Health Facts on Calamansi Lime
Calamansi lime is scientifically called as “ Citrus × macrocarpa ” .Calamansi or Philippine lime, is a shrub of the family of Rutaceae.
ORIGIN OF CALAMANSI LIME
Calamansi lime is an economically important citrus hybrid predominantly cultivated in the Philippines.
It is native to the Philippines, Borneo, Sumatra, and Sulawesi in Indonesia in Southeast Asia, as well as southern China and Taiwan in East Asia.
OTHER NAMES OF CALAMANSI LIME
Calamandarin, Calamansi, Calamondin Orange, China Orange, Chinese Orange, Golden Lime, Musk Lime, Philippine Lime, Panama Orange, Scarlet Lime, Limau Kesturi, Limau Chuit, hazara, kalamunding, ma nao wan, szu kai kat ,calamonding,
Philippine lime, calamonding, calamondin orange, calamandarin, golden lime, Philippine lemon, Panama orange, musk orange,acid orange .
APPEARANCE OF CALAMANSI LIME
The Calamansi lime fruit of the calamansi resembles a small, round lime, usually 25–35 mm (0.98–1.38 in) in diameter, but sometimes up to 45 mm (1.8 in). They’re round to slightly flattened.
The centre pulp and juice are the orange colour of a tangerine with a very thin orange peel when ripe.
The Calamansi lime fruit itself orange in colour, even when the skins are still green, and consists of around seven to nine segments along with a number of cream-colored seeds.
TASTES OF CALAMANSI LIME
The Calamansi lime fruits are sour and are often used for preserves or cooking.
Despite its outer appearance and its aroma, the taste of the Calamansi lime fruit itself is quite sour, although the peel is sweet.
VARIETIES OF CALAMANSI LIME
There is also a variegated mutation of the regular Calamansi, showing green stripes on yellow Calamansi lime fruit.
The smaller citrus Calamansi lime types (calamondin, limes, kumquats, lemons and limequats) are best suited to container culture, but all will only grow for a limited time before they become root-bound trees.
NUTRITIONAL CONTENTS OF CALAMANSI LIME
• One calamondin is about 12 calories,
• with a very small trace of fat, It contains approximately
1.2 g fibre,
0.2 g protein,
37 mg potassium,
7.3 mg vitamin C,
57.4 mg IU vitamin A,
8.4 mg calcium,
15.5 g water and
3.1 g carbohydrates
Health Facts on Calamansi Lime
Lowers Cholesterol: A high LDL, or low-density lipoproteins, leads to a build-up of cholesterol in the arteries. Calamansi juice can help lower cholesterol leading to better heart health because it is rich in pectin, a soluble fibre that lowers LDL.
Strengthens Immunity: Calamansi helps in body building and provide strong defense system with its high Vitamin C content. Calamansi is rich in vitamin A, calcium, and potassium thus help in constantly fighting off bad germs.
Reduces Body Odour: Antibacterial qualities of Calamansi juice help to remove harmful bacterial infections. Simply add Calamansi juice to bath water and allow it to help cleanse unwanted odour from skin.
Anti- Inflammatory Properties: The Calamansi contains tannins, substances which is said to contain anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing swelling due to cure cellular injury and damage.
Controls Acidity: High level of citric acid and acidity in calamansi fruit, can lower levels of inflammation. When Calamansi juice can lowers the risk of developing ulcers and protect you from acid reflux disease.
Combats Diabetics: Vitamin E present in calamansi ,shall fights external toxins, improves insulin efficiency and oxygenates the blood. Also calamansi can help prevent premature aging and help in maintaining good blood sugar level in people with existing diabetes.
Active on Weight Loss: Calamansi juice can increase metabolic speed, improve fat-burning by detoxifying the body aiding in calorie burn. Many people drink a glass of Calamansi juice every morning to stimulate the body and achieve weight-loss goals.
Protects Teeth and Gums: Phosphorus and keratin present in the Calamansi plays a critical role in dental health because it helps to protect, rebuild tooth enamel. Regular consumption of this Calamansi fruit prevents gingivitis, tooth decay and bleeding gums.
Improves Respiratory Function: The strong citric acid levels in this Calamansi fruit juice help to reduce conditions through phlegm and mucus, . Regular intake of calamansi juice, reduce the inflammation in the throat and respiratory tracts.
Promotes Collagen Production: Vitamin C in calamansi is a crucial element in collagen production, which is necessary to create every tissue, muscle fibre and cell in the body.
Enhances Skin: Vitamin A contains retinol that promotes new skin cell production and growth. Calamansi reduces skin problems like dark spots, pimples, acne, scars.
Good For Eyes: Vitamin A helps our eyes produce pigments that make it possible to see the full spectrum of light. Calamansi juice known as one of the “anti-stress”. B vitamins, vitamin B1 reduces inflammation and treat uveitis, an inflammatory eye condition that can lead to blindness.
Aids Digestion: Calamansi juice contains dietary fibre, good for digestive health, as fibre helps to add bulk to foods and speed their transit through the digestive tract, thus eliminating constipation, excess gas, bloating, cramping.