![]() ![]() Ĭitrus fruit trees are greenish and of different sizes and height, according to the species. Today, Brazil, Mexico and the United States are among the leading commercial producers of limes. In great demand by the miners and explorers during the California Gold Rush as a fruit that was known to prevent scurvy, limes began to be imported from Tahiti and Mexico at this time in the mid-nineteenth century. However, in the following century, Spanish missionaries attempted to plant lime trees in California, but the climate did not support their growth. George reported that the introduction of limes to the United States began in the sixteenth century when Spanish Explorers brought the West Indies lime to the Florida Keys, beginning the advent of Key limes. Citrus was highly appreciated such that in 1849, there was a great demand of lemon that people were willing to pay up to $1 per lemon, a price that would still be considered costly today and was extremely expensive at that time. ![]() Citrus fruit like many other fruits and vegetables, were reported to have been brought to the Americans by Christopher Columbus, when he made his second voyage in the sixteenth century to the New World in 1493, and have been since then grown in Florida. Researchers assert that Mexico, Florida, Brazil and California in America are where we currently find the largest orange orchards in the world and citrus fruits were transported by the Spaniards. Arab traders brought lime trees back from their journey to Asia and introduced them into Egypt and Northern Africa around the tenth century. They were thought to originate in Southeast Asia. The trees flourish well in tropical and subtropical climates. ![]() The origin of citrus fruits is not very clear. A close look at this chapter includes introduction, history and description, structures and biochemistry of phytochemicals, metabolism of phytochemicals and bioactive compounds and beneficial effects of citrus fruits. These phytochemicals may act as antioxidants, boosting the action of protective enzymes in the liver, reverse lipid peroxidation of genetic material and improve immune system. ![]() Obviously, citrus fruits’ abilities on the exploited benefits are not far from their rich bioactive compounds and phytochemical such as minerals, vitamins, flavonoids and carotenoids. Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) juice has been shown to effectively serve as hypolipidemic, possesses the ability to interact with orthodox medicines. Their applied health therapeutic uses have been exploited in the treatment of several health challenges as antitumor, anti-inflammatory anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial activities, against cardiovascular diseases and macular degeneration. Citrus fruits trees have come to gain a worldwide recognition for their suiting refreshing juice, nutritious value and numerous health benefits and maintenances. ![]()
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