The Infamous Mitha (Sweet Lime // Citrus limettioides Tan.)
Touted for its generous long and short term healing properties, is a seasonal staple in any self-respected Pakistani pantry.
Whilst tried and true tales advocate its ability to ward of infections and boost liver health. I was eager to find out more and share with you the benefits of eating one of the most sought after seasonal citruses.
I scowered the internet and old books researching this fever fighting fruit and finally discovered its botanical name. Citrus limettioides, a.k.a Palestinian sweet lime or Indian sweet lime. Since it is often compared to the likes of Persian Limes (Citrus × latifolia ) or Key limes (Citrus aurantiifolia), is probably where the confusion lies, as they are actually an entirely different citrus species! Mithay (Citrus limettioides) are super juicy low acid limes, very refreshing yet faintly bitter in taste, they commonly bear late in the monsoon season in the subcontinent, generally when other citrus fruits are out of season.
Here’s the FYI on why you should be eating tones of Mithay this monsoon:
Mithay help fight infections
Mithay are rich Vitamin C, antioxidants and a natural source of ‘quinine’ at that! They help the body resist a wide array of infections, i.e.
- Bacterial: single-celled organisms that reproduce themselves, by themselves.
- Viral infection: microorganisms that cannot reproduce themselves; they take over the cells they infect in order to reproduce and spread.
- Protozoa: small parasites that live in the water and live off of other organisms, such as humans (examples include malaria and giardia).
Their inherent ability to cleanse and improve liver health, boost circulation and are well known for eliminating cancer-causing free radicals in the body.
Mithay are anti inflammatory: They possess protective anti-inflammatory properties, which help various chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and colon cancer.
Mithay help enhance digestion: Brilliant for soothing digestive discomfort, low energy, and respiratory function. The fiber from the fruit stimulates secretion of gastric juices, which eases digestion, prevents conditions like constipation, and protects the body from more serious conditions like ulcers.
Mithay can heal peptic ulcers: They reduce acidity in the body because of its alkaline pH. Their rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants (flavonoids), anti-carcinogenic, antibiotic, and detoxifying properties stimulate the healing process.
Mithay boost recovery: Suffering from a weak liver can be quite common during the recovery phase of any illness, Mithay help draw out trace metals from your body that help detoxify and recharge the liver and kidneys. Brilliant for boosting immunity as they detox and replenish your body simultaneously.
Do yourself a favour, skip the half-time orange slices and replace them with Mithay, these refreshing seasonal sweet limes are definitely worth a try.
