Limes are also very high in this essential nutrient (vitamin C). In the mid 1700s, James Lind, a scottish naval surgeon, discovered that drinking the juice of limes and lemons prevented scurvy, the scourge of sailors on long voyages. Soon, British Ships carried ample stores of the fruits, earning their sailors the nickname “limey.” It was later learned that vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy.

In addition to vitamin C, lemons and limes contain other antioxidant bioflavonoids and add flavor to other foods without adding calories.