DV
- Calcium3% DV
Overview
Lime (Citrus aurantifolia and Citrus latifolia) originated in Southeast Asia and has been cultivated for centuries across tropical and subtropical regions. Beyond its distinctive tart flavor, lime delivers concentrated phytonutrients in a low-calorie package—just 30 calories per 100g with 2.8g fiber. The fruit is exceptionally rich in vitamin C (29mg per 100g), a powerful antioxidant critical for collagen synthesis, immune function, and protecting against oxidative stress associated with aging. Limes contain unique flavonoids including hesperidin and quercetin, plus limonoids that exhibit anti-cancer properties in preliminary research. The citric acid in lime enhances mineral bioavailability and supports digestive health by promoting stomach acid production. Unlike sweeter citrus fruits, limes have minimal fructose, making them ideal for metabolic health and blood sugar control. The peel contains d-limonene, a compound showing promise for digestive and cardiovascular support. For longevity-focused individuals, lime's combination of high vitamin C density, low sugar content, and bioactive polyphenols makes it an efficient addition to any anti-aging nutrition strategy.
Health Benefits (5)
- Enhanced collagen synthesis and skin elasticitystrongVitamin C acts as a cofactor for hydroxylation reactions in collagen formation, directly supporting skin integrity and reducing age-related degradation
- Improved mineral absorption and bone healthmoderateCitric acid lowers gastric pH and forms soluble complexes with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron, enhancing their intestinal absorption
- Reduced cardiovascular disease riskmoderatePolyphenols in lime exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that reduce LDL oxidation and endothelial dysfunction, key drivers of atherosclerosis
- Metabolic support and improved insulin sensitivitymoderateLow glycemic load and polyphenolic compounds may enhance insulin signaling and glucose utilization without spiking blood sugar
- Antimicrobial and digestive supportemergingCitric acid and limonoids create an inhospitable environment for pathogenic bacteria while stimulating digestive enzyme production
Food Pairings
- ·Pair with leafy greens (spinach, kale) because lime's vitamin C dramatically increases iron bioavailability from plant sources, supporting oxygen transport and energy production
- ·Combine with fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) because fat-soluble vitamin absorption benefits from acidic lime juice, and polyphenols work synergistically with omega-3s for anti-inflammatory effects
- ·Mix with turmeric-containing dishes because citric acid enhances curcumin absorption while both compounds amplify antioxidant and anti-inflammatory signaling
- ·Pair with legumes (beans, lentils) because lime's vitamin C increases non-heme iron absorption from plant proteins by 3-4 fold
Practical Tips
- ·Juice fresh limes immediately before consuming or adding to meals to maximize vitamin C content; heat and oxidation rapidly degrade ascorbic acid
- ·Use lime juice as an acid component in salad dressings instead of vinegar to preserve vitamin C while enhancing mineral bioavailability of raw vegetables
- ·Consume limes whole (zest and fruit) when possible; the white pith and zest contain elevated polyphenol concentrations including hesperidin and flavonoids
- ·Store limes at room temperature for 2-3 weeks or refrigerate up to 4 weeks in a breathable bag; cold storage slows ripening and preserves nutrient density longer than ethylene exposure
Optimal Timing
Lime's low caloric density and absence of stimulants make it beneficial throughout the day. Adding fresh lime juice to meals optimizes mineral absorption at any time. For maximum vitamin C benefit, consume shortly after cutting to minimize oxidation.
Fresh lime juice can be consumed during fasting periods without breaking a fast; the minimal caloric and macronutrient content preserves ketosis or autophagy pathways
Systems supported
body systems this food feedsPathways supported
biochemical reactions enabled by this foodCompared to other fruits
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower lime is than the average across 95 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
What people ask about lime
What is lime?
Lime is classified as a fruit. Lime is a small citrus fruit rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, offering potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits with minimal calories.
Is lime healthy?
Lime scores 89/100 in Formulate, making it a great choice. Its strongest contributions come from Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Copper. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Is lime high in protein?
Not particularly. A 140 g serving provides about 1 g of protein (~2% of the 50 g daily value).
Is lime high in fiber?
It's a moderate source of fiber. A 140 g serving provides about 3.9 g of fiber (~14% of the 28 g daily value).
What vitamins and minerals are in lime?
In a 140 g serving, lime is highest in Vitamin C (~45% DV), Vitamin B6 (~18% DV), Copper (~10% DV).
Is lime keto-friendly?
Not really. A 140 g serving has about 10.8 g of net carbs (14.8 g total minus 3.9 g fiber).
When is the best time to eat lime?
Best any time of day. Lime's low caloric density and absence of stimulants make it beneficial throughout the day. Adding fresh lime juice to meals optimizes mineral absorption at any time. For maximum vitamin C benefit, consume shortly after cutting to minimize oxidation.
How much lime should I eat?
A typical serving is around 140 g (~42 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating lime alongside several other fruit sources.
What pairs well with lime?
Lime pairs nicely with: Pair with leafy greens (spinach, kale) because lime's vitamin C dramatically increases iron bioavailability from plant sources, supporting oxygen transport and energy production; Combine with fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) because fat-soluble vitamin absorption benefits from acidic lime juice, and polyphenols work synergistically with omega-3s for anti-inflammatory effects; Mix with turmeric-containing dishes because citric acid enhances curcumin absorption while both compounds amplify antioxidant and anti-inflammatory signaling; Pair with legumes (beans, lentils) because lime's vitamin C increases non-heme iron absorption from plant proteins by 3-4 fold.
Supplements that mirror Lime's nutrient profile
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients lime contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
Signature nutrients in Lime
These are the nutrients limecontributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.