Does Lime Promote Weight Loss?

Limes aren't eaten as often as many other types of fruits, but they can be beneficial. You may find limes particularly helpful for losing weight, as they are low in calories and rich in fiber and a number of other nutrients that can aid in promoting weight loss. Although limes may promote weight loss, you need to keep your overall calorie content low to lose weight.

Low Calorie Content

Limes can promote weight loss because they are low in calories. Each 100 g lime contains just 30 calories. You need to be in a calorie deficit to lose weight, so you need to burn more calories than you eat. Thus, low-calorie foods such as limes can help you lose weight. Limes are a better choice than other fruits, such as bananas, which contain 110 calories per 100 g.

Low Sugar Content

Limes are low in sugar, which can be beneficial for weight loss. Sugar has a high glycemic index rating, which means that it is absorbed rapidly by your body, but it also means it may not be filling. According to research from the June 2011 issue of "The Journal of Nutrition," eating more foods that have a low glycemic index rating, such as limes, can aid in weight loss.

High in Fiber

Limes can promote weight loss because they are rich in fiber. Each 100 g serving contains 3 g, which means that this nutrient comprises nearly one third of the total carbohydrates in the fruit. Dietary fiber may aid in weight loss because it promotes feelings of fullness and can help keep your blood sugar levels under control.

Low Fat Content

Limes can aid in weight loss because they contain little fat; a 100 g lime has just .2 g of fat. Fat is higher in calories than protein and carbohydrates, so fatty foods can be detrimental for dieting.

High in Vitamin C

One way in which limes may facilitate weight loss is that they are rich in vitamin C. Each 100 g lime contains 29 mg of lime, which is about one third of the daily suggested intake. This nutrient helps to make collagen, which helps to make tendons, bone and other structures in your body. Additionally, research from the June 2005 issue of "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" found that vitamin C increased the amount of fat burning during exercise.