Plum vs. Lime — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

by Erna Harutyunyan | Last updated on February 15, 2024

Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian

Summary

Lime surpasses plum in vitamin C, providing 22% more of the daily requirement. Lime also excels in calcium content, containing six times more than plum, with 33mg compared to plum's 6mg. Additionally, lime has a lower sugar content than plum. Plum contains less fiber and Iron than lime.

Introduction

Limes and plums differ significantly in nutritional content, flavor profiles, and culinary applications. Plums, whether consumed fresh or dried (as prunes), are rich in minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. They contribute to overall well-being. On the other hand, citrus fruits like limes belong to a class known for their vibrant taste and numerous health benefits. Limes, lemons, oranges, and grapefruits are praised for boosting immunity and combating specific health issues, including cancer.

Nutrition

Limes and plums are rich in several nutrients. Both consist of about 88–87 percent water.

One serving of a plum weighs 151 g, whereas a lime’s serving portion is 67g.

Macronutrients

Both plums and limes have low caloric values. Limes have 30 kcal per 100 grams, and plums have 46 kcal per 100 grams. Both contain similar amounts of proteins(0,7g) and fats(0,2g).

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison

Plum

Protein: 0.7 g

Fats: 0.28 g

Carbs: 11.42 g

Water: 87.23 g

Other: 0.37 g

Lime

Protein: 0.7 g

Fats: 0.2 g

Carbs: 10.54 g

Water: 88.26 g

Other: 0.3 g

Contains more FatsFats	+40%
Contains more OtherOther	+23.3%

~equal in Protein ~0.7g

~equal in Carbs ~10.54g

~equal in Water ~88.26g

Fats

Plums and limes do not contain large amounts of lipids. Per 100 grams of fruit, plums contain 0.28 grams of fat, while limes contain 0.2 grams. The two fruits are equal in cholesterol content; they do not contain a significant amount. Plum contains more monounsaturated fat, and lime contains more polyunsaturated fat and less saturated fat.

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison

Plum

Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 0.017 g

Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 0.134 g

Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.044 g

Lime

Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 0.022 g

Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 0.019 g

Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.055 g

Contains less Sat. FatSaturated Fat	-22.7%
Contains more Mono. FatMonounsaturated Fat	+605.3%

Contains more Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat

+25%

Carbohydrates

Plums contain more carbohydrates than limes. Limes have 10.5g of carbohydrates per 100g, while plums have 11.4g. Furthermore, limes have 1.62 g of sugar per 100g, while plums have 9.91 g.

Carbohydrate type comparison

Carbohydrate type breakdown side-by-side comparison

Plum

Starch: 0 g

Sucrose: 1.57 g

Glucose: 5.07 g

Fructose: 3.07 g

Lactose: 0 g

Maltose: 0.08 g

Galactose: 0.14 g

Lime

Contains more SucroseSucrose	+∞%
Contains more GlucoseGlucose	+∞%
Contains more FructoseFructose	+∞%
Contains more MaltoseMaltose	+∞%
Contains more GalactoseGalactose	+∞%

~equal in Starch ~

~equal in Lactose ~

Fiber

The fiber level of limes is higher than that of plums. They have 2.8 grams of fiber per 100 grams of fruit, compared with 1.4 grams of plums.

Net carbs

The net carbs in a plum are 10 grams, while those in a lime are 7.74 grams. Finally, limes have a lower net carb content.

Oxalates

The oxalate content of lime is 8 mg per 100 grams, and the oxalate content of plum is 23mg per 100 grams. Both are considered to be low in oxalates.

Vitamins

Limes contain high levels of vitamin C. They are also high in B6 and folate, although plums have more vitamins A, B3 (niacin), and vitamin K.

Both contain almost similar amounts of vitamins E, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), and B5. Limes offer nearly three times as much vitamin C as plums, with 29.1 mg per 100g compared to 9.5 mg in plums. Plums are eight times higher in vitamin K than limes.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Plum

Lime

Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A	+590%
Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E	+18.2%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2	+30%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3	+108.5%
Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K	+966.7%

Contains more Vitamin CVitamin C	+206.3%
Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5	+60.7%
Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6	+48.3%
Contains more FolateFolate	+60%
Contains more CholineCholine	+168.4%

~equal in Vitamin D ~0µg

~equal in Vitamin B1 ~0.03mg

~equal in Vitamin B12 ~0µg

Minerals

Lime is higher in iron (3.5 times more), calcium (5 times more), sodium, and selenium than plum. However, plums have higher potassium levels (1.5 times more) and manganese levels (6.5 times more).

