The lemon and lime are of the same family and are very closely related.
Both contian particular phytonutrients with antioxidant and antibiotic effects.
The two superfoods contian unique flavonoid compounds that have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Of special interest in limes have been flavonoids called flavonol glycosides, including many kaempferol-related molecules. While these flavonoids have been shown to stop cell division in many cancer cell lines, they are perhaps most interesting for their antibiotic effects. In several villages in west Aferica that had been suffering from cholera outbreaks, researchers introduced lime juice to the main meal of the day. In doing this it was concluded that the addition of lime juice protected the villagers from cholera.
Lemons and limes are high in vitamin C. Vitamin C is the main water soluable antioxidant in the body and travels through the body nuetralizing any free radicals it comes in contact with. free radicals damage cells and cause lots of inflammation. This is why taking plant based vitamin C reduces inflammation and swelling.
Lemonins are compounds found in citrus fruits that kill cancerous cells. Unlike most anti-carcinogens, lemonins have been found in the blood after 24 hours wereas phenols from green tea and chocolate are only present for 4 to 6 hours.