Finger lime is called as such because it’s elongated just like a finger and its taste is similar to lime. Sometimes it is also known as “citrus caviar” due to the fact that it packs a lot of juice-filled vesicles, resembling caviar.

Native to Australia, finger lime can come in an assortment of colors — yellow, green, pink, bright red and purple. No matter the appearance, the flesh remains looking the same. Although finger lime can be eaten as such, it is popularly used in Australia for flavoring alcoholic beverages and for garnishing all sorts of dishes. It is also commonly employed for making sauces and dressings, as well as turned into jams and preserves.

Due to its unique appearance and familiar taste, finger lime makes for a wonderful addition to your diet. This is most especially true because it is packed with many different kinds of health-giving nutrients.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the benefits that finger lime offers:

Increased Immunity to Infections

One of the most abundant nutrients found in finger lime is vitamin C. Everyone is well-aware that this nutrient helps make the immune system strong, thus making the body less susceptible to attacking bacteria and viruses. Especially when it’s the season of the flu or any other upper respiratory tract infection, eating finger limes can be advantageous.

Delayed Aging of the Skin

Another thing that vitamin C is very good at is keeping your skin looking young and beautiful. That’s because it zaps free radicals that damage skin cells, causing the acceleration of skin aging. Vitamin C also encourages the production of collagen, a type of protein that helps keep at bay the formation of wrinkles by making your skin elastic.

Healthy Teeth and Gums

There is a condition known as scurvy which is caused by vitamin C deficiency. It is characterized by gums that are swollen and bleeding. Since it is your gums that support and nourish your pearly whites, keeping them healthy is vital. If one of your best assets is your smile, always consume finger limes and other food sources of scurvy-fighting vitamin C.

Boosted Eye Health and Vision

Another nutrient that you can obtain from the consumption of finger lime is vitamin A. As you may already know, vitamin A is important for keeping the eyes as well as your vision in optimum shape. Being a powerful antioxidant, vitamin A safeguards your peepers from those damaging free radicals that can cause eye diseases and loss of vision.

Defense Against Age-Related Diseases

Vitamin E can also be found in finger lime. Just like vitamins A and C, this nutrient has superb antioxidant properties. Numerous studies have shown that it is something that is very good at preventing an assortment of health problems that are associated with aging. Some of them include diseases of the joints, brain, nerves and heart.

Lowered Blood Pressure

Finger lime contains potassium, too. Medical experts say that this mineral helps lower blood pressure as it encourages the blood vessels to become wider. Keeping the blood pressure within the normal range can help in lowering heart disease risk, so consider adding potassium-containing foods like finger limes in your diet regularly.

Reduced Risk of Iron-Deficiency Anemia

You can also obtain decent amounts of iron in every serving of finger lime. The said mineral is essential for the production of RBCs — short for red blood cells. RBCs are the ones that enable the blood to carry oxygen throughout your body. Consuming finger limes and other iron-containing foods can help lower your risk of iron-deficiency anemia.

Have you tried eating finger limes before? Don’t be too shy sharing how you find the taste of these fruits originating from Australia in the comments section below!