Both contain almost the same magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and copper levels.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Plum

Lime

Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium	+16.7%
Contains more PotassiumPotassium	+53.9%
Contains less SodiumSodium	-100%
Contains more ManganeseManganese	+550%

Contains more CalciumCalcium	+450%
Contains more IronIron	+252.9%
Contains more CopperCopper	+14%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus	+12.5%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium	+∞%

~equal in Zinc ~0.11mg

Glycemic Index

The glycemic index of limes is lower than that of plums.

Limes have a glycemic index equal to 32, while plums have a GI equal to 53. Nonetheless, both are considered low-GI foods.

Acidity

The pH of the plums was 6, whereas the limes had a pH value of 2.4. The acidity of limes depends on the variety and can range from 2 to 2.4. The PRAL has been calculated to be -2.6 for plums and -1.7 for limes.

Weight Loss & Diets

Lime water is often utilized in low-calorie and low-glycemic diets, with studies on mice suggesting its potential to reduce blood cholesterol levels and aid in weight loss (1). These effects are attributed to phytochemicals like polyphenols present in limes. On the other hand, plums serve as a valuable ally in weight loss due to their low-calorie content, high fiber levels, and natural sweetness. The fiber content in plums contributes to a sense of fullness, helps control appetite, and supports healthy digestion.

Health Benefits

Plums and limes are rich in antioxidants, which protect cells from free radical damage linked to various chronic diseases. Limes contain active compounds such as flavonoids, limonoids, kaempferol, quercetin, and ascorbic acid, contributing to their antioxidant properties(2,3). Conversely, plums are particularly abundant in polyphenol antioxidants, known for their protective effects against heart disease and diabetes(4). These antioxidants, including anthocyanins, found in plums, have shown a potential to reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage and may even have health benefits, including lowering cancer and heart disease risks (5,6,7).

Cardiovascular Health

Section reviewed by cardiologist Astghik Grigoryan

Plums have been associated with supporting heart health, and while some studies have not found significant effects on blood pressure, others suggest that plums may lower diastolic blood pressure (8,9). Further research is needed for conclusive information.

As for lime, studies said that lime juice may inhibit ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme), similar to antihypertensive medications (e.g., Captopril, Lisinopril, Perindopril, etc.) (10).

According to this research, lime peel considerably improves the antioxidant capacity of plasma in rabbits, which in turn helps to reduce the process of atherogenesis. It is important to note that the effects of lime peel in this regard are more significant compared to those of lime juice. On the other hand, plum has been shown to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in the blood and also decrease the risk of atherosclerosis (11,12).

Diabetes

Plums regulate sugar levels by producing special chemicals and increasing adiponectin levels, a hormone essential in blood sugar management(13). Plum consumption is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes(14). Sweet lime (Citrus limetta) has been studied for its hypoglycemic effects, indicating its potential as a functional compound for controlling diabetes mellitus(15).

Downsides and Risks

While generally safe for consumption, plums and limes can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Allergic reactions to plums may manifest as itching, swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing (16). Limes are usually safe, but individuals allergic to other citrus fruits should avoid them to prevent allergic reactions such as swelling, hives, and breathing difficulties (17). Additionally, excessive consumption of limes can lead to acid reflux, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing due to their high acidity (18). Enjoying limes in moderation is essential to reducing the risk of dental issues like cavities, as the acid can erode tooth enamel (19). Moreover, applying limes directly to the skin may increase sensitivity to UV rays, causing inflammation in a condition known as phytophotodermatitis (20).

Appearance

Limes are small citrus fruits with smooth green skin and pale green flesh, while plums come in diverse shapes and colors, with smooth or slightly wrinkled skin and juicy, colorful flesh surrounding a pit.

Taste and Use

Limes and plums bring distinct qualities to cooking, whether zesty or sweet, enhancing the flavors of any dish. The bold acidity of fresh lime juice, known for its ability to dissolve concrete, highlights its intense citrus flavor. Conversely, plums' juicy and varied sweetness, especially when arranged in a circular pattern on a cake, adds color and natural sweetness. The balance of ingredients like unsalted butter, purposeful flour, and others in recipes such as Plum & Lime Crumble or a cake with red plum wedges showcases the artistry of flavor and texture. To prepare a tasty plum cake:

Start by mixing sugar, salt, and water in a bowl and bringing them to a boil on the stovetop.
Add lime zest and juice to make a flavorful caramel sauce.
Combine eggs, vanilla, flour, and other dry ingredients in another bowl to create a smooth batter.
Put parchment paper on the bottom of a cake pan and layer red plum slices over the batter.
Cook the cake at a moderate temperature in the middle of the oven.

