The mention of coconuts and lime will likely take your mind to the tropics. It may have you thinking about a delicious cocktail with an umbrella or the smell of the homemade tropical lotion.
What it should call to mind, however, is good health, as both foods deliver important benefits to your well-being. Simply adding these two flavors to any meal gives you a tropical taste and a mouthful of good health all in one.
How Limes and Coconuts Boost Your Health
Lemons often get all the glory while limes get overlooked. Used more as a garnish, limes offer potential health benefits that most people are unaware of.
By upgrading your use of limes to sauces or even by making lime water, you will notice the benefits in no time and will be wondering how limes ever sat in the shadow of lemons, to begin with.
Here are some of the health benefits you can expect:
1. Better Digestion
Full of soluble fiber, limes can support healthy digestion. This fiber slows your digestion down, which allows for optimal nutrient absorption and helps you to manage blood glucose levels and reduce cholesterol levels.
In addition to this, the oils in lime peels have been found to relieve symptoms of GERD and other digestive issues.
2. Heart Healthy
The fiber in limes protects your heart by keeping cholesterol levels low. Limes are also rich in vitamin C, which promotes heart health, as well as potassium, which works with sodium to regulate blood pressure.
3. Cancer Prevention
Your risk for certain cancers can be reduced with regular consumption of limes. One flavonoid in particular, naringenin, was found to possess strong cancer prevention properties in several studies.
4. Healthier Skin
The high vitamin C content in limes promotes collagen production, helping maintain skin elasticity and keep it wrinkle-free. With sun exposure and environmental toxins increasing your risk of collagen and skin deterioration every day, a lime a day will help keep that youthful glow.
5. Kidney Health
Citrus fruits like limes have been found to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation. Higher consumption of citric acids, such as in limes, can prevent kidney stones from developing and can, therefore, boost overall kidney function and health.
It is important to recognize the signs of kidney stones as well.
6. Prevent Anemia
Limes do not contain the iron necessary for the prevention of anemia, but they do contain vitamin C. This vitamin is essential for allowing your body to absorb iron, so you more efficiently use the iron you receive from other food sources.
7. Stronger Immunity
The vitamin C in limes supports your immune system and natural defense against infection and disease. The common cold and flu symptoms have been significantly reduced with increased consumption of limes or vitamin C.
What Coconuts Can Do for You
The benefits of lime should already have you adding them to your grocery list, but let’s not forget what coconuts can do for you too. The powerful combination of coconuts and limes in the sauce below will boost your health and your cooking skills.
On top of what limes are already bringing to the table, coconuts offer their own set of health benefits you don’t want to miss out on:
♦ A natural source of quick energy
♦ Improved insulin secretion and improved blood glucose management
♦ Reduced levels of cholesterol and reduced risk for heart disease
♦ Support for your immune system with its antiviral and antibacterial properties
♦ Support and restoration for thyroid health
♦ Protection against kidney and bladder diseases
♦ Improved digestion and nutrient absorption
♦ Promotion of healthy weight loss
♦ Protection from cancer as a result of removing free radicals
The recipe below gives you mouth-watering flavors, fresh ocean taste, and the perfect sweet and zesty combination of coconut and lime. You get more than you bargain for when you realize just how good for you the sauce is for you.
Poached Salmon With Lime and Coconut Recipe
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons oil
2 garlic cloves, grated
2 teaspoons ginger, grated
1 lemongrass, peeled and grated
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili garlic paste
400 g/14 oz. coconut
1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce
2 teaspoons lime zest
Lime juice
Garnish/Serving:
Fresh, finely chopped coriander/cilantro leaves
Finely sliced large red chilies
Vermicelli noodles
Steamed Asian greens
Directions:
Sprinkle both sides of salmon with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, then add salmon, skin side up, and sear for just 1 1/2 minutes until golden. Turn salmon and cook the other side just for 1 minute, then remove onto a plate (should still be raw inside). Turn heat down to medium-low and allow skillet to cool.
Heat remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add garlic, ginger, and lemongrass. Cook until garlic is lightly golden. Add sugar and cook for 20 seconds until it becomes a caramel color. Then stir in chili paste. Add coconut milk and stir, scraping the bottom of the skillet to dissolve any bits stuck on the base into the sauce.
Stir in fish (or soy) sauce, increase heat to medium. Simmer for 2 minutes. Place salmon into the sauce, lower heat and simmer gently for 4 minutes, or until just cooked. Remove salmon, stir in lime zest and juice to taste. Adjust salt to taste with fish or soy sauce. Serve salmon over noodles or rice. Spoon over the sauce, garnish with coriander, and add the chili if you are using any.
The Bottom Line
The powers of coconut and lime go far beyond giving you that tropical vibe. They are both full of essential nutrients that can make any meal complete as well as delicious.
Whether you are looking to treat your guests to an exotic delight or just looking for ways to add some new flavor to your healthy diet, adding coconut and lime is the best way to bring the flavor and the health boost.
