Lemon is probably the most widely-used citrus fruit in the world today. Not only is it an essential ingredient in many dishes, it is also used for weight loss, curing certain ailments, beautifying the skin, detoxifying, deodorizing, cleaning and maintaining overall physical health. Knowing about the lemon’s various applications is good, but it is better to learn a few more fun facts about the fruit.
The lemon tree is a native of Asia
Although no one really knows where the lemon originally came from, many believe that it first grew in Asia. Today, lemon trees are also cultivated in North and South America and in Europe. Among the largest lemon-producing countries are India, China, Argentina, Brazil, Spain and Italy.
The scent of a lemon can make you feel better when you are feeling blue
What comes to your mind when you get a whiff of lemony scent? Studies reveal that people often associate it with cleanliness and pleasantness. Experts say that citrus smells can lift your mood up; but that of a lemon is particularly effective. The fragrance of lemon affects the brain’s neurotransmitters. Breathing in a lemony aroma increases the levels of feel-good hormones in the brain called serotonin, at the same time decreasing the levels of stress hormones.
Lemon is a powerful flavor enhancer
You might have heard how a squeeze of lemon juice makes food taste better; and this might just be true. Lemon contains 5 to 6 percent citric acid, which gives the fruit its sour taste and makes it acidic. When your tongue tastes food that is acidic, the mouth then starts to produce more saliva. Because salivation increases the ability of your taste buds to perceive flavor, the food you are eating tastes better.
Women in the Renaissance Period used lemons to make their lips look more luscious
Women centuries ago were already taking advantage of the lemon’s natural skin whitening properties to beautify themselves. The citric acid that the fruit contains makes lemon juice an effective bleaching agent that can help make dark-colored lips lighter. Its high Vitamin C content likewise promotes the growth of new skin cells. Even today, lemon is still very much a component in many women’s natural beauty regimen. Some even swear that regularly massaging the lips with a mixture of lemon juice and honey will transform them from dark to luscious pink.
Lemons are good conductors of electricity
An interesting school experiment involves using lemons as batteries in lighting a small light bulb or an LED. When two metal electrodes are attached to a lemon, the electrolytes that are found in the lemon juice allow the flow of electrons from one electrode to the other. This flow of electrons creates an electric potential. Through the chemical reaction that takes place while the electrodes are attached to the lemons, electricity is generated. The electrical voltage produced by one lemon is very minute but this can be increased by connecting several lemons in series.