After the cake is done, let it cool on a wire rack. To serve, slice the cake using an offset spatula for a clean cut. This dessert highlights the sweet taste of plums and the zesty kick of limes.

Varieties

In the lime spectrum, species like Key lime, Persian lime, desert lime, and Makrut lime offer unique characteristics. The Key lime stands out for its smaller size, heightened acidity, and pronounced aroma compared to the more widespread Persian lime, the most commonly available type in the United States. On the plus side, varieties such as the Santa Rosa, Satsuma, Damson, and European plum showcase their characteristics. The Santa Rosa plum is celebrated for its sweetness and vibrant color, while the Satsuma plum brings a unique combination of tartness and juiciness. European plums, prevalent in the culinary world, are known for their versatility and rich taste profile.

Sources

Author name: Erna Harutyunyan

Education: General Medicine at YSMU

Last updated: February 15, 2024

Medically reviewed by Elen Khachatrian

Infographic

Infographic link

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.


Lower in Sodium
Lower in Saturated Fat
Lower in Sugar
Lower in Glycemic Index
Rich in minerals
Lower in Cholesterol	Equal
Lower in price	Equal
Rich in vitamins	Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient			Opinion
Calories	46kcal	30kcal
Protein	0.7g	0.7g
Fats	0.28g	0.2g
Vitamin C	9.5mg	29.1mg
Net carbs	10.02g	7.74g
Carbs	11.42g	10.54g
Magnesium	7mg	6mg
Calcium	6mg	33mg
Potassium	157mg	102mg
Iron	0.17mg	0.6mg
Sugar	9.92g	1.69g
Fiber	1.4g	2.8g
Copper	0.057mg	0.065mg
Zinc	0.1mg	0.11mg
Phosphorus	16mg	18mg
Sodium	0mg	2mg
Vitamin A	345IU	50IU
Vitamin A	17µg	2µg
Vitamin E	0.26mg	0.22mg
Manganese	0.052mg	0.008mg
Selenium	0µg	0.4µg
Vitamin B1	0.028mg	0.03mg
Vitamin B2	0.026mg	0.02mg
Vitamin B3	0.417mg	0.2mg
Vitamin B5	0.135mg	0.217mg
Vitamin B6	0.029mg	0.043mg
Vitamin K	6.4µg	0.6µg
Folate	5µg	8µg
Choline	1.9mg	5.1mg
Saturated Fat	0.017g	0.022g
Monounsaturated Fat	0.134g	0.019g
Polyunsaturated fat	0.044g	0.055g
Tryptophan	0.009mg	0.003mg
Threonine	0.01mg
Isoleucine	0.014mg
Leucine	0.015mg
Lysine	0.016mg	0.014mg
Methionine	0.008mg	0.002mg
Phenylalanine	0.014mg
Valine	0.016mg
Histidine	0.009mg
Fructose	3.07g

Which food is preferable for your diet?

Low Calories diet

Low Fats diet

Low Carbs diet

Low Glycemic Index diet

is better in case of low diet


Low Calories diet
Low Fats diet
Low Carbs diet
Low Glycemic Index diet

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Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).

Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score

12%

Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

Comparison summary

Which food contains less Sodium?

Plum contains less Sodium (difference - 2mg)

Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?

Plum is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 0.005g)

Which food is lower in Sugar?

Lime is lower in Sugar (difference - 8.23g)

Which food is lower in glycemic index?

Lime is lower in glycemic index (difference - 21)

Which food is richer in minerals?

Lime is relatively richer in minerals

Which food contains less Cholesterol?

The foods are relatively equal in Cholesterol (0 mg)

Which food is cheaper?

The foods are relatively equal in price ($0.5)

Which food is richer in vitamins?

It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

Plum vs. Lime — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Summary

Introduction

Nutrition

Macronutrients

Macronutrient Comparison

Fats

Fat Type Comparison

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrate type comparison

Fiber

Net carbs

Oxalates

Vitamins

Vitamin Comparison

Minerals

Mineral Comparison

Glycemic Index

Acidity

Weight Loss & Diets

Health Benefits

Cardiovascular Health

Diabetes

Downsides and Risks

Appearance

Taste and Use

Varieties

Sources

Infographic

Comparison summary table

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Which food is preferable for your diet?

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

Comparison summary

References