Introduction

All plants on this earth have served a purpose providing us thousands of ways to use them from medicinal purposes all the way to culinary enjoyment. Why I engage in writing about this very common oblong yellow citrus fruit in particular, is because of the rich multifaceted ways lemons can and have be used.

1. Vitamin C

If I'm going to talk about lemons, I have to mention Vitamin C. Otherwise known as Asorbic Acid, this vitamin is found in other fruits and vegetables (like cabbage and broccoli) but makes up over 50% of a lemon's nutritional value. A little known fact about vitamin C, it is surprisingly unsynthesizable in the human body (we can't produce it on our own naturally). The irony here is, it is desperately needed for our health. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that is required for many metabolic functions in the body. Vitamin C has been shown to help with tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland function, aids the production of anti-stress hormones, the production of interferon (an essential immune system protein), is needed for the metabolism of phenylalanine and folic acid, increases the absorption of iron, and aids the immune system to fight against infection.

With all that's been stated above, should you be severely deficient in this profound vitamin you may get scurvy; a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency. Scurvy, commonly associated with Pirates, is characterized by poor wound healing, joint pain, increased weakness, susceptibility to infection, bone atrophy, as well as teeth and gum related issues. It's good to remember to get your dose of vitamin C every now and then.

2. Cleaning agent

This beautiful exotic and oriental fruit, this delicacy of an old age... is also a natural cleaning agent. Due to their citric acid content lemons change the pH levels in bacterial cells, creating such a harsh environment that the bacterium cannot survive. While vinegar has been studied to be a powerful disinfectant, due to lemons high pH level they are supposed to be just has powerful (maybe even better) than vinegar when it comes to disinfecting.

If used with the conjunction of other natural materials such as salt, lemons can be used to bleach stains and help to remove grease. If you want to use the whole lemon and nothing but the whole lemon, the oil from the skin acts as a wood cleaner and polish, face cleaner, and can be a great deodorizer.

3. Electricity

Lemons are also capable of conducting electricity up to 1.5 volts. Sure, its not much, but the fact that it can is pretty substantial. This kind of battery is called a voltaic battery because it uses the lemons chemical energy to create electrical energy. The "lemon battery" illustrates a similar chemical reaction of oxidation-reduction that is seen in regular batteries.

Since lemons naturally contain both a water and electrolyte solution, all you would need aside from supervision and specific directions, are electrodes (a paperclip, and drawing pin) and wire or cord to connect the flow of energy and before you know it, you're mini mad scientist.

4. Invisible Ink

Among other chemicals and concoctions from years of war and espionage, lemon juice was used as invisible ink by spies. During World War I in fact, the use of lemons for invisible ink was brought back by the Americans even though there were other means of secret writing methods. Clever as it was, it didn't last long as there were much more sophisticated methods of writing secret messages.

Not only can lemon juice write a hidden message, but they can reveal hidden messages, just like "The National Treasure". During the American Revolution for instance, British intelligence Major John Andre developed an ink which could either be revealed by fire or by acid. The kind of acid that is found in LEMONS perhaps?

5. Medicinal purposes

The use of botanicals as healing agents have been a practiced to promote health and wellness for centuries. These natural remedies are making a gradual comeback in Western civilization and are being investigated by research.

Lemon essential oils (either having direct contact with skin or inhaled through aromatherapy) has been research in particular at their benefits to health and wellness. According to by Alva’s Ayurveda Medical College, assistant professor Dr. J.V. Hebbar says that lemon essential oil; helps fight colds, support metabolism, nourish and cleanse skin, promote oral health and weight loss, reduce abdominal pains, improve digestion, dispel nausea, and improve mood.

While many of these health effects are still investigated by research, it still stands this sensational citrus has not only multiple usages, but is pretty awesome altogether.