Are Key Limes Alkaline?

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Key limes are small, hybrid citrus fruits that are green when picked but ripen in a deep yellow color.

They are native to Southeast Asia but can be found in modern-day tropical countries in Central and South America, and the West Indies.

Key limes are popular because they are more aromatic, flavorful, and more potent than other varieties of limes, but can they be beneficial to an alkaline vegan diet?

In this article, we take a detailed look at the benefits that key limes provide and determine whether they are alkaline.

Are Key Limes Alkaline?

Most limes and citrus fruits are acidic and can be harmful to the digestive tract due to the damage that can be caused if used too much, except for key limes.

Contrary to other limes, key limes are alkaline and improve digestion while benefitting other organs in the body. Alkaline foods are known to improve the immune system, and promote health, as compared to acidic foods which are known to promote disease.

Key limes are also one of the superfoods that are included on Dr. Sebi’s list of alkaline-promoting foods. This dietary list helps to promote the healing of your body’s processes because of its alkalizing properties.

One main contributor to the alkalinity of key limes is their pH levels, which varies based on their maturity and stage of ripeness.

What is the ph of Key Limes?

The specific pH of key limes has been hard to understand for centuries, as they seem to be acidic in their immature stage, but more alkaline when they have reached maturity. Key lime trees are usually grown at a pH between 6.1 to 7.8, which may also impact their fruit.

Key limes have a pH ranging from 2.4 to 7, depending on the state of maturity; whether immature, ripe or overripe. Mature key limes generally have a pH of 7 and above, but that number begins to drop once these key limes begin to go bad.

The chart below gives a more detailed understanding of the pH levels of each stage in a key lime’s maturity.

Key limes generally start like other limes, with an acidic nature. A green key lime begins with a pH of 2.4 to 2.8 and gradually increases as it reaches maturity. This is one of the main reasons that you have to pay attention to the type of key limes that you buy and use, to reap the maximum benefits.

When key limes have reached peak maturity, they become alkaline with at least a 7 on the pH scale. At this, stage, you get the maximum benefits from these limes. After they ripen and become more overripe, the alkalinity also decreases, and the lime itself now maintains a pH level of 4 to 5, which goes back to becoming acidic.

The last stage of maturity for key limes is their spoilt stage, in which they may become moldy, spotted, and change from a bright, vibrant yellow to brownish-yellow or full brown color. When the limes have reached this level they are at one of the most acidic stages yet, with a pH ranging from 2.2 to 2.7.

Based on this chart, key limes may sound like a very precarious fruit that you have to be careful with to reap maximum benefits, which leads many to wonder why Dr. Sebi wanted to add them to his alkaline vegan diet in the first place.

Are Key Limes Allowed in the Alkaline Diet?

Of all the citrus fruits that can be had in our diets, key limes are only allowed in the alkaline diet because unlike their acidic counterparts, key limes are alkaline.

Key limes are allowed in the alkaline diet because they are alkaline at their peak maturity level, and benefit the body once used properly. The alkaline diet, also more popularly referred to as Dr. Sebi’s diet is a way of eating intended to balance your blood pH levels and prevent the development of most diseases, and key limes fit in with this mandate.

An alkaline vegan diet generally consists of fresh fruit, vegetables, and unprocessed foods that have been proven to be alkaline. Eating this way is a great way to heal your body from or prevent the development of diseases by balancing mineral levels and protecting your healthy cells.

Key limes fit perfectly in this diet because they are not only alkaline but also completely unprocessed, as opposed to other citrus fruits.

Read More: Who is an Alkaline Vegan?

Why Does Dr. Sebi Recommend Key limes Over Regular Limes?

If you take a look at regular limes and compare them with key limes, then it would be easy for you to understand why Dr. Sebi recommends them over regular limes.

Apart from the fact that key limes are alkaline, Dr. Sebi also recommends key limes over regular limes because they have various health benefits. Along with alkalizing your blood, key limes have several health benefits including helping to fight type 2 diabetes, anti-cancer properties, and providing essential nutrients and antioxidants to the body.

Key limes are also easy to have daily. Squeezing the juice of 2 Key limes into a glass of water every morning will help detoxify your body and boost your immune system.

Key limes have also been proven to fight infections and prevent cardiovascular disease, specifically as it concerns strokes and heart attacks.

There are many other health benefits of key limes, but their alkalizing nature is the main reason that they are included in Dr. Sebi’s diet.

Final Thoughts

Key limes are hard to access and may be more time-consuming than other limes, but their stellar health benefits make them an alkaline favorite in the Dr. Sebi diet.

Even though they’re difficult to get your hands on, you will benefit greatly when you take them regularly, according to the experts. Be mindful of the maturity levels of the limes you buy though, as immature or overripe key limes are acidic, not alkaline.

Dr. Sebi’s alkaline vegan diet is a great way to improve the way your body works and has many recipes where key limes are incorporated. Following his recommendations for the alkaline diet might be beneficial in improving your health & wellness journey.

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