8 Proven Health Benefits Of Lime Juice For Pregnant Women

It is time to reap the fantastic perks of calcium oxide for all expecting mothers.

Medically reviewed by Silky Mahajan, CSN, CDE

Silky has been practicing nutrition for more than 14 years and is an active member of the Indian Dietetics Association (IDA). She has a masters degree in nutrition and dietetics and is a Certified Sports Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes ... more

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• Apr 5, 2024

8 Proven Health Benefits Of Lime Juice For Pregnant Women

Image: Shutterstock

Fruits are an essential part of a pregnant woman’s diet since they are high in vitamins and minerals. However, some fruits should be avoided during pregnancy, despite their overall health benefits. One of the most common confusions is regarding the intake of lime juice during pregnancy. Is lime juice safe to drink when pregnant? That is the question expecting mothers often ask. The short answer is yes.

During pregnancy, your body’s nutritional needs vary as well as you now have to eat to feed two lives. But binge eating is not the way to go; keep a tab on nutrition and have only a nutrients-rich diet. You have to be very careful about meeting your and your baby’s nutritional needs without going overboard. It is no easy task, but don’t be alarmed by this! All you need is a little information and research to keep your pregnancy safe and healthy. Keep reading to learn more about lime juice intake during pregnancy and how it can benefit you during this exciting time. Scroll down!

In This Article

Is It Safe To Drink Lime Juice During Pregnancy?

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Pregnant women often suffer from dehydration. Fruit juices are a healthy source of hydration, that can keep a pregnant body hydrated besides providing numerous nutritional benefits. When talking of juices, the first word that springs to mind is lime juice! Like most citrus fruits, lime is a great source of vitamin C. But how safe is lime juice for pregnant women? Many women actually crave lime juice during their pregnancy. This may be caused due to vitamin C deficiency in the body. So, here’s the lowdown: Lime juice is absolutely safe during pregnancy! That made you happy, didn’t it? You can safely drink that glass of juice now!

Quick Tip

Always store lime juice in a glass container to keep it fresh for longer. Since glass is a non-reactive material, it does not affect the flavor of the juice.

Benefits Of Lime Juice During Pregnancy

Drinking lime juice during pregnancy has been considered safe by medical practitioners and no side effects have been reported. In fact, this delicious juice can provide additional health benefits during pregnancy:

1. Source Of Vitamin C

Pregnant women often suffer from vitamin C deficiency. Citrus fruits like limes are excellent sources of vitamin C (1). Hence, regular intake of lime juice can provide the body with an additional dose of vitamin C, lowering the requirement of vitamin supplements.

2. Treats Constipation And Indigestion

Pregnant woman holding a tissue roll indicating good bowel movement

Image: Shutterstock

Constipation and indigestion are a part and parcel of pregnancy. Being a liver stimulant, lime juice controls irritable bowel movement, thus preventing conditions like constipation and diarrhea. Regular consumption of lime juice may make bowel movements easy, and treat indigestion besides keeping you hydrated.

Quick Tip

Make sure that you drink lime juice early in the morning to ease your bowel movements.

3. Rich In Antioxidants

The vitamin C content in limes is a powerful antioxidant (1) . Thus, lime juice acts as a great cleanser to flush out toxins and free radicals from your system. As any women, who has experienced pregnancy, will tell you – a cold during pregnancy ain’t fun! Lime juice will definitely help protect you from the dreaded cold and several other infections.

4. Beneficial To The Unborn Child

Doctor using stethoscope on tummy of pregnant woman for a prenatal check up after an ultrasound scan

Image: IStock

Not only you, but even your unborn child may derive benefits from the lime juice you consume! Lime contains high levels of potassium, which is thought to help build bones in the unborn child and facilitate the development of the immune system, brain, and nerve cells. To summarize, lime is significantly beneficial for fetal development. However, more research is needed in this regard. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure safety and moderation in your diet.

5. Helps Manage High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is not good news for your body, more so when you are pregnant. Chronic high BP can lead to preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition that can force a woman to deliver her baby prematurely. There is a reason why your doctor checks your BP each time you visit her! Studies show that citrus leaf extracts may help lower your blood pressure (2). Lime juice contains magnesium and potassium, which may also help lower blood pressure. However, more research is warranted in this regard. Along with lime juice, following a diet rich in potassium and fiber can be helpful to prevent preeclampsia. You can squeeze half a lime into a cup of water and add two tablespoons of cream of tartar to the solution. Drinking this once in a day every three days will help normalize blood pressure.

6. Treatment Of Swollen Feet

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Edema is not healthy and is not pretty either! Though common, swollen feet can be cumbersome and painful. Here too, lime juice can come to your rescue! Drinking a teaspoon of lime juice with a glass of lukewarm water can help in reducing edema during pregnancy. You can also take a warm water bath with Epsom salt and lime juice to soothe pain and swelling.

