From the Daily Telegraph: Breathing in the aroma of the citrus fruit reduces stress because it contains a chemical compound that can physically calm and relax people, scientists have found ... Tests using linalool, a compound found in the smell of plants and fruits like lemon, showed it reversed the effects of stress on 109 different genes in the human body and also had a beneficial on the blood chemistry. When a person gets stressed, nervous or afraid, related genes go 'into overdrive’ and white blood cell count goes up ... The findings, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, believes the scent of lemons as well as lavender, mango and other fragrant plants, could make a real difference.
So, it's the lemon in the end-of-day gin and tonic that's good for the body and soul - but I prefer a nice lime to soothe the nerves after a stressful day at the office.