7. Eases Labor

Pregnancy is one thing, giving birth is another! Most women fear the act of giving birth. And who can blame them? So, how can lime juice help? Lime juice mixed with honey may make labor and delivery easier. You’ll need to consume this concoction from the fifth month of pregnancy until delivery.

8. Other Benefits

Regular intake of lime juice during pregnancy prevents various pregnancy related discomforts like heartburn and bloating. Add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice to 250 mL of water. Diluting the juice with water helps reduce the stomach acid production and heartburn. Make sure you drink the juice 20-30 minutes before a meal to avoid acid reflux.

Being a good source of calcium and magnesium, lime juice helps treat ailments like asthma, cold, scurvy, and fever. It also facilitates proper absorption of iron, thus preventing anemia during pregnancy. Experiment with incorporating lime juice into your cooking and recipes to enjoy its health benefits and tangy flavor.

Having looked at all its benefits, check out the next section to see the nutritional value of lime juice in detail.

Nutritional Value Of Lime Juice

A refreshing cup of lime juice not only tantalizes your taste buds but also gives you a burst of nutrition. One cup of lime juice contains 60.5 kcal (or 252 kJ), so it won’t weigh you down calorically (3). It contains 1.02 g of protein and 0.169 g of fat. Further, it has 0.968 grams of dietary fiber and a modest 4.09 grams of natural sugars including sucrose, glucose, and fructose. This zesty drink provides 33.9 mg of calcium, 19.4 mg of magnesium, and 33.9 mg of phosphorus. It is also high in potassium as it boasts a generous 283 mg per cup. Overall, lime juice is great for heart health and promotes proper muscle function (4), (5).

Infographic: Top 5 Benefits Of Lime Juice For Pregnant Women

Lime juice can help relieve some common issues you may face during pregnancy. It not only stimulates your taste buds but also helps improve your health in many ways. We have narrowed down the top five benefits of having lime juice during pregnancy in the infographic below. Scroll down to know more!

top 5 benefits of lime juice for pregnant women (infographic)

Drinking lime juice during pregnancy in moderation may prove to be beneficial. It is a refreshing drink like electrolytes or fruit juices that rehydrates you when you’re tired. It is replete with antioxidants like vitamin C, beneficial bioactive compounds, vitamins, and minerals that support pregnancy. Lime juice benefits your body by easing constipation, managing high blood pressure, and easing labor. In addition, it may help reduce the harmful free radicals present in your body and reduce inflammation. Take caution and refrain from consuming these excessively to avoid any side effects. If you experience any adverse effects, limit its use and seek medical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does lime affect the womb?

Pallini Winnifred, RDN, says, “There is no scientific evidence to suggest that lime has any specific effect on the womb or on pregnancy. Lime is a citrus fruit that is a good source of vitamin C and other nutrients and can be consumed safely as part of a healthy diet during pregnancy.”

Does craving lime during pregnancy indicate a boy or a girl?

According to Winnifred, “There is no scientific basis for the idea that cravings for specific foods during pregnancy can indicate the gender of the baby. The notion that certain cravings are associated with the gender of the baby is a myth and not supported by scientific evidence.”

Can lime affect early pregnancy?

Winnifred says, “There is also no scientific evidence to suggest that consuming lime, or any other specific food, can affect early pregnancy. It is important for pregnant women to follow a healthy, balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients, but there is no need to avoid specific foods unless advised to do so by a healthcare provider.”

Is lime good for pregnancy nausea?

Yes. Anecdotal evidence suggests that citrus fruits, their aroma, and their citric acid content may help boost digestion and ease morning sickness and nausea.

What kind of juice can you drink while pregnant?

Consume fresh fruit juices during your pregnancy as they are good for hydrating and nourishing the body. Moderate consumption is key, as is avoiding excessive sugars.

What happens if you drink lime water every day?

When consumed in moderation, lime water may help support your overall health as it is rich in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, and other beneficial compounds.

What happens if you drink too much lime juice?

Drinking excessive amounts of lime juice may damage the enamel on your teeth, increase the risk of tooth sensitivity and caries, and lead to indigestion, gas, acidity, and other gastrointestinal issues.

Is lime better than lemon?

No. Both citrus fruits have a comparable nutritional value (6 ), (7).

Is it OK to drink lime water at night?

Yes. The best time to drink lime water is not specified by any scientific studies, so you can drink it at any time.

Key Takeaways

Lime juice possesses potassium and magnesium, which can help lower high blood pressure during pregnancy.
Lime juice aids in iron absorption, which helps prevent anemia during pregnancy.
Regular consumption of lime juice during pregnancy may help prevent diarrhea and constipation.
The presence of antioxidants in lime juice helps flush out your system during pregnancy.

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

References

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